501(c)(3) Private Foundations

Introduction

There are approximately 100,000 private foundations in the U.S. A founding individual, a family, or a corporation usually endows these organizations. The vast majority make grants to fund 501(c)(3) public charities, although they may also provide scholarships, support government activities, or conduct operating activities similar to those of public charities. Not all private foundations file annually with the IRS. Revenues and assets below are only for those organizations that do.

Click here to see the largest and some examples of smaller organizations.

The Numbers (United States)

The number of organizations registered with the IRS increased by 54 percent from 70,480 in 1998 to 108,594 in 2008.

The number of organizations reporting to the IRS increased 48 percent from 56,200 circa 1998 to 82,993 circa 2008.

Total revenues for reporting organizations increased 211 percent from $55.9 billion circa 1998 to $173.8 billion

Total assets for reporting organizations increased 92 percent from $297.0 billion circa 1998 to $569.9 billion

(Number of reporting organizations, revenues and assets are based on all organizations that filed Form 990 or 990EZ within 24 months of the release date of the 1998 and 2008 registration files. Financial data have not been adjusted for inflation.)

Statistical Tables

Registered Organizations

Summary
Trends
By Organization Age (The IRS's "ruling date.")

Organizations That File Annually with the IRS

These foundations filed IRS Form 990-PFs. (All registered private foundations are required to do so, but some may have ceased operations.)

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