TOP GIVING FOUNDATIONS

 

The Landscape of Philanthropy in the U.S.

In the United States, nonprofit organizations rely heavily on philanthropic support, with over 92,000 foundations holding assets ranging from small local endowments to multi-billion-dollar global giving programs. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, foundations collectively grant over $90 billion annually across multiple causes, funding everything from community initiatives to large-scale research and development.

Key Stats on U.S. Foundations:

• 52,000 foundations hold assets of $250,000 or less.
• 40,000 manage between $1 million and $100 million in assets.
• More than 1,000 foundations have over $100 million in assets, making them major philanthropic players.

 

Top 25 Largest Corporate Foundations and Their Philanthropic Impact

Corporate foundations play a crucial role in philanthropy, leveraging business resources to support communities, education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, and social equity programs. Below is a list of the top 25 corporate foundations ranked by their total giving, along with links to their respective websites.

1. Sanofi Foundation for North America – https://www.sanofi.us/en/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility
2. Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. – https://www.novartis.us/corporate-responsibility/novartis-patient-assistance-foundation-inc
3. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc. – https://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/global-impact/charitable-foundation-funding.html
4. The Wal-Mart Foundation, Inc. – https://walmart.org/
5. The JPMorgan Chase Foundation – https://www.jpmorganchase.com/about/our-approach/philanthropy
6. GE Foundation – https://www.ge.com/sustainability/philanthropy
7. Wells Fargo Foundation – https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/corporate-responsibility/community-giving/
8. Citi Foundation – https://www.citigroup.com/citi/foundation/
9. The Coca-Cola Foundation, Inc. – https://www.coca-colacompany.com/shared-future/communities/the-coca-cola-foundation
10. ExxonMobil Foundation – https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/community/overview/exxonmobil-foundation
11. Verizon Foundation – https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/verizon-foundation
12. The PNC Foundation – https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy.html
13. The Merck Company Foundation – https://www.merck.com/company-overview/corporate-responsibility/
14. Caterpillar Foundation – https://www.caterpillar.com/en/company/caterpillar-foundation.html
15. Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Foundation – https://www.jnj.com/caring-and-giving
16. Intel Foundation – https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/intel-foundation.html
17. MetLife Foundation – https://www.metlife.com/sustainability/foundation/
18. The UPS Foundation – https://about.ups.com/us/en/social-impact/the-ups-foundation.html
19. Illinois Tool Works Foundation – https://www.itw.com/corporate-responsibility/itw-foundation/
20. Lucasfilm Foundation – https://www.lucasfilm.com/what-we-do/philanthropy/
21. Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Foundation – https://www.rb.com/responsibility/
22. The PepsiCo Foundation, Inc. – https://www.pepsico.com/our-impact/philanthropy/pepsico-foundation
23. Abbott Fund – https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/strategy-and-strength/abbott-fund.html
24. The Medtronic Foundation – https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/about/citizenship/philanthropy.html
25. The Goldman Sachs Foundation – https://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/goldman-sachs-gives/

Top 25 Foundations Funding the Arts

The arts are a vital part of society, fostering creativity, cultural heritage, and community engagement. Many foundations recognize the importance of the arts and actively support artists, organizations, museums, and cultural initiatives through grants and funding opportunities. These foundations provide financial resources for performing arts, visual arts, literature, music, and arts education, ensuring that creative expression continues to thrive in communities across the U.S. and beyond.

Below is a list of the top 25 foundations that fund the arts:

1. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation – https://mellon.org/
2. The Ford Foundation – https://www.fordfoundation.org/
3. The J. Paul Getty Trust – https://www.getty.edu/foundation/
4. The Kresge Foundation – https://kresge.org/
5. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation – https://knightfoundation.org/
6. The Annenberg Foundation – https://annenberg.org/
7. The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation – https://www.ddcf.org/
8. The Rockefeller Foundation – https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/
9. The Wallace Foundation – https://www.wallacefoundation.org/
10. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts – https://warholfoundation.org/
11. The Pew Charitable Trusts – https://www.pewtrusts.org/
12. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation – https://hewlett.org/
13. The James Irvine Foundation – https://www.irvine.org/
14. The Surdna Foundation – https://surdna.org/
15. The Terra Foundation for American Art – https://www.terraamericanart.org/
16. The Walton Family Foundation – https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/
17. Bloomberg Philanthropies – https://www.bloomberg.org/
18. The MacArthur Foundation – https://www.macfound.org/
19. The Open Society Foundations – https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/
20. The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation – https://woodruff.org/
21. The Bush Foundation – https://www.bushfoundation.org/
22. The McKnight Foundation – https://www.mcknight.org/
23. The Heinz Endowments – https://www.heinz.org/
24. The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts – http://www.grahamfoundation.org/
25. The Lannan Foundation – https://lannan.org/

