Individuals and families who are committed to philanthropy usually choose one of the following ways to do their charitable giving:

Private/Family Foundation
Private foundations allow extensive donor control over distributions and board selection.They are subject to administrative costs and concerns, annual minimum distribution requirements and excise taxes. Gifts to a Private/Family Foundation are more limited in their tax deductibility.

Donor Advised Fund (see Types of Funds)
Through an agreement with The San Diego Foundation, a donor's contribution will establish a fund named by the donor. The Fund will be managed and administered by The San Diego Foundation. The donor may be the fund advisor and advise The Foundation about preferences regarding grant recipients and gift amounts. Distributions will be made in the fund's name and the donor will receive regular financial statements. As the fund is considered part of The San Diego Foundation's holdings, it receives the maximum tax benefits accorded to public charities and the donor will not be responsible for the tax filings.

Supporting Organization
(see Supporting Organizations)
Through a unique collaboration with The San Diego Foundation, one can form a supporting organization. Structured as a separate corporation, a supporting organization maintains its own nonprofit board, bylaws, articles of incorporation and financial statements. By sharing management and administration with The San Diego Foundation, a supporting organization is particularly cost effective. Most importantly for tax purposes, it is considered a public charity entitling its donors to the most generous charitable tax deductions available.