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Giving
Which giving vehicle is right for me?
Our two key vehicles for structured giving, donor-advised funds (or sub-funds) and private foundations (or private ancillary funds), enable you to:
- Build a lasting revenue stream for the causes you care about
- Make tax-deductible donations before deciding on which charities to support
- Engage family and friends in your giving
- Create a lasting legacy for future generations
- Be part of a thriving community of givers, giving you access to a variety of events and Learning Circles
But there are some differences between the two that will impact your experience of giving. Review the FAQs below to determine which option is best for you.
What are the establishment fees?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
No establishment fee
Foundation (PAF)
$4,000
How long to get set up?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
48–72 hours
Foundation (PAF)
Up to two weeks
What is the minimum initial donation?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
$20,000*
Foundation (PAF)
$1 million is recommended
Are donations tax-deductible?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Yes
Foundation (PAF)
Yes
Who can I give to?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Funds established under our Main Fund and Scholarship Fund can only give to organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient Item 1 status. Funds established under our Extension Fund can give for all charitable purposes.
Foundation (PAF)
Charities with Deductible Gift Recipient Item 1 status
Who is the trustee?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Australian Communities Foundation Limited
Foundation (PAF)
You and the Directors you appoint are responsible for compliance and reporting to regulatory authorities.
Who are the directors of the trustee?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Foundation (PAF)
Family members and/or business partners are generally chosen as Directors. One independent person (a responsible person as defined by the ATO) must be appointed.
Who advises on grantmaking?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
You advise the trustee, Australian Communities Foundation. Our community, advice and events are available if you want to explore and learn more about grantmaking.
Foundation (PAF)
You make the grantmaking decisions. You may choose to purchase our Inspiration package to use our granting expertise as part of your decision-making process.
What are the minimum distribution requirements?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
No minimum distribution requirements for individual funds. As a public ancillary fund, Australian Communities Foundation must distribute 4% of the opening value of its corpus each year. This is calculated at the consolidated trust fund level, giving you the flexibility you need.
Foundation (PAF)
Yes, 5% of the opening value of the fund each year.
How often do I need to contribute?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Contribute as often as you like. There are no legal requirements.
Foundation (PAF)
Contribute as often as you like. There are no legal requirements.
Can the public donate into my fund? Am I allowed to fundraise?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Yes
Foundation (PAF)
No
Who manages the investments?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
We manage your funds in line with our commitment to 100% responsible investing.
Foundation (PAF)
You can nominate an investment adviser or manage the investments yourself. Contact us if you are interested in investment support.
Are the investments tax-exempt?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Yes
Foundation (PAF)
Yes
Are franking credits refunded?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Yes
Foundation (PAF)
Yes
What costs are associated with maintaining the fund?
Donor-advised fund (DAF)
We charge a small fee for administration and support, and investment management. Review our fees for donor-advised funds.
Foundation (PAF)
We offer three packages for private foundations, which are each priced based on the level of support. Review our package fees.
* The minimum establishment amount for a donor-advised fund is $20,000. If the donor-advised fund is being established for fundraising purposes, this minimum establishment amount is waived, provided the fundholder has committed to raising $20,000 within the first year. Alternatively, a Gumnut Account can be established with as little as $2,000.