A foundation is a non profit that grants money to other organizations. There are both private foundations and public foundations. But why do they do this? Allison Carney is the community manager for the Council on Foundations, where she is responsible for launching and growing their online member community. Previously, she worked with all types of nonprofits developing their communications strategies. She lives in DC with her wife and two overweight pets. The Council on Foundations is the largest membership organization of independent, operating, community, public and company-sponsored foundations in the United States and abroad.