Private/Independent Foundations

Private foundations make grants based on charitable endowments. The endowment funds come from one or a small handful of sources -- an individual, a family or a corporation. Because of their endowments, they are focused primarily on grantmaking and generally do not raise funds or seek public financial support the way public charities (like community foundations) must.

Private independent foundations are distinct from private family or corporate foundations in that an independent foundation is not governed by the benefactor, the benefactor’s family or a corporation. Of the largest private foundations in the United States, most are independent foundations, although they may have begun as family foundations.

Working Group Develops Stewardship Principles and Practices for Independent Foundations

Independent foundation trustees and staff from across the country were invited to help create this document, which succinctly and clearly states independent foundations' commitment to excellence and accountability. Independent foundations—whether small or large, staffed or board-managed—will want to use these voluntary Stewardship Principlesto guide and strengthen their board governance, grantmaking and management.

Draft: Private Foundation CEO Functions and Competencies

The Council on Foundations' Advisory Committee for Executive Programs (ACEP) with input from colleagues in the field, have identified core skills and knowledge needed to perform the foundation CEO job. ACEP invites you to download [pdf] a copy of the competencies and share your thoughts. Email your comments to leaders@cof.org or call 703/879-0768 with your feedback.


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