faq-old-layout
Q: What is a community foundation?
A: A community foundation is a gathering of assets and ideas that serve a defined community. Conceived in 1914 as a vehicle for managing charitable bequests and remainder trusts dedicated to the betterment of a particular community, the community foundation concept has expanded and matured. Today, community foundations offer opportunities for donors to invest in the present and future needs of their communities and accomplish philanthropic objectives that are difficult to achieve acting alone. There are more than 650 such foundations in the United States. Originally, community foundations were established to serve specific geographic areas, but today community foundations also serve the needs of a variety of ethnic, cultural and religious communities as well.
Community Foundations are designated "public charities" rather than "private foundations" by the Internal Revenue Service because they raise a significant portion of their resources from a broad cross-section of the public each year.
Q: What does it mean that PARSA serves the Persian community?
A: Traditionally, community foundations have been defined by geography. Increasing, ethnic, cultural and religious groups, especially diaspora communities, have formed community foundations to strengthen the fabric connecting their culture. PARSA is a community foundation defined by culture, our Persian heritage. We seek to connect and serve the needs of the Persian diaspora community.
Q: How can I give through PARSA?
A: PARSA offers many ways to contribute to the community. As a member, you can contribute to PARSA’s general grant making. By joining one of our giving circles, you can connect with other members of the community and help make decisions about how to support our community. Or, by opening a donor advised fund, you can support PARSA while retaining the control to direct contributions to the causes you wish to support.
Q: What is a donor advised fund?
A: A donor advised fund (DAF) allows you to combine the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support your favorite charities at any time. Contributions to a PARSA donor-advised fund are eligible for current-year tax deductions, and are then available to recommend grants now, or in the future. And, your contributions have the opportunity to grow and help make a greater charitable impact through our investment pools.
Q: Why should I set up a donor advised fund at PARSA Community Foundation instead of at a financial institution or a local community foundation?
A: PARSA offers virtually all the benefits and security of other community foundations. In addition, we can provide detailed information and guidance about giving to the institutions that serve our community. Finally, by establishing a donor advised fund at PARSA you identify your giving with the Persian Community.
Q: Are you making grants to organizations in Iran?
A: PARSA will make grants to organizations in Iran, as permitted by U.S. law. Currently U.S. law prohibits most grantmaking to organizations in Iran.
Q: Do you have to be Persian to contribute to PARSA?
A: No, we encourage people of all ethnicities to contribute to PARSA.
Q: Do you give only to Iranian causes?
A: No. While PARSA’s community giving is primarily directed to support the Persian community, we have no policy restrictions on the organizations we will support as long as it is consistent with our mission. Contributors establishing donor advised funds at PARSA may direct contributions to the charitable activities of their choice.
Q: What is your privacy policy?
A: PARSA Community Foundation respects the confidentiality of our donors and will not sell or provide information to others about them, including their names, personal or financial data. PARSA will publish an annual list of donors to the Foundation; however, donors may choose to remain anonymous for the purpose of this listing.
Q: I live in the U.S., why would I want to be involved with philanthropists and non-profit organizations in other countries?
A: We have more in common than we realize and wherever there is a Persian community, they seem to care about culture, scholarships, and having a voice. We are sensitive to the differences between countries regarding rules for philanthropy, taxation, immigration, etc. but believe that as a community, we have many commonalities and share common goals.
Q: How will my contributions to the foundation be used?
A: PARSA members contributions and other donations to PARSA will be used to make grants to organizations serving the Persian community, as directed by our Board of Directors and giving circles. Funds contributed to individual donor advised funds are held to be recommended for grants at the discretion of each donor.
Q: May I donate stock or other assets to PARSA?
A: Yes, PARSA accepts gifts of securities and most other assets. Stocks and other securities should be transferred directly to our account at Goldman Sachs & Co. Please see the details about how to do this at donor policies.
Q: How do I apply for a grant?
A: PARSA Community Foundation welcomes grant seekers to contact us, especially organizations doing work in the Persian. The first step is to write a letter of inquiry. Please read the details about how to do this at the grant seekers section.