A leadership program that accelerates the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropy sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field.

The Council's award programs were established to recognize excellence in philanthropy and honor exemplary leaders for their dedication in uplifting the sector.

The Council is actively working to build connections among U.S. and global foundations that are addressing problems and advancing change around the world.

Developed in the spirit of accountability, transparency, and continuous self-improvement, National Standards for U.S. Community Foundation are philanthropy's most rigorous standards—evidence that community foundations seek excellence for their communities and donors.

Service to foundations is in our DNA. While we may have started with community foundations, we've grown throughout our history to serve foundations and institutional givers of all kinds.

Council initiatives are short-term or timebound activities that help advance our mission, vision, and strategic direction.

The Values Aligned Philanthropy peer circle gives community foundations in the process of exploring, designing, or implementing organizational values-aligned grantmaking policies the opportunity to meet, strategize, and share resources with peers across the country. In addition to regular meetings with your peers, joining gives you access to a Philanthropy Exchange community where you can connect with other community foundation staff and share resources and strategies asynchronously. Registration is free and is open to all community foundation staff who are interested regardless of their Council membership status. 

Connect with peers to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group meets monthly by Zoom to discuss SDG topics including education, local implementation, community alignment and communication, professional development, data, grantmaking, and more. This group is primarily focused on expanding the SDGs in the United States through foundation action, but all nationalities are welcome. This group is hosted by the Council and facilitated by Sandi Vidal of the Central Florida Foundation.

Explore the future of global civil society through a systems-change approach in partnership with RINGO (Reimagination of the INGO and Global Civil Society). This group meets quarterly and acts as an ‘Action Pod’ hosted by the Council and facilitated by Deborah Doane of Rights CoLab and Jennie Richmond of Impact Works Associates.

DEI Peer Learning Circles offer a dedicated space for foundation staff at all levels across the country to explore, design, implement, and refine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within their organizations. These circles foster peer-to-peer learning, support, and knowledge-sharing, helping participants navigate challenges and advance their DEI efforts with confidence. Our DEI Peer Learning Circles are guided by experienced and committed leaders who facilitate discussions and cultivate a welcoming, engaging space, including Camille Robinson, Manager, Culture and Community at The Annie E. Casey Foundation; Erik Estrada, Community Manager at Community Foundation of South Jersey; and Joshua Knowles, Program Associate at Commemoration Fund.

Contribute, connect, and learn in this member community designed for staff from all foundation types. This is the best place to get valuable perspectives from a broad range of audiences

Connect with sector peers around the globe in roles similar to yours. Search an online library of 1,700+ peer-created best practices and template documents

Seek and give candid advice in a secure community conversation with peers from similar foundation types (like community foundations, private foundations, and corporate philanthropy)

Join a Peer Learning Circle to engage with a learning cohort of members interested in similar issues, facing shared challenges, or piloting new activities together.