Private Foundation Accounting & Consulting

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.

We provide tailored guidance to address unique operational and regulatory challenges foundations face. Our 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

Our commitment to 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. Are you ready to explore how our services can support long-term growth? Let’s talk — fill out the form to get the conversation started.