With significant financial endowments, foundation companies provide essential grants to nonprofits, charities, and mission-aligned organizations.
These companies serve as critical catalysts for social change, funding initiatives that address urgent societal challenges, support innovative programs, and promote sustainable community development.
As we head into 2025, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to understand the grant-making environment to identify funding opportunities and boost their impact.
The grant application process can be competitive, with each foundation offering different priorities, application requirements, and funding levels.
Some focus on education, healthcare, and social justice, while others emphasize environmental sustainability or economic empowerment.
Increasingly, many foundation companies are shifting toward equity-driven approaches, investing in innovative solutions and community-led organizations that address systemic issues at the grassroots level.
This article explores the top 10 U.S. foundation companies making a significant impact through their grant programs. You’ll learn about their missions, funding priorities, and tips to improve your chances of receiving support.
Whether you’re an established nonprofit or a growing grassroots initiative, understanding these philanthropic leaders can guide your fundraising strategy and help you drive greater change.
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Top 10 Foundation Companies in the US
Read on to learn about America’s top 10 private charitable foundation companies and the vital work they undertake.
10. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, established in 2000, has made a significant and lasting impact on science, education, technology, and conservation.
Founded by renowned philanthropists Gordon and Betty Moore, the foundation focuses on improving outcomes for future generations through strategic investments in nonprofit initiatives.
Its core areas of support include environmental conservation, patient care, and scientific research. In particular, the foundation has contributed to preserving natural ecosystems, advancing medical research, and enhancing scientific innovation.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the foundation directs much of its funding towards local organizations, while also supporting global efforts in these critical fields.
The foundation’s work in environmental conservation includes efforts to protect biodiversity and address climate change, while its science initiatives aim to foster breakthroughs in fields such as genomics and environmental science.
Through its wide-reaching efforts, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation continues to shape a more sustainable and innovative future.
9. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, founded with a mission to improve the lives of children, families, and local communities while restoring and protecting the planet, focuses on several key areas of impact.
These include advancing knowledge through scientific research, supporting local communities, and protecting the world’s oceans.
The foundation also champions reproductive rights and health, ensuring access to essential services, and works to empower future generations by fostering the development of engineers and scientists.
Through strategic investments and partnerships, the Packard Foundation has created lasting change in these areas, helping to drive progress in both environmental sustainability and social equity.
By supporting initiatives that tackle pressing global challenges, the foundation continues to honor the legacy of David and Lucile Packard, working towards a healthier, more equitable world for future generations.
8. The Bloomberg Family Foundation
The Bloomberg Family Foundation, based in New York, was established by former New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg as a key component of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
With assets exceeding $7.1 billion, the foundation has made substantial investments in global health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Notably, the foundation has committed over $100 million to climate initiatives, addressing pressing environmental challenges.
In partnership with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Bloomberg Family Foundation pledged $50 million to support family planning services in four developing nations, aiming to improve reproductive health and access to essential services.
Through these strategic partnerships and impactful investments, the foundation plays a significant role in advancing global efforts to combat climate change, improve public health, and promote sustainable development worldwide.
7. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation
The W. K. Kellogg Foundation is a grantmaker focused on three interconnected priorities: thriving children, working families, and equitable communities.
Through its diverse activities, including grantmaking, networking, impact investing, and convening, the foundation works to create measurable change in the lives of children and families.
A key area of focus is maternal and infant healthcare, supporting initiatives that ensure healthy pregnancies and early development for children.
Additionally, the foundation funds programs aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates and promoting access to fresh, healthy, nutritious food, particularly in early childcare settings.
By addressing these critical needs, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation helps build stronger, more equitable communities, supporting children and families in their early years to foster long-term well-being and success.
6. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Founded in 1966, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a major philanthropic organization that awarded over $450 million in grants in 2019 alone, supporting initiatives worldwide to help people build better lives.
The foundation funds long-standing programs in several key areas, including education, global development and population, the performing arts, environmental conservation, and effective philanthropy.
It is also deeply committed to supporting disadvantaged communities within the San Francisco Bay Area. By investing in these diverse sectors, the Hewlett Foundation aims to create lasting, positive change both locally and globally, addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Through its strategic grantmaking and partnerships, the foundation continues to make a significant impact on education, sustainability, cultural enrichment, and social equity.
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5. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) was established with the goal of improving the health and well-being of Americans.
As one of the largest foundation companies in the U.S., RWJF issues grants totaling up to $500 million annually, supporting a wide range of health-related initiatives.
