Foundation Options Comparison

 Factors

Commercial

Gift Fund

Private Foundation

ECCF

Initial contribution  $10,000  $5 million to be cost-effective  $1,000
Start-up costs None  Legal and accounting fees  None
Annual administrative fees  1%-2.00%  Ongoing legal and accounting fees  1%-1.50%
Max tax deduction for gifts of cash (% of AGI)  50%  30%  50%
Max tax deduction for gifts of appreciated securities 30%  20%
30%
Must pay excise tax on investment No  Yes (1-2%)  No 
Minimum pay out required No  Yes (1-2%)  No 
Flexibility in choosing grant recipients
Yes  Yes  Yes 
Requires donor time and expense to administer
No  Yes  No 
Anonymity No  No  Yes
if desired
Grant making consultation No  No  Yes
no charge
Access to community-wide agency knowledge base No  No  Yes
no charge
Research and evaluation of charitable agencies No  Must hire staff  Yes
no charge
Agency liaison services No  No  Yes -no charge 
Planned giving services Limited  No  Yes -no charge