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.
Foundations on the Hill 2025
Amplifying Our Sector's Voice
At Foundations on the Hill, we bring together PSOs, foundations, sector leaders, and advocates to strengthen our collective impact on federal policy. This signature event provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with legislators and policymakers while…
Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Collaboration
Publication
Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Collaboration is the second of three Council on Foundations publications exploring philanthropy's involvement in developing the heartset, mindset, and skillset to lead collaboratively across differences. It dives deep into how…
Listening to Learn: Your Feedback is Shaping the Future of the Council
Over the last five years, the Council on Foundations has been on a journey to become a learning organization—one that experiments with innovation, seeks fresh input, and keeps its eyes focused on the horizon. A key part of this commitment is listening to feedback from the 900+ organizations that…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - April Peer Learning Circle
What are DEI Peer Learning Circles?
DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - March Peer Learning Circle
What are DEI Peer Learning Circles?
DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Peer Learning Circle 2025 Kick-Off
What are DEI Peer Learning Circles?
DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…
Washington Snapshot: 119th Congress Sworn In
Earlier this month, the 119th Congress kicked off. The House re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) Speaker, while the Senate elected Sen. John Thune (R-SD) Majority Leader. Leadership also announced members of all Committees.
Philanthropy's Response to 2025 California Wildfires
Overview
Wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area have forced nearly 180,000 people out of their homes and have left over 350,000 people without power. At least five fires have burned over 60 square miles causing it to be the most destructive fire in L.A. history. Both a state of emergency…
Retreat for New Foundation Executive Leaders - May 2025
This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure foundation chief executives who want to step away from the challenges of their day-to-day and find renewed energy and motivation in fellowship with other new CEOs. Hosted by Jamie Merisotis and the Lumina Foundation, it will…
Policy Agenda for the 119th Congress
Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 900 member organizations, those large and small, urban and rural, community- and global-focused, in all 50 states and around the world.
The Council and our members work to create a policy environment in which philanthropy can grow…
Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Discussing Responsible Giving With Donors
Publication, Toolkit
Foundation leaders committed to values-aligned philanthropic policies, which ensure grantmaking efforts does not fund hate and extremism, emphasize the importance of ensuring all stakeholders understand both the policies and the reasons for their creation. Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Discussing…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - February
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - January
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Leading Across Differences - January Peer Learning Circle
This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences. Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Program Information Session
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field.
Career…
2025 Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Application Q&A
Are you looking for a supportive community of funders to help you build constructive dialogue and understanding across differences? You’ll get just that with the Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort.
The Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort is a facilitated virtual learning experience meeting…