Alternatives to Private Foundations

  • Weighing the Benefits of Private and Public Charity

    Running a successful, mission-driven foundation requires steadfast vision, strong leadership, and hard work. It also takes time. While the investment of time begins with the start-up, it will continue for years to come. And of course, it takes money as well, and many underestimate the amount needed to operate (Read More...)

  • Surprised by Demands

    In fact, after the first year or two of operations, some private foundation founders express mild regret, saying they didn't anticipate the magnitude of demands on their time, energy, and resources. They wish that someone had helped them consider the costs, the benefits, and the options... before they signed up for (Read More...)

  • Private Foundations and Donor-advised Funds

    Many philanthropists choose to maintain their private foundations while establishing a donor advised fund the Community Foundation. In doing so, they can earmark just a portion of their assets to suit a special interest (Read More...)

  • Donor-advised Fund

    Donor advised funds offer a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. While The Community Foundation of Mendocino County retains the assets given in this way, donors—and even successive generations—can stay involved in recommending uses for the fund (Read More...)

  • The Supporting Organization Option

    Generally, it is possible for a private foundation with $5 million in assets, or the potential to reach $5 million in the future, to become a supporting organization of the Community Foundation. Besides easing the administrative and cost burdens of managing a private foundation, transferring it to the Community (Read More...)

  • Benefits of Public Charity

    Section 507 of the Internal Revenue Code permits termination of a private foundation in either trust or corporate form with distribution of its assets to a public charity. The two primary requirements for the termination of a private foundation are that the private foundation must distribute all of its net assets to (Read More...)

Next: Tools and Templates »