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John D. Rockefeller formed his foundation in 1913, contributing $540 million, which in today's dollars would exceed $6 billion.
By the year 2000, there were more than 56,000 foundations qualified with the IRS, with assets totaling about $450 billion and grants to public charities totaling about $23 billion.
The last decade has witnessed the most rapid growth in the number and size of foundations in history. There are many reasons for this phenomenon. Foundations are formed to:
- Support and perpetuate the founder's core values;
- Teach the principles of philanthropy, compassion and commitment to future generations of family and community;
- Maintain family control over its wealth; and
- Minimize tax exposure and erosion of the estate.
What is driving this phenomenon? What motivates a wealthy individual to establish a foundation? The most compelling reason is an inherent recognition that wealth creates responsibility; in this case, social responsibility.
Also, there is a growing awareness of the potentially adverse affect of excessive inherited wealth on children, grandchildren and future generations.
Warren Buffet reportedly once said, when asked what he intended to leave his children, I want to leave them enough to do anything they want, but not enough to do nothing.
Therefore, in growing numbers, affluent individuals are responsibly and effectively transferring their wealth to their own charity, the family foundation.
A Foundation can be funded from the revenues created by your participation
"Its a Beautiful Story"
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