| Feature | Private Foundation | The American Gift Fund |
| Start-up costs | Relatively high | None |
| Maintenance Costs | Typically 2 to 5% of assets, for foundations up to $5 million | A fixed 2.5% of assets, assessed against the Fund account |
| Privacy | IRS forms become public record | No public disclosure of donors' accounts required; donors may remain anonymous |
| Complex and burdensome rules? | Yes | No |
| Ability to select charities? | Yes | Yes, the Fund must approve selection |
| Donor verify not-for-profit status of charities? | Yes | The Fund verifies not-for-profit status |
| Donors must manage assets? | Yes | No, assets are managed by professionals |
| Required distributions? | 5% of assets per year | 5% of average assets over five years |
| Ability to compensate family member directors? | Yes | No |
| Income tax deduction allowed for cash gifts? | Up to 30% of donor's Adjusted Gross Income | Up to 50% of donor's Adjusted Gross Income |
| Income tax deduction allowed for appreciated assets? | Usually up to 20% of donor's Adjusted Gross Income. | Up to 30% of donor's Adjusted Gross Income. Fair market value may be used |
| Estate tax deduction | 100% of gift value | 100% of gift value |
| Excise taxes | Usually 2% of foundation's annual income | None |
