Advantages Over a Private Foundation

The Community Foundation of Broward offers many alternatives to a private foundation. This chart summarizes key differences between options at the Community Foundation, commercial donor advised funds and private foundations.


Comparison Chart

  Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward Commercial Donor Advised Fund
Private Foundation
Grantmaking & Investments
Your control over grantmaking
You recommend grants to qualified nonprofit groups.
You recommend grants to qualified nonprofit groups.
You appoint a board that controls grantmaking.
Grantmaking Advice and Follow-up
Every day our programs department is assessing community needs and the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations seeking to meet those needs. We provide educational opportunities and site visits.
Varies. Most do not offer personalized advice.
Foundation must arrange and support its own grantmaking and monitoring structure.
Grants to Individuals
Scholarships to individuals are allowed.
Typically not permitted.
Scholarships to individuals are allowed – additional oversight is required.
Investment Management
You can place your Fund in a highly diversified pool that consistently outperforms standard indexes.
You chose from the firm's investment pools.
You appoint a board or hire staff that controls investments.
Tax Information
Tax Status
IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt public foundation.
Nonprofit status of corporate entity's charitable subsidiary.
You apply to the IRS for private foundation tax exempt status.
Income Tax Deductions for Gifts of Cash
Up to 50% of adjusted gross income.
Up to 50% of adjusted gross income.
Up to 30% of adjusted gross income.
Income Tax Deductions for Gifts of Publicly Traded Securities
Fair market value up to 30% of adjusted gross income.
Fair market value up to 30% of adjusted gross income.
Fair market value up to 20% of adjusted gross income.
Income Tax Deductions for Gifts of Real Estate & Closely Held Securities
Fair market value up to 30% of adjusted gross income.
Fair market value up to 30% of adjusted gross income. Real estate and closely held securities are not generally accepted.
Deductible at cost basis.
Distribution Requirements
None. Varies. Some require a minimum of 5% of the fund's net assets on a five-year rolling basis.
At least 5% of net asset value annually. Can be distributed to a Community Foundation of Broward Fund.
Start Up Considerations
Costs
None.
None.
Several thousand dollars for legal and accounting expenses and filing fees.
Time-Frame
Immediate.
Immediate.
Several months.
Minimum Contribution
$25,000
Varies, usually $10,000 - $25,000 for individuals.
None, but smaller private foundations may not be cost-effective.
Annual Administrative Requirements
 Fees 1.5% of assets
<$2M

1.25% of assets
>$2M<$5M

1% of assets
>$5M<$10M

0.75% of assets
>$10M

Based on size of fund, usually starting at 1% of assets and declining for larger funds.
Grantmaking, administrative, and investment support are staffed and financed independently.
Taxes
None.
None.
Excise tax of up to 2% of net investment income, including net capital gains.
Reporting
None.
None.
Annual tax return, including detailed financial schedules, filed by foundation.
Other
Privacy
Donors may remain anonymous.
Donors may remain anonymous.
Donors may remain anonymous, but IRS 990PF form lists officers, directors, and trustees.


News

Grants Available to Assist the LGBT Community
Applications Due by December 31, 2008

Grants Available to Nonprofits that Assist Elderly
Applications Due by December 12, 2008

Scholarship Fund featured on A&E
October 7, 2008

Community Foundation Announces $12 Million Gift
September 15, 2008

Grant Update:  All grants must be submitted through PhilNet:Philanthropy Network for Broward.
August 16, 2008

Community Foundation Launches New Tech Tool
August 18, 2008

Dates to Remember

December 8, 2008
Boards in Action! Information Session

December 10, 2008
Donor Advised Fundholders
PhilNet Training

February 1, 2009
Scholarship Applications Available

Recent Publications