Announcing New Legal Resources for Community Foundations

Today, the Council on Foundations announces expanded legal resources to help community foundations navigate a wave of growing legal and regulatory threats. Across the country, community foundations are stepping up and leading efforts to meet local needs — supporting initiatives from local food pantries to youth soccer leagues. At the same time that they are being asked to do more, many are also facing increased scrutiny, including lawsuits, audits, and investigations, with potential consequences for the entire philanthropic sector. 

In response to mounting concern from the field, a new Legal Support Fund and accompanying legal resources were developed in close consultation with sector leaders. This work will help organizations prepare for and respond to legal challenges — especially in communities where access to counsel is limited — and to safeguard the public-serving role of philanthropy at a time when it’s needed most. 

This initiative includes two key components: 

• Direct Legal Support: Through an open application process, eligible organizations can request funding to help offset the cost of litigation, audits, or investigations — particularly in cases that have the potential to shape the broader legal landscape for the sector. 
• Field-Wide Legal Readiness: The Council will also provide access to legal guidance and tools to help organizations strengthen their preparedness and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

With financial support from more than 30 community foundations around the country, these activities will protect our shared values, and ensure that all community foundations, regardless of size or geography, can access the support they need when it matters most.  

If you’d like to provide additional support to this effort, you can reach out to development@cof.org.