The private foundation is today's premier charitable vehicle, preferred hands down by the world's leading philanthropists for its unparalleled benefits, flexibility and control.  A foundation from Foundation Source provides an even wider range of benefits, for a wider range of donors.

Economics of Philanthropy, Redefined

The old rule of thumb was that you needed to have $3 million or more in investible assets to justify the costs of a private foundation. But such economics became obsolete when Foundation Source started in 2000. We exist to bring the benefits of foundation philanthropy to a broader group of affluent donors, not just the ultra-wealthy.

With Foundation Source, it is possible to establish a foundation with as little as $500,000. Some donors even start their foundation with just $250,000 to get things up and running before adding major funding later on.

With private foundations this affordable, it’s no wonder they are increasingly the vehicle of choice for today’s affluent families.

Fast, Easy Startup

In as few as three days, our award-winning service lets you set up and begin running a new foundation. Foundation Source provides the corporate entity and handles the IRS filing for tax-exempt status.

Limited Only by Your Imagination

Private foundations are chosen by families like the Gates’s, the Dells, the Fords, and families like yours because only through a foundation can you:

• Issue grants to individuals facing hardships, emergencies or medical distress;

• Conduct direct charitable activities, such as purchasing furniture for a new teen shelter or collecting and shipping much-needed textbooks to students in rural India;

• Set up a scholarship or award program and personally select recipients in your community or around the world;

• Grant to organizations that don’t have 501(c)(3) status (i.e. business leagues, chambers of commerce or for-profit businesses) as long as it’s for a charitable purpose;

• Structure loans or even equity investments in social-purpose businesses that allow the foundation to fulfill its mission while recycling funds for future use;

• Appoint family members and trusted advisors to the board, keeping true governance in the family

• Pay reasonable expenses to hold foundation meetings, attend relevant conferences, visit grantees and hire consultants or staff.

• And more…

By setting up a private foundation, you establish a tradition of giving that can include the entire family for generations to come. Explore all the benefits of a private foundation versus a donor-advised fund (DAF) .

Click here to learn more about our complete suite of Core Services.

We Grow with You

Foundations of every size require oversight, but you can feel confident because we handle all of the administrative details to keep yours running smoothly and in compliance with IRS and state regulations. As your foundation grows and matures, Foundation Source can provide advanced tools and services to meet your changing needs.

Click here to learn more about our complete suite of Advanced Services.