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Charitable Special Assets Fund

Helping donors become impactful philanthropists through gifts of tangible and intangible ‘special’ assets.

What Are Charitable Special Assets?

Considerable wealth is held in real estate, and related or auxiliary tangible personal property, and other personal and investment property (whether tangible or intangible).

Such assets can be used to either:

  • Directly accomplish a charitable purpose, or
  • Liquidate such assets and to use the proceeds therefrom for charitable purposes, which give these assets significant charitable potential

However, the complexities, costs and liability issues surrounding gifts of these kinds have typically restricted its use.

As a sophisticated investor, you could own one of any number of types of real estate that might be used to fund your charitable goals, perhaps into future generations.

What We Do

The Charitable Special Assets Fund (CSAF), which gains public charity status by virtue of its affiliation with Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, is managed by a separate board of directors comprised of local leaders in the real estate profession, who may also serve on RSF Foundation’s board of directors.

The CSAF Board oversees the process that converts commercial and residential property, and related or auxiliary tangible personal property, and other personal and investment property (whether tangible or intangible) into charitable dollars.

Each potential gift of real estate is unique and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis according to the policies and standards set forth herein.

What to Give

  • Real estate
  • Condos and townhomes
  • Vacation homes
  • Apartments
  • Commercial buildings
  • Rural and agricultural land
  • LLC’s or LLP’s
  • Artwork, collectibles or other tangible property
  • Closely held stock

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CSAF FAQ’s

What is the Charitable Special Assets Fund (CSAF) at Rancho Santa Fe Foundation?

The CSAF is a Type I Supporting Organization of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. This means that the CSAF is a separate legal 509(a)(3) entity (Tax ID # 32-0194805) that exists through an affiliation with the RSF Foundation. The CSAF has been established to accept charitable gifts of both tangible and intangible assets from donors that will provide a charitable deduction to the fullest extent of the law.

Who can donate to the CSAF?

Anyone who is the legal owner of the property.

What is the minimum appraised value of a donated property?

$400,000

What guidelines are in place to govern a donation to the CSAF?

The CSAF has a Gift Acceptance Policy in place.

Besides the tax deduction, what are the other benefits of donating real estate?

  • A streamlined process
  • Reduced transactional costs
  • Avoid undue complications and risks
  • Helps to maximize the value upon sale

What is the role of RSF Foundation?

The Foundation manages the day-to-day operations of the CSAF. Whether you’re in a San Diego North County neighborhood like Cardiff or a southern area such as Pacific Beach, all inquiries regarding potential gifts of real estate should be made directly to the Foundation.

How may I use the proceeds from the sale of Gifted Property?

Typically, donors will simultaneously establish a donor advised fund at Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. At such time as proceeds have been realized from the sale, and all carrying costs have been met (see Gift Acceptance Policy for more details), the funds will be transferred from the CSAF to the RSF Foundation and placed in the donor advised fund. Immediately, you will be able to make grant recommendations from your fund. There are no annual “pay-out requirements” for a donor advised fund so this one gift might benefit you and your family members for generations to come.

Donors may also choose to establish a permanent endowment at the Foundation from which annual grants will be made according to a donor’s wishes.

Donors may also donate other special assets to the CSAF and request that the proceeds be transferred immediately to one or more nonprofit organizations. Generally, this is preferable to donors who wish to make one-time only charitable gifts to the organizations of their choice which do not have the ability to accept gifts of real estate on their own. A fee will apply (see Gift Acceptance Policy for more details).

CSAF Board of Directors

Richard Montaño, Board Liaison to CSAF

Gregory R. Hillgren

John Frager

Ron Kimura

Don Oliphant, Chairman

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