Peter MokoenaAmerica’s foundation sector is a powerful engine for social good, channeling private wealth into public benefit. From global health initiatives to local community projects, these institutions tackle our world’s most pressing challenges.
These are the organizations at the very top of charitable pyramid in America; the most influential foundations. Here we celebrate their unique missions and the profound impact they have across the nation and the globe.
Top 100 Foundations In The US
1: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The world’s largest foundation tackles global poverty, disease, and inequity. It drives innovation in health, education, and climate with immense resources to create a better, more equitable world for all.
2: Silicon Valley Community Foundation
A grantmaking powerhouse offering donor-advised funds. It supports diverse Bay Area nonprofits and facilitates global philanthropy through strategic, personalized charitable giving services.
3: Ford Foundation
A historic leader in social justice, fighting inequality globally. It funds organizations working to disrupt the root causes of injustice in democracy, economic fairness, and human rights.
4: Lilly Endowment Inc.
Based in Indiana, it supports community development, education, and religion, mainly in its home state. It is a cornerstone of philanthropic efforts within Christian institutions and civic life.
5: J. Paul Getty Trust
Dedicated to the visual arts and cultural heritage. It operates the Getty Museum and grants funds to advance global art scholarship, conservation, and public access.
6: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
A leading health philanthropy striving for a “Culture of Health” in America. It funds research and programs addressing health equity, access to care, and public health systems.
7: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Addresses complex social and environmental problems globally. Key areas include cybersecurity, education, climate change, and supporting vibrant performing arts communities.
8: Bloomberg Philanthropies
Founded by Michael R. Bloomberg, it focuses on five areas: public health, environment, education, government innovation, and the arts, using data-driven approaches for maximum impact.
9: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Awards the prestigious “genius grants” to exceptional individuals. It also supports justice reform, journalism, climate solutions, and the vitality of its hometown, Chicago.
10: Walton Family Foundation
Rooted in the founders of Walmart, it focuses on K-12 education reform, freshwater and ocean conservation, and investing in its home region of Northwest Arkansas.
11: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Focuses on scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and patient care improvement. Major initiatives protect the Amazon and Gordon Moore’s native San Francisco Bay.
12: Kresge Foundation
Works to expand opportunity in America’s cities through grants and social investing in arts & culture, education, health, and community development in underserved urban areas.
13: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The nation’s leading supporter of the arts and humanities. It funds higher education, cultural organizations, and scholarly research to strengthen humanities-rich institutions.
14: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, it uses technology, grantmaking, and policy to tackle challenges in science, education, and within local communities.
15: Rockefeller Foundation
A pioneering philanthropy seeking to promote the well-being of humanity. It focuses on empowering an inclusive green economy and expanding access to health and power.
16: Duke Endowment
Based in Charlotte, NC, it supports higher education, healthcare, child welfare, and rural church programs in the Carolinas, honoring founder James B. Duke’s indenture.
17: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children to succeed. It prioritizes racial equity, community engagement, and supporting healthy, secure families.
18: California Endowment
A health foundation established to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare for underserved individuals and communities, primarily within the state of California.
19: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Supports civil society, education, and a healthy environment. It is known for its long-standing commitment to strengthening communities and its hometown of Flint, Michigan.
20: Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
Funds a diverse range of charitable projects worldwide, with a significant focus on medical research, healthcare access, and Type 1 diabetes treatment.
21: Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
Comprises several foundations supporting arts, teachers, the environment, and disaster relief. It focuses on sustainable, respectful partnerships in areas of founder interest.
22: David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Works to protect and restore the natural world, improve family health and education, and support local communities. A major funder in ocean conservation and climate solutions.
23: Simons Foundation
Dedicated to advancing the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. It sponsors groundbreaking, often high-risk, scientific inquiry and public engagement.
24: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Fosters informed and engaged communities essential for a healthy democracy. It invests in journalism, arts, and technology in the 26 cities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers.
25: Annie E. Casey Foundation
Develops solutions to build a brighter future for children, families, and communities. It is a leader in child welfare and juvenile justice reform, using data-driven advocacy.
26: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Supports original research and education in science, technology, economics, and mathematics. It aims to enhance public understanding of these fields and their role in society.
27: Carnegie Corporation of New York
Founded by Andrew Carnegie, it promotes the advancement and diffusion of knowledge. It focuses on education, international peace, and strengthening democracy.
28: McKnight Foundation
Based in Minnesota, it seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. It focuses on the arts, climate and energy, neuroscience, and regional communities.
29: Tulsa Community Foundation
One of the largest community foundations in the U.S., it connects donors to charitable needs in the Tulsa area, managing funds that support a wide variety of local causes.
30: Bush Foundation
Serves the regions of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. It inspires and supports creative problem solving to make the region better for everyone.
31: California Wellness Foundation
Mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California. It advances health equity through grants and public policy advocacy for underserved communities.
32: Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
Dedicated to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations. It provides grants primarily for housing, health, jobs, education, and community services for low-income seniors.
33: Heinz Endowments
Supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier community. It focuses on sustainability, learning, and creativity through grants in arts, education, and the environment.
