A private foundation is a charitable entity that a donor can establish to fulfill his or her philanthropic vision. A private foundation is a separate entity that is established as a registered charity where the donor has full control and responsibility for grant making and investment decisions, in accordance with IRS regulations applicable to private foundations.

Private and family foundations provide individuals, families and corporations the greatest control over their giving with structure, investments and governance of the foundation.

It can be funded by one or a few individuals and provides the opportunity to create a legacy today that can be carried out by generations to come.

Grantmaking is the process foundations use to disperse funds to grantees according to the foundation’s mission or purpose.

Private foundations and donor-advised funds are both charitable giving vehicles that can help donors fulfill their charitable vision. Private foundations may be ideal for philanthropists who prioritize flexibility and control. Private foundations are usually reserved for donations of $5 million or greater and come with specific tax, tax filing, ongoing management tasks and public disclosure rules that need to be carefully considered before the foundation is established. Donor-advised funds are appropriate for self-directed donors, both emerging and experienced philanthropists, who desire privacy, administrative simplicity and maximum charitable impact. Once cash or other assets are gifted to a donor-advised fund they are irrevocable and become the property of the public charity that manages the DAF on the donor’s behalf.