 

Top 25 Foundations Funding Housing Initiatives

Access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental necessity, yet millions of individuals and families across the U.S. face housing insecurity. Foundations play a critical role in funding affordable housing projects, homelessness prevention, rental assistance programs, and community development initiatives. Many of these philanthropic organizations focus on housing as part of their broader mission to address poverty, economic mobility, and social justice.

Below is a list of the top 25 foundations that fund housing initiatives, along with their respective websites and focus areas:

1. The Ford Foundation – https://www.fordfoundation.org/
2. The Kresge Foundation – https://kresge.org/
3. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation – https://www.macfound.org/
4. The Annie E. Casey Foundation – https://www.aecf.org/
5. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – https://www.gatesfoundation.org/
6. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/
7. The JPB Foundation – https://jpbfoundation.org/
8. Melville Charitable Trust – https://melvilletrust.org/
9. Oak Foundation – https://oakfnd.org/
10. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – https://www.rwjf.org/
11. The Rockefeller Foundation – https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/
12. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation – https://hewlett.org/
13. The California Endowment – https://www.calendow.org/
14. The McKnight Foundation – https://www.mcknight.org/
15. The Boston Foundation – https://www.tbf.org/
16. The Cleveland Foundation – https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/
17. The San Francisco Foundation – https://sff.org/
18. The Oregon Community Foundation – https://oregoncf.org/
19. The Chicago Community Trust – https://www.cct.org/
20. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation – https://www.growyourgiving.org/
21. The New York Community Trust – https://www.nycommunitytrust.org/
22. The Minneapolis Foundation – https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/
23. The Seattle Foundation – https://www.seattlefoundation.org/
24. The Denver Foundation – https://denverfoundation.org/
25. The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta – https://cfgreateratlanta.org/

Top Foundations Funding Youth Programs

Investing in youth development is crucial for building a brighter future. Numerous foundations are dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower young people through education, mentorship, leadership development, and various enrichment programs. Below is a list of notable foundations that fund youth programs, along with their respective websites:

1. W.K. Kellogg Foundation – https://www.wkkf.org/
2. The Annie E. Casey Foundation – https://www.aecf.org/
3. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation – https://www.mott.org/
4. The Wallace Foundation – https://www.wallacefoundation.org/
5. The Skillman Foundation – https://www.skillman.org/
6. The Dallas Foundation – https://www.dallasfoundation.org/
7. The Cleveland Foundation – https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/
8. The Columbus Foundation – https://columbusfoundation.org/
9. Robin Hood Foundation – https://www.robinhood.org/
10. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health – https://www.lpfch.org/
11. Ben & Jerry’s Foundation – https://benandjerrysfoundation.org/
12. Daniels Fund – https://www.danielsfund.org/
13. Highland Street Foundation – https://www.highlandstreet.org/
14. WHAS Crusade for Children – https://www.whascrusade.org/
15. National Park Trust – https://parktrust.org/
16. Allstate Foundation – https://allstatefoundation.org/
17. Kars4Kids Foundation – https://www.kars4kids.org/
18. Good Sports – https://www.goodsports.org/
19. Global Fund for Children – https://globalfundforchildren.org/
20. We Are Family Foundation – https://www.wearefamilyfoundation.org/
21. Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation – https://www.eisenhowerfoundation.org/
22. Yarg Foundation – https://www.yargfoundation.org/
23. JP Morgan Chase Foundation – https://www.jpmorganchase.com/
24. CarMax Foundation – https://www.carmax.com/foundation
25. AbbVie Foundation – https://www.abbvie.com/

 

Top 25 Foundations Funding Education

Education serves as the cornerstone for personal development and societal advancement. Numerous foundations are dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities, supporting institutions, and funding innovative programs that foster learning across various levels. Their contributions significantly impact students, educators, and communities, promoting equitable access to quality education.

