Core Viewpoint - Wealthy private foundations in the U.S. are informally uniting to protect their tax-exempt status amid threats from the Trump administration to revoke it [1][2]. Group 1: Foundation Responses - Major foundations, including the Ford Foundation and Gates Foundation, are discussing potential responses to government attempts to challenge their tax-exempt status [1]. - Some foundations are considering seeking collective or individual legal representation if their tax-exempt status is threatened [1][2]. - John Palfrey, president of the MacArthur Foundation, emphasized that any government efforts to revoke tax-exempt status based on foundation activities would be met with strong legal opposition [2]. Group 2: Government Actions and Concerns - The Trump administration is exploring broader challenges to the tax-exempt status of non-profit organizations, including threats to revoke the status of institutions like Harvard University [1][2]. - A recent executive order from Trump directed federal agencies to identify potential investigations into large non-profits, raising concerns among charitable organizations [2][4]. - Foundations are worried about potential increases in the excise tax on their investment income and changes to spending requirements [3][4]. Group 3: Financial Impact - Revoking tax-exempt status could significantly reduce the funding available for various charitable causes, as many foundations rely on tax incentives to motivate donations [1][4]. - In 2023, foundations donated over $100 billion to U.S. charities, making them the second-largest source of funding after individual donors [4]. Group 4: Industry Collaboration - Discussions among foundations are being facilitated by the Council on Foundations, which emphasizes the importance of independent operation for these organizations [5]. - Some foundations are seeking individual legal representation while others may opt for a united front against government actions [5].