Drinker Biddle has a distinguished history of helping to make charitable activities attractive and effective for our individual and foundation clients. Our lawyers partner with individuals who wish to establish private foundations, then assist the foundations as they carry out their philanthropic goals. We are experienced not only at helping with the formation of charitable entities, but in handling issues related to their ongoing operation as well.
We advise organizations on tax requirements, structuring deductible charitable gifts by donors, investment opportunities, real estate negotiations, and other fiduciary obligations. We handle complex representations, including federal self-dealing regulations, foreign grant-making regulations, charitable registration under state law, tax issues, litigation matters, regulations on internationally hosted board meetings and conferences, and 60-month conversion to public charity status. Our operational services include reviewing major gifts or grants, mergers and other fundamental changes, property issues, and employment and compensation arrangements. We represent hospitals, universities and other operating charities, as well as large charitable foundations, and our lawyers regularly work with foundations engaged in a variety of activities, including human services, academic scholarships, conservation and publishing.