PKF O’Connor Davies provides comprehensive accounting, tax and advisory services tailored to private foundations. From compliance and audit to cybersecurity, ESG strategies, family office and succession planning, we help foundations strengthen governance, streamline operations and sustain long-term impact.
Since 1891, PKF O’Connor Davies has been committed to the non-profit sector. Today, more than 625 private foundations — including family, corporate, community and independent foundations — as well as grant-making organizations across more than 30 states and nearly 4,000 non-profit organizations rely on us to be their trusted advisors.
Meet Our Professionals
Thomas Blaney
Christopher D. Petermann
Joseph Ali
Elizabeth Gousse Ballotte
Scott Brown
Michael R. Koenecke
Anan A. Samara
Our Private Foundation Practice is among the most comprehensive of its kind. Our clients typically manage $5 million to $10 billion in assets and operate both nationally and internationally.
With a deep understanding of the unique way foundations operate, our clients not only benefit from comprehensive services like board governance, transparency in financial reporting and improved internal control systems, but they also gain a team that embraces cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver faster, more innovative solutions tailored to private foundations. Under the leadership of Tom Blaney and Chris Petermann, the practice is recognized for its national reach and ability to navigate complex state and federal regulations while guiding clients through critical business challenges.
For more than 125 years, we have celebrated the power of philanthropy by helping clients sustain their missions and strengthen their impact.
Our Private Foundation Services
We offer comprehensive audit and tax services, including foundation tax compliance, in-depth internal controls support and deep experience with complex investment portfolios and diversified grant-making activities. Our Private Foundation Services include:
Tax & Compliance
- Tax compliance
- 5% minimum qualifying distribution modeling and requirements forecasting
- Avoidance of self-dealing situations
- Monitoring for unrelated business tax exposure
- Identification of blocker corporations and U.S. filings for foreign transactions
- Reviews for jeopardizing investments and excess business holdings
Reporting
- Audit, review and compilation reporting
- Filing of 990-PF, 990-T, U.S. state filings and foreign filings
- Employee benefit audits
- IT systems reviews
- Internal control design and evaluation
- Chief financial officer (CFO) / chief operating officer (COO) operations and bookkeeping services
Investments
- Valuation analysis of alternative investments
- Administration of investments and alternative investment accounting
- Performance reporting
- Due diligence and transaction services
Grant-Making
- Expenditure responsibility analysis
- Program-related investment guidance
- Analysis of financial statements and Forms 990 of grantees
- Grant expenditure evaluation
- Benefits of security gifting
Advisory & Consulting
- Employee best practices training
- Board governance and training, including conflict-of-interest policies
- Employee compensation and benefits (403(b) and 457 plans)
- Software selection consulting
- Forensic accounting, including fraud and embezzlement investigations
- Assistance with low-profit limited liability company (L3C) analysis
- Review and preparation of investment policies
- Utilization of AI for financial and operational audits
- Cybersecurity and information technology (IT) consulting
- Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and compliance
- Family office succession and legacy planning
Commitment to Client Relationships
Our dedicated focus on the non-profit sector and investment in continuing professional education ensures that clients receive personalized service, efficient engagement and added value in managing their foundation’s financial responsibilities. Ready to explore how our advisory services can support long-term growth? Let’s connect.