Donor Advised Funds and Private Foundations: A Comparison of Key Features
Overview
Two common charitable giving vehicles are donor advised funds (DAFs) and private foundations. A DAF is an account housed in and governed by a public charity. A private foundation is a standalone trust or nonprofit corporation that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization. Both DAFs and private foundations feature the ability to engage family members in philanthropy and create a family legacy. Both offer unique features and benefits, which you should carefully review if you are considering these options.