34: Joyce Foundation
Works in the Great Lakes region to advance racial equity and economic mobility. Its focus areas include gun violence prevention, education, environmental policy, and culture.
35: Samueli Foundation
Founded by Henry and Susan Samueli, it supports programs in education, health and wellness, and Jewish causes. It emphasizes holistic, integrative approaches to human potential.
36: Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
Primarily focuses on supporting access to reproductive health and family planning services both in the U.S. and internationally. Also funds scholarships and initiatives in Nebraska.
37: Ballmer Group
Co-founded by Steve and Connie Ballmer, it focuses on economic mobility for children and families in the U.S. It invests in efforts to dismantle systemic barriers to opportunity.
38: Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Focuses on transforming the lives of children living in urban poverty. Key initiatives include education, family economic stability, and health, using data-driven solutions.
39: Annenberg Foundation
Provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally. It fosters public-private partnerships and has a strong focus on education and communication.
40: Casey Family Programs
The nation’s largest operating foundation focused solely on child welfare. It works to provide, improve, and ultimately prevent the need for foster care in the United States.
41: Rockefeller Brothers Fund
Promotes a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. The fund supports work in democratic practice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the U.S. and globally.
42: Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Supports four national programs: medical research, environmental conservation, the arts, and child well-being. It aims to improve the quality of people’s lives through grants and investments.
43: Lumina Foundation
An independent, private foundation committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. It strives to prepare people for informed citizenship.
44: The Karsh Family Foundation
Focuses on empowering underserved youth, strengthening our democracy, and supporting artistic expression. Primarily supports organizations in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
45: The JPB Foundation
Works to advance opportunity in the U.S. by focusing on poverty alleviation, disease research, and environmental sustainability. It empowers communities to drive social change.
46: The Moody Foundation
One of the largest in Texas, it awards grants to charitable causes across the state in areas like education, social services, health, and community development.
47: The Brown Foundation, Inc.
Based in Houston, Texas, it supports educational, artistic, and community initiatives primarily within the state, with a significant focus on public schools and the arts.
48: The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Promotes innovative solutions to improve the lives of youth and their families, and seeks better outcomes in education, mental health, and the arts, with a focus on Atlanta.
49: The Henry Luce Foundation
Aims to enrich public discourse by promoting innovative scholarship, fostering leadership, and strengthening international understanding, with a focus on Asia, theology, and art.
50: The Chicago Community Trust
Dedicated to improving the Chicago region through strategic grantmaking, civic engagement, and inspiring philanthropy to address critical issues and build a vibrant community.
51: The Starr Foundation
A private foundation providing grants in healthcare, education, human needs, public policy, and culture, with a history of significant support for institutions in New York City.
52: The California Health Care Foundation
Works to ensure that all Californians have access to affordable, quality health care. It focuses on improving the state’s Medicaid program and addressing systemic barriers.
53: The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation
One of the most respected foundations in the Southeast, it is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Georgia, particularly in Atlanta, through education, health, and arts grants.
54: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Based in Kansas City, it is committed to education and entrepreneurship, believing these are the keys to individual success and robust economies for communities.
55: The James Irvine Foundation
Focuses on expanding economic and political opportunity for California families and young adults who are working but struggling with poverty. It prioritizes civic engagement.
56: The Knight Foundation
Fosters informed and engaged communities essential for a healthy democracy. It invests in journalism, arts, and technology in the 26 cities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers.
57: The Richard King Mellon Foundation
Pittsburgh’s largest foundation, it is committed to advancing the economic success and overall wellbeing of the people of Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania.
58: The San Francisco Foundation
Works to mobilize resources and act as a catalyst for change to build strong, racially equitable, and resilient communities in the Bay Area.
59: The Oregon Community Foundation
Manages charitable funds donated by individuals, families, and businesses to support a wide array of causes and communities throughout the state of Oregon and beyond.
60: The Barr Foundation
Works in Boston and across New England to support arts and creativity, climate solutions, and education, investing in leaders and organizations driving transformative change.
61: The New York Community Trust
A community foundation that connects past, present, and future New Yorkers with charities that make the city a healthier, more livable, and more equitable place.
62: The Russell Sage Foundation
The principal American foundation devoted exclusively to research in the social sciences. It seeks to improve social and living conditions in the United States.
63: The Pew Charitable Trusts
A global research and public policy organization that uses data to make a difference by improving public policy, informing the public, and invigorating civic life.
64: The Robert R. McCormick Foundation
Works to foster communities of educated, informed, and engaged citizens. It invests in journalism, education, civics, and veterans’ affairs, with a focus on Chicago.
65: The John A. Hartford Foundation
Dedicated to improving the care of older adults. It works to create age-friendly health systems that provide high-quality, person-centered care.
66: The Scherman Foundation
Supports work in the environment, peace and security, human rights and liberties, arts, and community-building, primarily in the New York City area.
67: The Skillman Foundation
Works to ensure that Detroit youth achieve their highest potential. It invests in K-12 education, out-of-school time learning, and community safety initiatives.
68: The Surdna Foundation
Seeks to foster just and sustainable communities in the United States. It focuses on inclusive economies, sustainable environments, and thriving cultures.
