Donor Advised Funds vs. Private Foundations

When compared to a private foundation, a donor advised fund at The Community Foundation is a smart way to achieve your philanthropic goals with greater tax advantages, fewer administrative hassles, more cost savings and a highly comparable level of grantmaking flexibility.

Private foundations that transfer assets to The Community Foundation enjoy immediate excise tax relief, freedom from reporting requirements and lower administrative costs.

CFWNC Donor Advised FundPrivate Foundation
Donor Involvement Donor recommends grants to qualified nonprofits; grants are approved by CFWNC boardDonor appoints board that controls all grantmaking decisions
Tax Status Public Charity - no tax on fund balance or incomePrivate Charity - subject to annual excise tax of 2% of assets

Income Tax Deductions for Gifts

CFWNC Donor Advised FundPrivate Foundation
CashUp to 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI)Up to 30% of adjusted gross income (AGI)
Appreciated
Stock
Fair market value up to 30% of AGIFair market value up to 30% of AGI
Real Estate and
Closely Held
Stock
Fair market value up to the 30% of AGICost basis up to 20% of AGI

Costs

CFWNC Donor Advised FundPrivate Foundation
Initial feesNone Several thousand dollars in legal and
accounting fees and filing expenses
Minimum
Contribution
$10,000$5 million+ recommended
Ongoing costs$250 and up annually, depending on type of fund and
balance
Annual accounting, investment, reporting
and tax services
Grantmaking
Focus
Determined by donorDetermined by donor
Grantmaking
Effectiveness
and Support
Fund is supported by a professional staff, knowledgeable about community needs and nonprofit effectivenessBurden of knowledge about need and effectiveness is on the donor, paid staff or consultants
Payout
Requirements
None5% of net asset value
Reporting
Requirements
Handled by CFWNCAnnual IRS Form 990-PF must be filed and made available to the public
Accountability
and Liability
Donors may remain anonymous; CFWNC monitors
regulatory requirements
Donors are named on the 990-PF; board responsible for adhering to regulations on
investments and grantmaking or significant
penalties can apply.