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.
Does Trump's Immigration Executive Order Impact My Foundation?
Basic Rights and Rules for Foundations working with Non-US Citizens
Disclaimer: The information in this message and any attachments is being provided for informational purposes only and not as part of an attorney-client relationship. The information is not a substitute for expert legal, tax,or…
Five Trends in Learning and Evaluation
Evaluation and philanthropic learning are essential to driving social change. Here are five trends to look out for in 2017 – and likely beyond:
1. Integrating Evaluation into Strategy
In the philanthropic, nonprofit, and public sectors, and more recently with socially oriented businesses, demand…
Washington Snapshot - February 2, 2017
In this Week’s Edition of Snapshot…
Tax Reform Update: POTUS Meets with Congressional Leaders About Tax Reform
Cabinet Nominations Progress in Congress
Bill Introduced to Allow Expanded Political Activity by Nonprofits
President Trump Issues more Executive Orders
SCOTUS Nominee Announced…
Council on Foundations and HUD Kick Off 2017 Secretary’s Awards for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships
The Council on Foundations and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today launched the 2017 HUD Secretary’s Awards for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. The Council and HUD are seeking nominations from charitable foundations working with the public sector to improve the…
Celebrating National African American History Month
February marks the observance of National African American History Month, a commemoration with origins dating back to 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson instituted a week-long celebration to raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to history. 50 years later, as part of the United States…
Washington Snapshot - January 26, 2017
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot...
Congress Rolls Out Ambitious 200-Day Plan
President Trump Instates Regulatory Freeze
International NGOs Face New Restrictions with U.S. Grant Dollars
In the States: State of the State Addresses 2017
News from the Hill
So, What’s Up with Tax Reform…
Global Philanthropy Update — January 2017
Did you march with the millions of women in cities around the world last week? Or watch President Trump’s inauguration last Friday? Here in D.C., it’s been a crowded and hectic start to 2017.
At the Council, we are busy preparing for our Annual Conference in April and have launched several new…
Washington Snapshot - January 19, 2017
In this Week's Edition of Snapshot...
Senate Finance Committee considers Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary
Trump butts heads with House Republicans on key tax reform issue
Council sends letter from Vikki to every Congressional office
IRS issues guidance on rules for private foundation…
Looking To The Future: Localizing The Global Goals In Minnesota
There are significant challenges facing Minnesota’s communities, including racial inequality in education, economic opportunities and health outcomes. In Minnesota, members of the philanthropic community work in a variety of innovative and collaborative ways to address these challenges and create a…
Healing Divisions: A National Day of Racial Healing
As the nation approaches the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, our society remains conflicted on our ability to be united as a people. We find ourselves seeking relief from the divisiveness brought about by several events of the prior year: the civil unrest in many of our…
A Day On, Not a Day Off: Serving Your Community on MLK Day
Monday, January 16, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), a federal holiday in the U.S. The fact that a federal holiday was designated to commemorate the birthdate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is significant - only two other figures have national holidays in the U.S. honoring them: George…
Washington Snapshot - January 12, 2017
In this Week's Edition of Snapshot...
Ways & Means to hold hearing on changes to committee rules
Senate sets deadline to repeal ACA, move closer to tax reform
Treasury requests input on guidance for tax-exempt leases
How Philanthropic is the Trump Cabinet?
In the States: State…
Washington Snapshot - January 6, 2017
In this Week's Edition of Snapshot...
Tuesday kicked off the 115th Congress
The proverbial ball is officially rolling toward tax reform
House and Senate tax-writing committees welcome new members
In the States: NY and DC take action on minimum wage and paid family leave
Opinion: nonprofits…
2017 Annual Conference - Plenary Sessions
Plenary Sessions
Opening Plenary: Philanthropy's Role in Vibrant Communities
Monday, April 24 - 8:30-10:15 a.m.
Breakfast starts at 7:45 a.m. — Doors Close Promptly at 8:30 a.m.
IMPORTANT: During President George W. Bush’s speech all mobile devices must be silenced and put away.…
Public-Private Partnership Opportunities with the Administration for Children and Families
The Council’s Public-Philanthropic Partnership Office hosted a webinar for funders only with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Children and Families to help foundations understand the regular programs and goals of the agency.
The webinar was moderated…
Council on Foundations Holiday Schedule
The Council on Foundations offices will be closed from December 24, 2016 - January 2, 2017. During this time, Council staff is available to assist our members with their time-sensitive needs. Please dial the membership line directly at 703-879-0645 or email Membership at membership@cof.org.