Fidelity Private Foundation Services

Foundation services are customized to the needs of the specific private foundation.

Start the four-step account set up process online by completing a quick online application.

Learn how to Set Up an Account

While there is no minimum required for establishing a private foundation, our services are best suited for foundations of $1 million and above.

An annual charitable distribution minimum of at least 5% of net assets is required by the IRS.

Under IRS rules, a contribution to a private foundation is subject to the following limitations on deductions:

• Cash gifts: up to 30%* of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
• Long-term appreciated securities: up to 20%* of AGI, generally deductible at fair market value (FMV)
• Other long-term appreciated assets: up to 20%* of AGI, generally deductible at cost basis

*Deductibility limits are dependent on the type of asset contributed. Please consult your tax advisor.

A wide variety of assets can be accepted, including certain illiquid assets such as real estate, closely held stock, and other special assets.

A member of the foundation's board may:

• Direct the foundation's investments
• Work with a third-party investment advisor
• Use discretionary management from Fidelity Portfolio Advisory Services^®

Fidelity Private Foundation Services facilitates the:

• Management of grant disbursements
• Due diligence on IRS charitable status
• Online grant tracking and history
• Online transaction capability for contributions, grants, and expenses

Learn more about the Benefits of Our Service

The foundation must disclose, as part of its annual filing with the IRS, certain information which may limit privacy, such as a record of assets, contributions and grant recipients. Some compensation data must also be included on these filings.

Family members may be appointed to the board of the foundation, or they may be given responsibility over the day-to-day activities of running the foundation and helping it to meet its charitable mission.

These individuals may be given access to the online tools available for tracking grantmaking and reporting.

An advisor may serve as a member of the board, be delegated to oversee the foundation's investments, or help provide administrative, tax, and legal support.

Fidelity Private Foundation Services offers advisors:

• Customized services to support a foundation's relationship
• Account access online, when granted by a foundation
• Support for preparation of IRS Form 990-PF
• Support for investment management

Fidelity Private Foundation Services provides administrative services that may be able to facilitate much of the day-to-day management of running a foundation.

Fees are customized based on the structure and activity of each foundation. Once agreed upon, the annual fee will be divided into four equal payments.

For foundations that require establishment, Fidelity Private Foundation Services can refer you to a number of law firms. They offer this service at a competitive rate, available only to clients of Fidelity Private Foundation Services.*

*The attorney list provided is for convenience only and provided as a courtesy to clients of Fidelity Private Foundation Services. Fidelity does not endorse any specific attorney and does not assume any liability for client services.