Private Foundations

Private foundations are nonprofit organizations funded by a single source, such as a family or corporation, to support charitable causes through grants. Unlike public charities, which rely on broad public support, private foundations are typically endowed by a single entity and focus on distributing funds to other nonprofits rather than running their own programs. Private foundations’ philanthropic efforts often reflect the values and interests of their family founders or corporate leaders. Notably, private foundations must grant out at least 5% of their net assets annually for charitable purposes.

Private foundation grants can also be used to support Social Impact Entertainment productions (typically through fiscally-sponsored, mission-aligned nonprofit organizations). This approach allows foundations to fund a wide range of initiatives while also meeting their required charitable contribution allocations. By having their grant funds invested in productions designed to create positive social change through media and storytelling, foundations can amplify their impact and promote awareness of issues important to the foundation or which reflect well upon the foundation (or its corporate sponsor).