There was a time in this country when charitable foundations set up by wealthy families and corporations were responsible for building hospitals, funding scientific research, educating the underprivileged, feeding the hungry, and an uncountable number of other good works.
These days, such activities are no longer the province of the truly wealthy. Small private foundations are growing at a rate of about six per day, and those with less than $1 million in assets make up about 60 percent of all charitable foundations, according to the Journal of Accountancy.
If you have a hard time keeping track of receipts from your donations until tax time, setting up a private foundation is probably not for you. But if you want to control how and where your donations are used, create an entity that has the potential to last for generations, and unite family members behind a worthy cause — and don’t mind some fairly strict paperwork requirements — this type of organization might be worth considering.
Although there are significant setup costs and a considerable amount of work involved in administering grants and complying with state and federal regulations, there are potential benefits to running a foundation, as well.
•Donations to the foundation are income-tax-deductible up to 30 percent of adjusted gross income. Donating highly appreciated assets can help avoid capital gains taxes.
•Foundation assets can grow income-tax-free, but some expenditures might be subject to an excise tax.
•The founders have the ability to change the foundation’s goals and focus as their own views and priorities evolve. Founders can retain control of how foundation assets are spent and can pass this control to their chosen heirs.
•A family foundation can hire family members to run the organization at a reasonable compensation.
Tax benefits alone are probably not a sufficient reason to set up a private foundation. This type of organization is most appropriate for people who aspire to benefit society and are looking for a way to exercise maximum control over their efforts and assets.