A faster path from idea to impact. Federal research budgets are strained. Philanthropy now plays a decisive role in getting promising projects off the ground and across the finish line. TAF’s Research Funds pool private support around targeted themes—so dollars go where evidence, urgency, and readiness are highest.
What makes TAF different
- Built for complex gifts. We specialize in accepting and stewarding alternative assets—carried interest, LP interests, private company shares, and pre‑IPO/IPO stock under lock‑up.
- Hold strategically to maximize value. Unlike many institutions that liquidate immediately, TAF aims to increase value over time and deliver more impact to research on your behalf.
- Transparent, non‑political mission. Our aim with this initiative is accelerating credible science and medical innovation in the public interest.
Focus Areas (Initial)
- Medical & Health Sciences: Oncology, Cardiology, Alzheimer's Disease, Diabetes, Parkinson's Disease
- Bioengineering & Therapeutic Platforms: gene editing, cell therapies, diagnostics, biomaterials
- Computation & AI for Science: drug discovery, imaging, data‑driven biology, clinical decision support
Donor option: designate a specific research project or keep your gift unrestricted within a focus area.
How It Works
- Explore & Align
Choose a focus area or request a custom fund aligned to your interests or alma mater.
- Contribute Complex Assets
Donate LP interests, private company shares, restricted/lock‑up IPO stock, or public securities. We coordinate with your advisors, managers, and appraisers to ensure compliance and tax documentation.
- Stewardship & Timing
Proceeds are earmarked to your selected fund or dedicated account.
- Deploy to Research
TAF disburses grants to vetted university partners against defined milestones. You receive regular updates and impact reports.
Eligible Gift Types
- PE/VC/hedge fund LP interests
- Private/closely‑held C‑corp or LLC units
- Pre‑IPO and IPO shares (during lock‑up via dedicated structures)
- Public stock, cash, DAF transfers
Benefits for Donors
- Potential fair‑market‑value deduction for qualified non‑cash gifts (subject to IRS rules and appraisal requirements).
- Avoid capital gains on appreciated assets donated to charity.
- Dedicated or pooled options: create a named fund for a specific institution or join a thematic fund for broader reach.
- Concierge support: white‑glove coordination with your CFO, counsel, and wealth advisor.
- Clear reporting: gift receipts, 8283 support, and impact milestones.
Tax note: Individual circumstances vary. Please consult your tax advisor. TAF provides required charitable documentation and coordinates independent qualified appraisals when applicable.
Universities & Partners
TAF collaborates with research universities and medical centers to identify high‑potential projects and connect them with donors. We work with advancement teams to make complex gifts simple—and we welcome new institutional partners.
Interested in partnering? Contact us to learn more.