People often establish a private family foundation because they don’t know that in many cases working through a community foundation offers an easier alternative. In addition to the tax benefits, a fund through the Community Foundation can be established very quickly. Additionally, the staff of the Foundation takes care of auditing and financial reporting requirements. Many community foundation donors are also pleased by the fact that community foundations have none of the annual payout requirements of private foundations. That means donors may take the time necessary to be thoughtful in recommending charities to receive grants from their fund.

Community foundations combine the tax advantages of a public charity with the lasting quality of a private foundation. Gifts of cash and ordinary income property to a community foundation are deductible up to 50% of adjusted gross income versus 30% for a private foundation. Gifts of appreciated property can be credited for 30% versus 20% for a private foundation. There is no excise tax on community foundations as there is on private foundations.

Establishing a private foundation is like having a child…giving birth is just the first step. 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 startup, it will continue for years to come. And of course, it takes money as well. Theoretically, any amount is possible. But practically, many underestimate the amount needed to operate efficiently, both in terms of the charitable asset and ongoing operating costs. Many private foundations are established without thorough assessment of all the costs involved and the alternatives available. Often prompted by year-end tax planning or the influence of peers, a quick decision can result in a costly and long-term responsibility.

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 the responsibilities of a private foundation.