Types of Grantmakers
Grantmakers are people and organizations that give monetary awards (grants) to nonprofits. They vary in size and scope from large, national corporate giving programs to small, local family foundations.
In This Area
- Private Foundations
Private foundations are a popular, longstanding form of philanthropy in the United States.
- Family Foundations
Family foundations make up the largest proportion of grantmaking organizations.
- Corporate Foundations & Giving Programs
Corporate foundations derive their funds from a profit-making company or corporation.
- Independent Foundations
Independent foundations are a subset of private foundations that some grantmakers view as distinct from private family or corporate foundations.
- Operating Foundations
Operating foundations are private foundations that use the bulk of their income to provide charitable services or to run charitable programs of their own.
- Public Foundations
Public foundations are recognized as public charities by the IRS.
- Community Foundations
Community foundations provide a variety of services to donors who wish to establish endowed funds without the administrative and legal costs of private foundations.
- Individuals
Individual donors from a variety of economic and social background play an important role in philanthropy.
- Giving Circles
Giving circle members combine money, knowledge, and talent to make collective grants that boost the impact of their giving.
- Supporting Organizations
Supporting organizations combine features of public and private foundations into a unique giving vehicle for donors.
Materials
- Grantmaking FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about grantmaking and grantmakers.
Links
- Locate Your Regional Association
Regional association locator connects you to resources on philanthropy in your community. Find your local regional association for more information on grantmakers.
