Comparison of Donor Advised Funds and Private Foundations
Consider the advantages of working through the North Carolina Community Foundation to accomplish your charitable goals
Establishment and operation
Donor-Advised Fund at the NCCF | Private Foundation | |
Recommended Size | $25,000 minimum, as of July 1 | $10 million recommended minimum to justify operating costs |
Start-up and initial costs | None | All legal, accounting and filing fees |
Ongoing administration and annual costs | 1% annual fee (may be negotiated favorably for funds above $1 million) | All costs (legal, accounting, payroll, audit) are incurred by private foundation |
Tax considerations
Excise taxes | None | Subject to 1-2% annually |
Tax status and filings | Qualifies under NCCF’s public charity status; no filing necessary | Must file for private foundation tax-exempt status |
Excise taxes | None | Subject to 1-2% annually |
Tax-deducibility of gifts Cash Appreciated stock (held more than one year) Real estate and closely held stock (held more than one year) | Deduction of up to 60% of adjusted gross income Fair market value up to 30% of adjusted gross income Fair market value up to 30% of adjusted gross income | Deduction limited to 30% of adjusted gross income Fair market value up to 20% of adjusted gross income Cost basis up to 20% of adjusted gross income. |
Grantmaking support and requirements
Grantmaking support | NCCF provides due diligence review of grantees recommended by donor. Research on specific non-profits provided upon request. | Donor must establish and oversee all evaluation, monitoring and reporting procedures. |
Payout requirements | None. Grant recommendations of 5% recommended but no government-required payout | Annual minimum payout of 5% of assets required (subject to penalty on undistributed amount) |
Investment management
Investments | Fund assets professionally invested through NCCF. Donor may choose from selection of NCCF asset managers. | Must secure and oversee own investments. Investment management fees the responsibility of the private foundation |
Donor involvement and privacy
Donor involvement | Donor recommends grants to qualified nonprofits. Grants are approved by NCCF. | Donor appoints initial board of a nonprofit corporation. Board controls investment and grantmaking. |
Privacy and confidentiality | Fund may be named or anonymous. Contributions, assets and grants may be kept confidential. | Detailed public disclosure annually from posting of IRS 990PF, which makes public all assets and grants. |
To discuss the advantages of a community foundation structure vs. a private foundation, please contact our development team.