About Us

The Association of Small Foundations (ASF) is a membership organization of over 3,000 foundations. Through our dedication to foundations, we have become the country's largest foundation-support organization. 

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 3,100 members in all 50 states. At ASF, folks find a friendly culture, and resources geared specially to their needs as a foundation with few or no staff.

In 2006, thanks to ASF member the Wasie Foundation and their CEO Gregg Sjoquist, our headquarters moved to the busy Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington, DC. In our beautiful row home offices, we're busier than ever before. Visit us!

Learn more about the importance of small foundations and watch our video project, Voices of Philanthropy.

Meeting Space Rental

Several ASF members, local nonprofits and are business have made great use of our facilities. Come enjoy your next board or business meeting in our meeting space.

Office Space Rental

We have office space available in our downtown Washington rowhome. See current office space openings.

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