Facts & Figures

What is a foundation?

The Foundation Center defines a foundation as an entity that is established as a nonprofit corporation or a charitable trust under state law, with a principal purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations or institutions or to individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes.

What are the different types of foundations?

Foundations are broadly categorized as either a private foundation or a public foundation. Private foundations are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified by the IRS as a private foundation as defined in the code. They have funds usually from a single source and programs managed by their own trustees or directors. All private foundations are required to meet a 5% minimum payout requirement and to file a Form 990-PF with the IRS.
Types of Private Foundations:

• corporate foundations and corporate giving programs
• family foundations
• independent foundations

CMF counts four of the nation's top 20 foundations (in terms of assets) among our membership. Almost 75% of our membership is comprised of private foundations. View our full membership roster.

Public foundations are recognized as public charities by the IRS, but their primary focus is on grantmaking. Like all public charities, public foundations receive their assets from multiple sources, which may include private foundations, individuals, government agencies, and fees for service. Moreover, a public foundation must continue to seek money from diverse sources in order to retain its status as a public charity.
Types of Public Foundations:

• community foundations, affiliates, and donor-advised funds
• public foundations and donor-advised funds

CMF counts almost 90% of Michigan's community foundations as members, in addition to public charities like The Jewish Fund and the Michigan Women's Foundation.

How much money do Michigan foundations hold and give?

Michigan's over 2200 foundations hold nearly $23.6 billion in assets and make annual contributions of over $1.4 billion.* CMF’s members hold over 88% of the organized philanthropic assets in Michigan. (*based on 2005 Foundation Center data)

What is CMF's membership composition?

CMF's membership numbers more than 350 foundations and corporate grantmakers making grants for charitable purposes. Here's a snapshot of our current membership composition: