Supporting Organizations

High involvement and high impact

What are They?
A supporting organization—sometimes called a supporting foundation—is often used as a more efficient substitute for a private or family foundation. It is a separate nonprofit corporation that operates under MCF's charitable umbrella. Through its own board (on which the donor/s may choose to serve), a supporting organization determines its own investment strategy and grant priorities.

Highlights

  • A separate board of directors controls investments and grant making.

  • It is has flexibility similar to that of a private foundation, but donors avoid the associated costs, excise taxes, and legal and administrative obligations of a private foundation.

  • Gifts to supporting organizations qualify for maximum tax benefits, including full deductions for contributions of real estate and closely held stock.  There is no excise tax on investment income.

  • There is no minimum annual distribution requirement.

  • MCF can make grant suggestions if desired, ensure that grantees are qualified charities, and follow up on how grants are put to use.

  • Donors may appoint children and others of their choice to the board of directors.
For more information, including financial details and how to open a fund, click on the icon below to download a complete description of supporting organizations at MCF. This is a PDF document that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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Supporting Organizations


If you wish to discuss a supporting organization with someone at the Foundation, send us this online form to help us understand your interests.



To learn more about establishing a fund at MCF, contact Elizabeth Marlowe, vice president for Philanthropic Services, at 415.464.2517 or by e-mail; or Aviva Shiff Boedecker, director of gift planning, at 415.464.2516 or by e-mail. Or, you can request a copy of “Giving Back, Looking Forward: How to Achieve Your Financial and Charitable Goals through the Marin Community Foundation.”


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