A better way to give alternative assets

The problem we solve

The vast majority of American wealth is held not in publicly traded stock or cash, but in illiquid alternative assets — private equity funds, venture capital interests, closely-held business equity, real estate partnerships, and similar vehicles. These assets are difficult to value, impossible to sell quickly, and largely inaccessible to traditional charitable giving.

Most nonprofits and universities cannot accept these assets. The few that can often lack the expertise to hold them patiently until a natural liquidity event — forcing a rushed, below-market liquidation that destroys philanthropic value.

What TAF does

The Alternatives Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity purpose-built to accept, hold, and patiently liquidate illiquid alternative assets. When a donor transfers an asset to TAF:

• No capital gains tax is triggered — the transfer is a charitable contribution, not a sale.
• The donor receives a charitable deduction at fair market value — not at cost basis.
• TAF holds the asset patiently — we do not force a sale. We wait for a natural liquidity event (fund distribution, business sale, IPO, etc.).
• Upon liquidation, proceeds flow to the donor's designated institution — a university, research organization, or other qualified charity.
• TAF charges a 1.5% annual administrative fee, assessed on the asset's value and collected only at the time of liquidation. There are no upfront fees.

The tax advantage

For a donor in a combined 37% income tax bracket and 28% capital gains bracket, a $5 million asset with a $500,000 cost basis produces dramatically different outcomes depending on the approach:

• Sell and donate cash: Pay $1.26M in capital gains tax; deduct $3.74M in cash; net tax savings ~$1.38M. Total philanthropic value: $3.74M.
• Donate via TAF: Pay $0 capital gains; deduct $5M at FMV; net tax savings ~$1.85M. Total philanthropic value: $5M.

The difference — over $1.26M in additional philanthropic capital — goes directly to the institution rather than to the IRS.

Who we serve

Donors & Asset Owners

High-net-worth individuals and families holding PE, VC, carried interest, closely-held stock, or real asset interests who wish to maximize the philanthropic impact of their giving while eliminating capital gains exposure.

Financial Advisors & Attorneys

Wealth managers, estate planning attorneys, and CPAs who advise clients on philanthropic strategies. TAF provides a turnkey solution for non-cash charitable gifts that most clients and advisors have never had access to.

Universities & Research Institutions

Accredited universities, medical research organizations, think tanks, and other qualified charities that wish to receive larger, more transformative gifts without the complexity of accepting and managing illiquid assets themselves.

Legal structure & governance

The Alternatives Foundation is organized as a Texas nonprofit corporation and recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the IRS (EIN: 87-3652885). It is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by an Advisory Board of over 40 attorneys, investors, bankers, and academics. The organization's parent entity is Committo Group, LLC.