Donor advised funds (“DAFs”) are often considered the small donor’s private foundation. They may be more quickly established, are often less expensively administered, and are more tax advantageous.

But for donors who want absolute control over administration, investment policies, and grantmaking -- and who want to be paid for doing it -- a private foundation may be the only answer. The charitable reform provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 have made it more likely that donors seeking control, and particularly those seeking compensation, will opt for a private foundation.

This Ready Reference Page contains a comprehensive list of comparisons between a donor advised fund and a private foundation so that potential donors can determine which may be more appropriate in their situation.

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