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Charitable vehicles comparison

Donor-advised fund or private foundation

Professional holding a compass

Creating a successful charitable giving plan begins with understanding the differences between various charitable vehicles. Here we compare two frequently employed charitable planning vehicles — the donor-advised fund (DAF) and private foundation to help you structure and plan your giving. For more detailed information about these solutions, please contact your advisor.

Donor-advised fund Private foundation
Maximum tax deductibility as a percentage of Adjusted Gross Income
(excess may be carried over five years)
Cash: 60%1
Publicly traded securities: 30%
Nonfinancial assets: 30%
Cash: 30%
Publicly traded securities: 20%
Nonfinancial assets: 20%
Valuation of gifts for deduction
Fair market value2 Fair market value for publicly traded securities; cost basis for non-publicly traded securities or nonfinancial assets2
Grantmaking
Donor makes grant recommendations, which are restricted to US-based public charities or their equivalents Donor has full control over and responsibility for grantmaking decisions in accordance with IRS regulations applicable to private foundations
Investments
Donor can choose investment management as allowed by the DAF sponsor's guidelines Donor manages investments directly in accordance with IRS regulations applicable to private foundations 
Privacy
Donor has discretion to grant anonymously Grant activity is a matter of public record
Excise tax on net investment income3
None 1.39% of net investment income annually
Required quarterly tax payments
No Yes
Required annual distribution
None Yes, 5% of net asset value annually
Donor IRS filing requirement
No Must file tax return (IRS Form 990-PF)
Legal fees/start-up costs
No Yes, required to establish foundation

 

Our Offerings

Note: An increasing number of philanthropic individuals and families rely upon both donor-advised funds and private foundations in executing on their charitable giving strategy.

Donor-advised fund offering: The Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund

Client type: May be ideal for emerging and experienced philanthropists — self-directed donors who desire privacy, administrative simplicity and maximum charitable impact


Tax preparation: Gift receipt provided for assets contributed


Administration: Provided by donor-advised fund


Account minimums:

  • Initial contribution: $25,000
  • Minimum grant: $250
  • No ongoing minimum balance is required

Assets accepted:

  • Cash
  • Securities and mutual funds
  • Restricted stock and closely held business interests4
  • Hedge funds and private equity interest4
  • Real estate, timberland, farms and ranches4
  • Gas, oil and mineral rights4
  • Other complex assets4
  • Certain other nonfinancial tangible assets4

Support from grantmaking professionals: Comprehensive support available, based on account size, including strategic planning, grantmaking, mission development and family governance5


Family involvement: Unlimited advisors  - clients may name co-Advisors and Successor Advisors to share in account privileges


Succession: Unlimited


 

Private foundation offering: Foundation management services6

Client type: May be ideal for philanthropists who prioritize flexibility and control


Tax preparation: Available to foundations provided our firm manages all assets


Administration: Broad range of administrative services available


Account minimums: Greater than $5 million is recommended, with no strict minimums


Assets accepted:

  • Cash
  • Securities and mutual funds
  • Crypto Currency4
  • Restricted stock and closely held business interests4
  • Hedge funds and private equity interest4
  • Real estate, timberland, farms and ranches4
  • Gas, oil and mineral rights4
  • Certain other nonfinancial, tangible assets4

Support from grantmaking professionals: Comprehensive support including strategic planning, grantmaking and administrative services, mission development, governance and compliance5


Family involvement: Family members and other trusted advisors may be involved in roles such as trustee, director or advisor


Succession: Unlimited


 

Contact us at 888-703-3436 or email us.

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