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.
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Investing in What We Have Yet to Learn
This piece was originally published by Raikes Foundation on November 9, 2026.Editor's note: This piece is part of "First Movers," a series from foundation leaders reflecting on moments when the charitable sector backed new and untested ideas, and the people behind them, before anyone else would,…
Ideas Ignite
What can an idea ignite? A spark that stays with you for days. A fresh perspective that changes how you see an issue. A conversation that challenges the status quo and opens new possibilities. When ideas take hold, they can move us forward.Ideas Ignite, one of the three experiences of Shaping the…
Forward Together
No single organization or individual can shape philanthropy’s future alone. We are stronger when we share our stories, highlight our collective impact, and work together to achieve our goals. As part of Forward Together, philanthropy leaders will have the opportunity to connect with peers and meet…
The Summit
The Summit, one of the three experiences of Shaping the Future: Philanthropy & Public Policy, is a highly participatory, one-day gathering where attendees will explore fresh ideas together, debate recommendations, and chart a path toward a more modern philanthropic sector. Together, we will…
Food Security in North Texas
Maria Sanchez (@mariajsanchez) shares how experiencing food insecurity growing up led her to volunteer with the North Texas Food Bank (@northtexasfoodbank) to give back to her local community.
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When the Hardest Conversations are with Our Allies
America’s bitter divisions can’t be addressed simply by bringing together people with opposing views. Some of the most important work happens within our own political, religious, and social groups.That’s a lesson Braver Angels learned after the 2016 election. The organization initially focused on…
Career Pathways 2027-28 Application Office Hours
During this session, expect to discuss:2027-28 program scheduleCurriculumApplication ProcessWaldman ScholarshipProgram benefits, outcomes, and much more!Details to Note:Come prepared with questions for the Q&A sectionThis session will be recordedApplications for the Career Pathways 2027-28…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - March 2027
Led by Council on Foundations staff with collectively decades of experience with global philanthropy, the Global Grantmaking Essentials will also feature guest speakers with deep knowledge on specific issues or countries.Course HoursTuesday, March 23: 1-5 p.m. ETThursday, March 25: 1-5 p.m.…
Conservation, Education, and Community in Nebraska
Natalie Kovarik (@nataliekovarik) shares how a generous gift from two Nebraska farmers, Walt and Virginia Bagley, has become a 145 acre nature preserve with support from the Lincoln Community Foundation and many other local nonprofits.
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Eat, Drink, and Change Lives in Georgia
Corey Jones (@coreymjones3) shares how Cafe Momentum, with support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (@blankfoundation), is providing young people in Atlanta with opportunities for paid internships, mentoring, education, and real-world experience to build the skills they'll need to thrive…
Career Pathways 2027-28 Application Office Hours
During this session, expect to discuss:2027-28 program scheduleCurriculumApplication ProcessWaldman ScholarshipProgram benefits, outcomes, and much more!Details to Note:Come prepared with questions for the Q&A sectionThis session will be recordedApplications for the Career Pathways 2027-28…
Career Pathways 2027-28 Program Information Session
During this session, expect to discuss:2027-28 program scheduleCurriculumApplication ProcessWaldman ScholarshipProgram benefits, outcomes, and much more!Details to Note:Come prepared with questions for the Q&A sectionThis session will be recordedApplications for the next Career Pathways Cohort…
Summary: the International Criminal Court’s Designation as a Specially Designated National Under Executive Order 14203
Updated October 15, 2026Prepared for the Council by Lowenstein Sandler LLPOn October 9, 2026, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) as an institution, under section 1(a)(ii)(A) of Executive Order 14203, “Imposing Sanctions on the…
501(c)(4) Organizations and Nonprofit Political Activity
The Issue501(c)(4) social welfare organizations are tax-exempt nonprofits that operate primarily to promote the common good and general welfare of their communities. Unlike 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, 501(c)(4)s may engage in unlimited lobbying related to their missions and may participate…
College Access for Students across Texas
@whatwhitlearns shares how generosity can create access to a college education through scholarships and other grant opportunities.
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Community Investment in Kentucky
Gerry Brooks (@gerrybrooksprin) shares how organizations like The Foundation for Appalachia and their Sycamore Project are using community investment, research, and on-the-ground organizing, to build toward a healthier future for the region and for Kentucky.
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