About

The Association of Small Foundations (ASF) is a membership organization for donors, trustees, employees and consultants of foundations that have few or no staff.

What Is Small?

At ASF small relates to staff size, not to assets. The United States is home to over 60,000 small foundations — those led entirely by volunteer boards or operated by just a few staff. These small foundations account for half of the country’s total foundation grant dollars, and provide essential financial support in communities across the country.

Vision

ASF enhances the power of small foundation giving by providing the donors, trustees, and staff of member foundations with peer learning opportunities, targeted tools and resources, and a collective voice in and beyond the philanthropic community.

History

In 1995, trustees and staff from small foundations met together at a conference under a sign reading “Are you alone with millions?” Though small foundations were doing the same things as large foundations, they were doing it all by themselves.

From this initial gathering, the Association of Small Foundations was formed, and foundations with few or no staff found a home. A 501(c)(3) organization, ASF is devoted to serving its 3,000 members in all 50 states. Members enjoy a friendly culture, and resources geared specially to their needs as a foundation with few or no staff.

Thanks to ASF member the Wasie Foundation and their CEO Gregg Sjoquist, our headquarters are in the bustling Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. Visit us!

ASF is a 501(c)(3) charity. See our financial and legal documents.