The IRS recognizes public foundations, along with community foundations, as public charities. Although they may provide direct charitable services to the public as other not-for-profits do, their primary focus is on grantmaking.
Public foundations are nonprofit organizations that receive at least one-third of their income from the general public. Public foundations may make grants or engage in charitable activities. The IRS recognizes public foundations, along with community foundations, as public charities. Religious, educational and medical institutions are deemed to be public charities.
A nonprofit organisation that receives at least one-third of its annual income from the general public (including government agencies and foundations). Public foundations may make grants or engage in charitable activities.