These include improving access to healthcare, enhancing professional training for doctors and nurses, and addressing pressing health challenges such as childhood obesity, malnutrition, and poverty.
The foundation also works to reduce health disparities, promote healthier communities, and foster innovations in health policy.
By funding research, advocacy, and community-based programs, RWJF plays a key role in shaping public health and influencing policies that improve the quality of life for underserved populations.
With a commitment to creating lasting systemic change, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation continues to drive efforts that make health and wellness more accessible for all.
4. Lilly Endowment
Founded in 1937 by J. K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation dedicated to supporting educational, religious, and charitable purposes.
The foundation remains committed to promoting community values and encouraging selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Through its grantmaking initiatives, Lilly Endowment has played a significant role in nurturing the human spirit, character, and intellect, investing in programs that enhance education, strengthen religious institutions, and improve community welfare.
The foundation’s support extends to a variety of sectors, including higher education, youth development, and cultural initiatives, with a focus on long-term, transformative impact.
By fostering collaboration and supporting organizations that aim to improve lives, Lilly Endowment continues to uphold its founders’ vision of a more compassionate, thoughtful, and thriving society.
3. The Getty Foundation
Established in 1984, the Getty Foundation is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the understanding of the visual arts both in Los Angeles and globally.
Through its grantmaking, the foundation supports initiatives that increase access to museum collections, advance conservation practices, and strengthen the study and practice of art history on a global scale.
The Getty Foundation plays a key role in fostering research, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that art continues to inspire future generations.
To date, it has awarded over 8,000 grants across more than 180 countries, contributing significantly to the global art community.
The foundation’s work promotes collaboration among museums, scholars, and conservationists, aiming to safeguard artistic legacies and broaden the public’s appreciation of the visual arts.
Through its far-reaching efforts, the Getty Foundation continues to make a lasting impact on the preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage worldwide.
2. The Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals by instilling dignity and self-worth, helping them realize their full potential.
For over 80 years, the foundation has worked to reduce injustice and poverty, promote international cooperation, strengthen democratic values, and advance human achievement.
Through its extensive grantmaking, the Ford Foundation has supported numerous initiatives that address critical social challenges across the globe.
To date, the foundation has provided funding for 376 grants, totaling more than $92 million. These grants support a wide range of projects in countries such as the United States, Colombia, France, Tanzania, Uganda, China, and Indonesia.
The Ford Foundation’s work spans education, economic development, human rights, and social justice, striving to create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Its ongoing efforts aim to foster positive change and ensure that marginalized communities have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society.
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1. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
When Bill Gates, the world’s richest man, stepped down from Microsoft in 2014, he chose to dedicate his time to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest foundation companies.
The foundation aims to ensure that people worldwide, regardless of background or circumstances, have the opportunity to reach their dreams.
By focusing on unlocking human potential, the foundation strives to create a level playing field where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
The Gates Foundation’s Global Health Program has made a profound impact by improving healthcare in developing countries.
It has developed innovative tools to combat HIV/AIDS, enhanced family health, and spearheaded global vaccination programs to prevent infectious diseases.
With donations exceeding $24.34 billion, the foundation has significantly contributed to health and development initiatives worldwide.
Through these efforts, it has prevented countless children in developing nations from contracting debilitating diseases, ultimately saving millions of lives.
FAQs
What is a foundation company?
A foundation company is a nonprofit organization, typically funded by an endowment, that provides financial grants to other organizations or individuals. Their goal is to support causes aligned with their mission, such as education, health, environment, or social justice.
How do foundation companies differ from other nonprofits?
While many nonprofits actively run programs and services, foundation companies primarily focus on funding and supporting other organizations through grants. They usually don’t deliver direct services themselves.
How can I apply for a grant from a foundation?
Each foundation has its own application process. Most require a proposal, budget, and documentation of your nonprofit’s status and mission. It’s important to research each foundation’s focus area and follow their specific guidelines closely.
Are grants from foundations typically restricted or unrestricted?
This varies. Some foundations offer restricted grants (to be used for a specific program), while others offer unrestricted funds that can support general operations.
Do I need to be a 501(c)(3) organization to receive a grant?
Yes, most U.S. foundations require grantees to be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, though some may also support individuals or international entities under specific circumstances.
Conclusion
Foundation companies in the U.S. play a critical role in driving social change through strategic funding. By understanding their missions, priorities, and grant processes, nonprofits can better position themselves to secure support.
These foundations offer essential resources to help organizations create lasting impact across various sectors and communities.
References
- Top 10 US Foundations Offering Grants in 2025 – fundsforNGOs
- The Top 10 Private Charitable Foundations in the US
