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.
Member Policy Briefing: Fiscal Sponsors - March 2025
The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from fiscal sponsors and intermediary grantmakers, including CEOs and general counsels to stay informed and exchange…
Steadfast in our Commitment
In this time of extraordinary disruption for our nation, the stakes have never been higher for those of us working to advance the greater good. The suspension of federal grants and foreign aid, along with the dozens of executive orders curtailing the independence of nonprofits and corporations,…
Leading Across Differences - November 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…
Leading Across Differences - September 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…
Leading Across Differences - July 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…
Leading Across Differences - May 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…
Leading Across Differences - March 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…
Member Policy Briefing: Fiscal Sponsors - February 2025
The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from fiscal sponsors and intermediary grantmakers, including CEOs and general counsels to stay informed and exchange…
Washington Snapshot: Week One of the Second Trump Administration
In this edition of Washington Snapshot, HUD award applications are now open and we are currently tracking the Trump administration's first executive actions.
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.