When discussing donor-advised funds with local philanthropists, a common question I hear is: What’s the difference between opening a community foundation fund versus a commercial gift fund?
The simple answer is donor-advised funds at community foundations, like The San Diego Foundation, provide philanthropists with opportunities to strengthen your community and maximize the impact of your charitable giving in ways that commercial gift funds at firms cannot.
Here are five reasons to consider opening a donor-advised fund at a community foundation versus a commercial firm:
At The San Diego Foundation, 84.7 percent of all recommended grants go to San Diego County nonprofits. In Fiscal Year 2018, The Foundation awarded $67.4 million to the San Diego community.
Our Charitable Giving Team, is here to help donors with grantmaking needs and often meets with you in-person to discuss philanthropic strategies, including giving to nonprofits. Additionally, our staff have deep, long-standing relationships with the San Diego nonprofit community and can produce custom nonprofit research reports to better inform grant recommendations.
Furthermore, The Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement at The San Diego Foundation brings community together to learn about and discuss social challenges and opportunities in the region, including public convenings focused on air quality, recidivism, childhood trauma, civil rights and more.
Also, depending on your investment fund choice, The San Diego Foundation may offer lower investment fees than commercial gift funds. The Foundation also provides a social equity fund
At community foundations, you can access sophisticated institutional investing options (including private equity and hedge funds) and socially responsible investment strategies by opening an endowed or non-endowed, donor-advised fund. The San Diego Foundation equips fund holders with a world-class investment committee and in-house Chief Investment Officer to maximize philanthropic dollars.
The long-term investment return rate for our Endowment Portfolio is 8.6 percent over the last 10 years, outpacing the Policy Index. (Updated October 2019 with the latest investment return rate.)
For more than 43 years, The Foundation and our donors have granted more than $1.1 billion to grow a vibrant San Diego region. Join your fellow San Diegans who are getting involved to improve our region, our cities and our neighborhoods.
Give with The San Diego Foundation
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”14009″ img_size=”” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]As Director of Development, Julia works to increase the impact of charitable giving at The San Diego Foundation. Through donor-advised funds, planned giving, and other philanthropic vehicles she helps donors achieve their charitable goals. She is responsible for cultivating relationships with philanthropists new to The San Diego Foundation and strengthening donor and fund advisor relationships with a goal of establishing new funds and building enduring assets.
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On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
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The Advisor monthly e-newsletter provides philanthropy news and trends and financial planning strategies for advisors and their clients.
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This helpful resource provides you with information about corporate philanthropy and custom corporate giving solutions for your business.
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This helpful resource will show you how you can leave a legacy to your family, your charity or your community that complements your will and trust(s).
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