Public Foundations
Public foundations are grantmaking public charities that gain their funds from a variety of sources, which may include foundations, individuals, corporations, or public entities. Public foundations may engage in fundraising, and may seek broad public financial support. They may or may not have endowments. There is no legal definition of a public foundation, but most dedicate a significant portion of their annual budgets to grantmaking. Most community foundations are also grantmaking public charities.
Since public foundations may be defined in different ways, and there is no official IRS or legal definition of public foundations, it is difficult to arrive at statistics that are fully representative of the field.
Below is everything on our site for public foundations. We strongly recommend that you use the navigation or our search feature to find what you're looking for on our site. Please also visit cof.org/programs-services/public-grantmaking-charities for curated public foundation content.
Washington Snapshot: Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act introduced
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share our recent joint statement with Independent Sector, National Council on Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum on protecting the independence of the charitable sector. Plus, budget reconciliation, DOGE updates, AmeriCorps, tax legislation in…
Threats to Civil Society and the Independence of the Charitable Sector
Joint Statement by the Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum on Threats to Civil Society and the Independence of the Charitable Sector
On behalf of the charitable sector, we oppose the Trump administration’s stated intention to…
Membership FAQs
Since 1949, the Council on Foundations has been dedicated to advancing the greater good, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our incredible member community. A heartfelt thank you to our returning members and a warm welcome to new members joining the Council! We’re excited to have you with…
Philanthropy Isn’t a Luxury – It’s a Lifeline
The importance of charitable giving to American society can be seen in every community. Each of us has our own story about the charitable sector’s impact on our lives, whether it is a foundation’s support making a community program possible or the causes we choose to support with our charitable…
Overcoming Barriers to Funding in Rural Places
The latest research reveals a gap in philanthropic funding to rural communities. Why does this gap exist and how can we help address it? Informed by its many years of experience as a rural operator in the Mountain West, the LOR Foundation will unpack the why and share practical solutions for…
Washington Snapshot: Updated Budget Resolution
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share the updated budget resolution the Senate is expected to vote on over the weekend.
This Is What Philanthropy Is Built For
When change and uncertainty abound, it’s hard to know what to do. For many philanthropic organizations, and especially our nonprofit partners, so much is at stake right now. But times like these are precisely what philanthropy is built for. Philanthropy consistently steps up during difficult times…
Philanthropy's Response to the 2025 Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake
Overview
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand. The earthquake is the most powerful to strike Myanmar in over a century, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Entire buildings have collapsed in Bangkok and Mandalay, causing thousands of people to be…
Washington Snapshot: Executive Orders We're Tracking
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share the President's the recent executive actions most relevant to the sector.
How Funders and Communities Can Advance a Multiracial Democracy in Education
In this interactive workshop, education funders will actively explore how to improve funder-grantee relationships to strengthen public education as a training ground for democracy and as a space for building more resilient and informed students and communities. Participants will also learn how…
Doubling Down on Racial Equity
Facing a so-called DEI backlash, some institutions have become fearful and risk averse. But many Association of Black Fundraising Executives (ABFE) members are instead doubling down on their commitment to racial equity during a critical moment in the movement’s history. This session will separate…
Grand Reception at Orchestra Hall
Our grand reception, sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation, will be held at Orchestra Hall, located right across the street from the conference hotel. This beautiful space will be filled with the sounds of strings, the smell of delicious s’mores brought to you by local business North Mallow,…
Break and Networking
Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room.
Break and Networking
Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room.
Break and Networking
Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room.
Break and Networking
Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room.