Community Foundations versus other options
Community Foundation Advantages
Community Foundations differ from other types of charities in several different ways. Most charities have a specific mission. Community Foundations have a broad mission to serve the common good through grants to public charities.
Most charities conduct annual fund drives, whereas a community foundation's financial goal is to build an endowment to provide for long-term community support. Read more » 
(.pdf)
There are many ways to give. People who choose to give through the Foundation find it a simple and flexible way to support their favorite charities or interests through one organization.
Donor Advised Funds
Donor Advised Funds are an easy and rewarding way for donors to support multiple charitable interests over time. When a fund is established (or additional contributions are made) donors recieve an immediate tax deduction for their gift and then may suggest grants to any public charity in the USA, including churches and college alma maters.
For many families, a donor advised fund becomes an attractive alternative to creating a private foundation.