Below is a list of the top 25 foundations that fund education, along with their respective websites:

1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – https://www.gatesfoundation.org/
2. Walton Family Foundation – https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/
3. Ford Foundation – https://www.fordfoundation.org/
4. Carnegie Corporation of New York – https://www.carnegie.org/
5. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation – https://hewlett.org/
6. The Wallace Foundation – https://www.wallacefoundation.org/
7. The Kresge Foundation – https://kresge.org/
8. The Annie E. Casey Foundation – https://www.aecf.org/
9. Lumina Foundation – https://www.luminafoundation.org/
10. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation – https://www.mott.org/
11. W.K. Kellogg Foundation – https://www.wkkf.org/
12. Bloomberg Philanthropies – https://www.bloomberg.org/
13. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – https://www.rwjf.org/
14. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation – https://mellon.org/
15. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation – https://www.macfound.org/
16. The Rockefeller Foundation – https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/
17. The JPB Foundation – https://jpbfoundation.org/
18. The Spencer Foundation – https://www.spencer.org/
19. The Teagle Foundation – https://www.teaglefoundation.org/
20. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation – https://www.msdf.org/
21. The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation – https://broadfoundation.org/
22. The George Lucas Educational Foundation – https://www.edutopia.org/
23. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation – https://www.jkcf.org/
24. The Wallace Global Fund – https://wgf.org/
25. The S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation – https://www.sdbjrfoundation.org/

How These Foundations Support Education

These foundations support a wide array of educational initiatives, including:

• K-12 Education: Funding programs that enhance primary and secondary education through curriculum development, teacher training, and educational technology.
• Higher Education: Providing scholarships, research grants, and endowments to colleges and universities to promote academic excellence and accessibility.
• Early Childhood Education: Investing in programs that support early learning and development to prepare children for academic success.
• Educational Equity: Addressing disparities in education by supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for underserved communities.
• STEM Education: Encouraging the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through specialized programs and resources.

These foundations play a pivotal role in advancing educational opportunities and fostering innovation in learning. By supporting various programs and initiatives, they contribute to the development of a more educated and equitable society.

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Top 25 Foundations Funding Racial and Economic Justice

Philanthropy plays a crucial role in advancing racial and economic justice, addressing systemic inequities, and promoting greater opportunities for marginalized communities. Many foundations are committed to funding initiatives that combat racial disparities, promote economic mobility, and create pathways to prosperity through policy reform, education, workforce development, and community investment.

 

Below is a list of the top 25 foundations funding racial and economic justice, along with their respective websites:

1. W.K. Kellogg Foundation – https://www.wkkf.org/
2. Ford Foundation – https://www.fordfoundation.org/
3. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation – https://hewlett.org/
4. The Kresge Foundation – https://kresge.org/
5. Open Society Foundations – https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/
6. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – https://www.rwjf.org/
7. The California Endowment – https://www.calendow.org/
8. The San Francisco Foundation – https://sff.org/
9. The JPB Foundation – https://jpbfoundation.org/
10. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/
11. The Annie E. Casey Foundation – https://www.aecf.org/
12. The Rockefeller Foundation – https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/
13. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation – https://www.macfound.org/
14. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation – https://mellon.org/
15. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation – https://www.packard.org/
16. The Joyce Foundation – https://www.joycefdn.org/
17. Surdna Foundation – https://surdna.org/
18. The Hyams Foundation – https://www.hyamsfoundation.org/
19. The Nathan Cummings Foundation – https://nathancummings.org/
20. The NoVo Foundation – https://novofoundation.org/
21. The Marguerite Casey Foundation – https://www.caseygrants.org/
22. The Barr Foundation – https://www.barrfoundation.org/
23. The Bush Foundation – https://www.bushfoundation.org/
24. The McKnight Foundation – https://www.mcknight.org/
25. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation – https://www.zsr.org/

Top 25 Foundations Funding Environmental Initiatives

Environmental philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing pressing ecological challenges, promoting sustainability, and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Numerous foundations are dedicated to supporting initiatives that aim to conserve biodiversity, combat climate change, and ensure the health of our planet for future generations.

