Philanthropic Infrastructure

The philanthropic infrastructure is dynamic, diverse, and interconnected. As part of our work, the Council is committed to engaging with a strong ecosystem of peer philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs) so that we can leverage our unique assets, share knowledge and resources, increase trust in philanthropy, and ultimately advance the greater good.

There are several different types of PSOs that work to strengthen, lead, inform, mobilize, and support the philanthropic sector, including:

National Philanthropy Organizations

National philanthropy organizations provide a variety of services that help support and strengthen the philanthropic infrastructure across the United States and in some cases, around the world.

Regional Philanthropy Networks

Regional associations for philanthropy bring together grantmaking organizations within specific geographic areas across the United States.

Topical Funder Networks

Topical networks are organizations founded by grantmakers who have common interests around funding specific topics.

Identity-Based Networks

Identity-based philanthropic networks connect and support philanthropic leaders with shared identities.

Foundation-Type Networks

These networks create spaces and develop resources to support and connect certain types of foundations.

Community Foundations

Corporate Philanthropy

Global Philanthropy Networks

These networks bring together foundations and donors working on international issues. Notably, most regions and many countries of the world have local philanthropy networks. This map by WINGS documents the 150+ national and regional philanthropy networks around the world.

Academic Centers for Philanthropy

These university-based centers provide training, research, tools, and other resources to foster the education and advancement of the philanthropic sector.

Questions?

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