69: The Wallace Foundation
Seeks to foster equity and improvements in learning and enrichment for young people, and in the arts for everyone. It supports research to generate insights.
70: The Walton Family Foundation
Rooted in the founders of Walmart, it focuses on K-12 education reform, freshwater and ocean conservation, and investing in its home region of Northwest Arkansas.
71: The Weingart Foundation
A private grantmaking foundation dedicated to advancing fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for all Southern Californians, especially those who have been historically underserved.
72: The William Penn Foundation
Founded to improve the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region. It focuses on fostering a thriving region through environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives.
73: The Marin Community Foundation
Manages the philanthropic fund of the Buck Trust to address Marin County’s most pressing needs, including racial equity, economic opportunity, and climate resilience.
74: The Houston Endowment
A private foundation that invests in ideas and institutions that advance equity of opportunity for all Houstonians in education, civic engagement, and arts and culture.
75: The Raikes Foundation
Works to empower young people to transform their lives and the world around them. Focuses on education, youth development, and impact-driven philanthropy.
76: The Tikvah Fund
Supports the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish state through a wide array of educational and cultural programs.
77: The Boston Foundation
One of the nation’s oldest community foundations, it seeks to bring permanent positive change to the Greater Boston region through philanthropy and civic leadership.
78: The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
Works to create a more just and equitable world by investing in efforts to improve public education in the U.S. and strengthen Jewish life globally.
79: The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation
Invests in strategies that help youth overcome the challenges of poverty. It focuses on evidence-based interventions that can be scaled for greater impact.
80: The Nathan Cummings Foundation
Centers its work on creating a more just, vibrant, sustainable, and democratic society. It is focused on climate change and racial and economic inequality.
81: The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Works to inspire and lead the Atlanta region toward equity and shared prosperity. It connects donors to community needs and drives impactful, collective action.
82: The Denver Foundation
Metro Denver’s community foundation, dedicated to inspiring people and mobilizing resources to strengthen the community. It focuses on economic opportunity and mobility.
83: The George Gund Foundation
Dedicated to promoting human welfare and the common good. It supports work in education, vibrant communities, environmental protection, and arts in Cleveland and beyond.
84: The Heinz Family Foundation
Focuses on issues of greatest concern to its founders, including the environment, health, women, arts, and education. It also administers the prestigious Heinz Awards.
85: The Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation
A national foundation focused on health and well-being. It promotes safe and successful reentry for people leaving jail and improving health in rural communities.
86: The John Templeton Foundation
Supports research and public engagement on life’s biggest questions, spanning science, philosophy, theology, and human flourishing, to foster a culture of curiosity.
87: The Kansas Health Foundation
Dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. It works to make Kansas a state where every person has a fair opportunity to achieve their best health.
88: The Melville Charitable Trust
The largest foundation in the U.S. focused exclusively on ending homelessness. It partners with organizations to advance proven solutions and promote housing stability.
89: The Nord Family Foundation
Supports community projects that enhance the quality of life in its home region of Lorain County, Ohio, and beyond, with a focus on social justice and education.
90: The Packard Foundation
Works to protect and restore the natural world, improve family health and education, and support local communities. A major funder in ocean conservation and climate solutions.
91: The Rhode Island Foundation
Serves as the community foundation for Rhode Island. It is a proactive philanthropic leader and partner, addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs.
92: The Seattle Foundation
The region’s largest community foundation, dedicated to unleashing the power of the philanthropic community to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant place for all.
93: The Silicon Valley Community Foundation
A grantmaking powerhouse offering donor-advised funds. It supports diverse Bay Area nonprofits and facilitates global philanthropy through strategic, personalized charitable giving services.
94: The Columbus Foundation
One of the top ten community foundations in the U.S., it serves the Columbus, Ohio region by connecting donors to causes they care about and strengthening the community.
95: The Cleveland Foundation
The world’s first community foundation, it seeks to enhance the lives of all residents of Greater Cleveland by building community endowment, addressing needs, and providing leadership.
96: The Brooklyn Community Foundation
New York City’s first and only community foundation dedicated to Brooklyn’s charitable community. It mobilizes people, capital, and expertise for a fair and just Brooklyn.
97: The Arizona Community Foundation
A philanthropic hub for the state, it works to lead, serve, and collaborate to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Arizona. It manages a wide array of donor funds.
98: The Baton Rouge Area Foundation
A unique community foundation that not only makes grants but also tackles major civic issues, from flood recovery to building new parks and improving education.
99: The Alaska Community Foundation
Grows philanthropy to connect people who care with causes that matter to build a better Alaska. It supports communities across the vast and diverse state.
100: The Hawaii Community Foundation
Works to inspire the spirit of giving and invest in people and solutions to benefit current and future generations across the Hawaiian Islands.
Closing
This list represents a vast landscape of strategic giving, where each foundation has a unique approach to making the world a healthier, more just, and more equitable place. From global titans addressing humanity’s greatest challenges to community anchors strengthening local neighborhoods, their enduring commitment ensures that the spirit of generosity continues to be a defining force for positive change.