Donor advised funds (DAFs) have increasingly become the preferred charitable giving vehicle for high net worth individuals and families looking for a simpler way to manage their giving. Without the administrative burdens of a private foundation, DAFs can provide maximum tax advantages and a flexible timetable for charitable disbursements.

A fund with JCF can protect your confidentiality and afford a degree of privacy not possible with private foundations. A DAF can also be used alongside an existing foundation for giving that may be off-mission or involve the next generation.

The chart below illustrates the differences and significant advantages of using a DAF.

Donor Advised FundPrivate Foundations
Cash contributionsDeductible up to 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI)Deductible up to 30% of AGI
Appreciated Marketable SecuritiesDeductible at fair market value up to 30% of AGIDeductible at fair market value up to 20% of AGI
Closely held stock and most other appreciated property*Deductible at fair market value up to 30% of AGIDeductible at cost up to 20% of AGI
Required annual distributionsFlexible5% of assets
Excise tax on net investment incomeNone1% – 2%
Annual tax reportingNone for individual fund holderAnnual Federal and State returns
Legal and accounting feesTypically noneTypically incurred annually
ConfidentialityCan grant anonymouslyThe 990PF is available to the public


We Turn “Problems” Into Giving Opportunities

Donors with illiquid assets such as art or real estate can maximize their tax advantage and provide substantial capital for charitable projects by contributing gifts of non-marketable assets, such as stock in closely-held companies, limited partnership interests, limited liability company interests, art and real estate.

Superior Investment Offerings

JCF offers a robust platform of highly rated investment options vetted by our independent investment advisor. Our pre-approved additional investment options include fixed income, global equity, long/short equity hedge funds, fund of funds and private equity managers. The assets in a JCF fund earn tax-free income that is rebalanced into your charitable portfolio.

Enhanced Investment Opportunities for Private Clients

JCF Private Client Donors (minimum fund balance of $1 million) may suggest investment managers not currently on our platform. Strict due diligence is conducted by JCF’s outside independent investment consultant and is subject to approval by the JCF Investment Committee.

Terminating a Private Foundation

Voluntary termination of private foundation status by transferring remaining foundation assets to a donor advised fund such as the Jewish Communal Fund enables family members to continue pursuing their philanthropic goals more efficiently, without the costs and burdens of annual tax filings.