Below is a list of the top 25 foundations funding environmental initiatives, along with their respective websites:

1. The Rockefeller Foundation – https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/
2. Ford Foundation – https://www.fordfoundation.org/
3. David and Lucile Packard Foundation – https://www.packard.org/
4. The Kresge Foundation – https://kresge.org/
5. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation – https://www.mott.org/
6. Bezos Earth Fund – https://www.bezosearthfund.org/
7. Bloomberg Philanthropies – https://www.bloomberg.org/
8. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative – https://chanzuckerberg.com/
9. Children’s Investment Fund Foundation – https://ciff.org/
10. Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation – https://www.moore.org/
11. The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment – https://www.granthamfoundation.org/
12. IKEA Foundation – https://ikeafoundation.org/
13. Walton Family Foundation – https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/
14. ClimateWorks Foundation – https://www.climateworks.org/
15. The Conservation, Food & Health Foundation – https://cfhfoundation.grantsmanagement08.com/
16. National Forest Foundation – https://www.nationalforests.org/
17. Keep America Beautiful – https://kab.org/
18. The New England Grassroots Environment Fund – https://grassrootsfund.org/
19. First Nations Development Institute – https://www.firstnations.org/
20. Highland Street Foundation – https://www.highlandstreet.org/
21. Oregon Community Foundation – https://oregoncf.org/
22. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee – https://www.cfmt.org/
23. Cleveland Foundation – https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/
24. The Columbus Foundation – https://columbusfoundation.org/
25. Chesapeake Bay Trust – https://cbtrust.org/

 

Top 25 Foundations Funding Animal Welfare Initiatives

Animal welfare is a critical concern addressed by numerous foundations dedicated to improving the lives of animals through various programs and initiatives. These organizations provide grants and support to promote humane treatment, rescue operations, and advocacy for animals in need.

Below is a list of top foundations that fund animal welfare initiatives, along with their respective websites:

1. Good360 – https://good360.org/
2. Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund – https://www.goldmansachs.com/what-we-do/philanthropy/
3. American Humane – https://www.americanhumane.org/
4. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – https://www.aspca.org/
5. Banfield Foundation – https://www.banfieldfoundation.org/
6. Animal Grantmakers – https://www.animalgrantmakers.org/
7. BISSELL Pet Foundation – https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/
8. Animal Assistance Foundation – https://aaf-fd.org/
9. PetSmart Charities – https://petsmartcharities.org/
10. Michelson Found Animals Foundation – https://www.foundanimals.org/
11. Open Philanthropy – https://www.openphilanthropy.org/
12. The Humane League – https://thehumaneleague.org/
13. Faunalytics – https://faunalytics.org/
14. Wild Animal Initiative – https://wildanimalinitiative.org/
15. Sinergia Animal – https://sinergiaanimal.org/
16. Aquatic Life Institute – https://ali.fish/
17. Shrimp Welfare Project – https://www.shrimpwelfareproject.org/
18. Fish Welfare Initiative – https://www.fishwelfareinitiative.org/
19. Good Food Institute – https://gfi.org/
20. Legal Impact for Chickens – https://www.legalimpactforchickens.org/
21. New Roots Institute – https://newroots.institute/
22. Çiftlik Hayvanlarını Koruma Derneği – https://www.ciftlikhayvanlarinikoruma.org/
23. Dansk Vegetarisk Forening – https://vegetarisk.dk/
24. Friends of Animals – https://friendsofanimals.org/
25. International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) – https://www.ifaw.org/

 

Your Essential Guide to Finding Foundations and Grants – Q&A

Navigating the world of nonprofit funding can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to identify the right foundations and grants for your organization. To help simplify the process, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions from grant seekers and nonprofit professionals. Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to refine your grant-seeking strategy, this Q&A will provide clarity and direction.

