At the Council, Public charity members are grantmaking organizations that include intermediary grantmakers, health-conversion foundations, and public charities that make grants and operate programs.
Need more information? A member of our team is available to assist at membership@cof.org.
Our public charity members value these membership benefits and services most:
Public Charities self-report the Management and General Expenses portion of their Total Functional Expenses from their most recent completed fiscal year to determine their annual Council membership contribution. This is often equivalent to Section IX, Line 25, Column C in completed 990 forms.
Public Charity Operating Foundations - Public operating foundations may choose to pay their membership contribution based on assets using the private grantmaker membership contribution model (with the maximum dues amount being $35,000).
| Management & General Expenses | Annual Contribution |
|---|---|
| $149,999 & under | $1,000 |
| $150,000-$349,999 | $2,500 |
| $350,000-$699,999 | $4,000 |
| $700,000-$999,999 | $7,000 |
| $1,000,000-$1,999,999 | $10,000 |
| $2,000,000-$3,999,999 | $15,000 |
| $4,000,000-$6,999,999 | $20,000 |
| $7,000,000-$11,999,999 | $25,000 |
| $12,000,000 & over | $35,000 |
For more information about Council policies and member eligibility, please reference our Membership Policy.
If you do not want to use our online application system to join, you can download and complete the pdf membership application for Public Charity Members.
The Council on Foundations fosters an environment where philanthropy can thrive and cultivates a community of diverse and skilled philanthropic professionals and organizations who lead with integrity, serve as ethical stewards, and advocate for progress.
