Supporting Organizations

A supporting organization combines the best of two forms of donor advised charitable entities. Much like a Donor Advised Fund, the donor receives the highest deductions allowed by law and family or friends may participate in grantmaking. And, like a private foundation, there is control over decisions regarding grants and investments.

A supporting organization is established as its own 501 (c)(3) entity, however, it connects itself to the Community Foundation of Shelby County for administrative service. This ‘supporting’ relationship enables all gifts to be deducted at levels akin to public charities.

In return, the Community Foundation is responsible for appointing a majority, but not all, of the supporting organization’s board members. See the Foundation Comparison for details.

Existing private foundation that want to take advantage of the administrative services and tax advantages of the Community Foundation, may be able to roll their foundation into a supporting organization.

The Community Foundation currently has one supporting organization:
The Donald and Evelyn Bensman Foundation