Family Foundations
The Council on Foundations defines a family foundation as one whose funds are derived from members of a single family, though this is not a legal term and has no precise definition. The Council on Foundations suggests that family foundations have at least one family member serving as an officer or board member of the foundation and, as the donor, that individual (or a relative) must play a significant role in governing and/or managing the foundation. Most family foundations are run by family members who serve as trustees or directors on a voluntary basis. In many cases, second- and third-generation descendants of the original donors manage the foundation.
Family foundations make up over half of all private (family, corporate, independent, and operating) foundations, or 40,456 out of approximately 73,764 foundations (Foundation Center, 2011). Family foundations make up approximately one-third of the Council’s membership.
Family foundations range in asset size from a few hundred thousand dollars to more than $1 billion. The holdings of family foundations total approximately $294 billion, or about 44 percent of all foundation holdings of $662 billion. Despite this, three out of five family foundations hold assets of less than $1 million. Family foundations gave away approximately $21.3 billion in grants in 2011 (The Foundation Center, 2011).
Below is everything on our site for family foundations. Due to the large number of resources on our website, we highly recommend you use the site navigation or the search feature to find what you are looking for.
Add Your Voice: Philanthropy’s Role in Bridging Divides
This blog is the first in the Council's new series, Dialogue Across Difference. In this space, we will share your viewpoints: In a time of polarization and mistrust, how can philanthropy bridge across difference?
In a staff training, the facilitators from Resetting the Table asked us to think of…
Leading Global Foundations Join Bilateral Donors in Commitment to Locally Led Global Development
Alongside the United States Agency for International Development at the United Nations General Assembly today, 15 global grantmakers joined with bilateral donors from around the world in endorsing a donor statement on committing to locally led development.
The statement, introduced at the 2022…
Philanthropy's Response to the Libya Flooding
Overview
Storm Daniel induced catastrophic flooding near northeast Libya, collapsing dams and sending water flowing into already inundated areas. Entire neighborhoods have been washed away, hospitals are no longer operable, and large parts of the region are inaccessible to emergency services. The…
Philanthropy's Response to the Morocco Earthquake
Overview
More than 2,600 people have been killed and thousands more injured after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, resulting in the deadliest earthquake to hit the region in more than century. Its epicenter was not far from the popular tourist and economic hub Marrakech.…
To Stand Against Hate, Get Your Board Involved
It’s a call no one in philanthropy wants to receive: An organization you funded for its soup kitchen is also running an anti-LGBTQ “conversion therapy” program. Your climate-justice grant may have gone to a group that promotes bombings and arson to disrupt state and federal environmental agencies.…
New Executive Leaders Roundtable - October 2023
Building Common Ground in Private and Corporate Philanthropy
Foundation leaders are key levers of change: uniquely positioned to advance change in their organizations, their communities and the broader field. The Council is excited to offer this program to provide support to leaders who joined…
Career Pathways 2024 Application Office Hours
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. To date, over 200…
Career Pathways 2024 Application Office Hours
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. To date, over 200…
Career Pathways 2024 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. To date,…
Values-Aligned Philanthropy Board Discussion Guide
Toolkit
Foundation leaders committing to values-aligned philanthropy to ensure their grantmaking efforts do not fund hate and extremism may encounter hesitancy from unexpected sources: their own boards. In our new Values-Aligned Philanthropy Board Discussion Guide, we lay out tips for communicating the…
2022 Council on Foundations - Commonfund Study of Investment of Endowments for Private and Community Foundations (CCSF)
Publication, Research
The CCSF Study is the field’s most comprehensive and authoritative study on investment and governance policies and practices. The 2022 CCSF studies 277 private and community foundations that represent $206.8 billion in assets. Topics covered include:
Returns and Investment Objectives
Asset…
September Public Policy Update: What’s Happening in Congress?
Congress is back in session this month and facing several decisions and deadlines that could impact your work—and bring the government to a standstill. With federal funding set to expire at the end of September, plus must-pass defense and agriculture legislation that’s causing fights across the…
Philanthropy Supporting Ukraine - September 2023
Innovative Solutions in Education
How can philanthropy apply lessons from the war in Ukraine and support education systems during and after a crisis and in conflict zones across the globe? Since the war began, over 2,600 schools have been damaged and some 5.3 million children face barriers…
DEI Roundtable: Small and Mighty: Spearheading DEI Initiatives for Small Teams
We are excited to share an inspiring and transformative Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Roundtable Series, tailored specifically for professionals implementing DEI work in the philanthropic sector. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, learn new tools and…
2023 UN General Assembly Philanthropic Side-Events
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Goals House UNGA
September 17 - 20 | In-Person
Philanthropies Represented: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Register now
Monday, September 18, 2023
Better Together World Congress 2023
September 18 | Hybrid
Philanthropies Represented: Better Together Foundation…
2023 Annual Member Meeting
The virtual 2023 Annual Member Meeting included approval of the nominations for the Board of Directors and the State of the Council address from Kathleen Enright, President and CEO, Council on Foundations.
Celebrating our 2023 Council Award Winners
During our 2023 Annual Member Meeting,…
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