Top 15 Questions About Finding Foundations and Grants

1. Where can I find a list of the largest foundations that give grants?

Several free and paid resources provide lists of major foundations:

• Free Resources:
  • Foundation Finder (IRS) – Search tax-exempt organizations and foundation data.
  • Candid/Foundation Directory Online Quick Start – Basic foundation search tool.
  • The Grantsmanship Center – Lists top state-based, national, and international foundations.
• Paid Resources:
  • Foundation Directory Online (FDO) – Comprehensive foundation data and grant history.
  • Instrumentl – AI-driven funding matches and grant tracking.
  • GrantStation – Tracks funding trends and application deadlines.

2. How do I know if a foundation funds my type of nonprofit?

Check a foundation’s website or past grants listed in its IRS 990-PF form, available through:

• Candid’s Foundation Finder
• GuideStar
• IRS Exempt Organizations Search

3. What are the biggest foundations that fund nonprofits?

Some of the largest private and corporate foundations include:

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – $4.2B annual giving
• Ford Foundation – $556M annual giving
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation – $1.8B annual giving
• Walmart Foundation – $1.4B annual giving

For a full list, visit The Grantsmanship Center.

4. Can my nonprofit apply for multiple grants at the same time?

Yes! Many nonprofits apply to multiple foundations simultaneously. However, each proposal should be customized to align with the funder’s specific priorities and requirements.

5. What are the best free tools for researching grants?

• IRS Tax Exempt Search – Find foundation financials.
• Candid’s Foundation Finder – Provides basic foundation information.
• Charity Navigator – Reviews and rates foundations.

6. What are some paid databases for in-depth grant research?

• Foundation Directory Online (FDO) – Comprehensive grant tracking.
• GrantStation – Grant alerts and funding matches.
• Instrumentl – AI-driven grant recommendations and tracking.

7. How do I write a compelling grant proposal?

A strong grant proposal includes:

• A clear mission and need statement
• Data and impact metrics
• A detailed budget
• How the funds will be used
• Alignment with the foundation’s mission

The Grant Writing Academy and Candid’s Grant Writing Guide offer free and paid courses on crafting successful proposals.

8. What types of foundations provide grants?

• Private foundations – Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation
• Corporate foundations – JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Google.org
• Community foundations – The Chicago Community Trust, New York Community Trust
• Family foundations – Walton Family Foundation

9. How long does it take to get a grant?

The process varies but can take three to twelve months from application to funding. Some foundations review proposals quarterly, while others have rolling deadlines.

10. What should I do if my grant application is denied?

• Request feedback from the funder.
• Improve your proposal based on their comments.
• Continue applying to other funding sources.
• Check out Candid’s GrantSpace for proposal writing resources.

11. Can new nonprofits apply for grants?

Yes, but some foundations require nonprofits to have 501(c)(3) status for at least one year. If you’re new, consider fiscal sponsorship (National Network of Fiscal Sponsors) or focus on small/local grants.

12. How do I find grants for my specific cause?

Use sector-specific funding databases like:

• Education – EdFunders
• Healthcare – NIH Funding
• Environmental – Environmental Grantmakers Association

13. Do foundations only give grants, or do they offer other funding options?

Some foundations also provide:

• Matching grants
• Fellowships and scholarships
• Program-related investments (PRIs)

Check Candid’s RFP database for diverse funding opportunities.

14. Are there grants available for individuals?

Most grants go to organizations, but some foundations fund artists, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Search:

• Grants.gov
• Candid’s Funding for Individuals

15. How do I increase my chances of getting funded?

• Research funders before applying.
• Follow grant guidelines exactly.
• Build relationships with foundation staff.
• Show measurable impact and financial sustainability.

Grant Professionals Association and GrantStation offer tips and resources for successful grant applications.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding where to find lists of the largest foundations—and how to access key data—can help nonprofit professionals and grant seekers connect with funders more efficiently. Whether using free public resources or investing in premium databases, knowing where to look can significantly improve your chances of securing funding.

For those seeking nonprofit career opportunities or expanding their philanthropic network, visit Foundation List, where we connect mission-driven professionals with impactful organizations.