Creating and Operating Charitable EntitiesCreating and Operating Charitable Entities

Private foundations (PFs) and donor-advised funds (DAFs) can be thought of as large bodies of money surrounded by those who want some. That’s from the perspective of would-be beneficiaries.

We’ll tell you about PFs and DAFs from the perspective of advisors who counsel on the creation and operation of those entities. (See “Glossary of Terms,” p. 18.)

Donor’s Goals

Should a client create a PF or a DAF—or contribute directly to a public charity (PC)? No surprise here: It depends on the facts of each client’s situation. Most donors will contribute directly to PCs or do so through DAFs. Sometimes, PFs, DAFs and PCs are all used to achieve a donor’s philanthropic goals.

It doesn’t go without saying that to help clients in choosing their philanthr...