> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://pcadafguide.foundationsource.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://pcadafguide.foundationsource.com/how-client-fees-work.md).

# How client fees work

Foundation Source offers a modern DAF capability with low client fees.

With a Foundation Source DAF, you can choose between two DAF account types for each of your clients: 

1. **Cash (default):** The balance of this donor-advised fund account is held in cash, but is free to use. This is recommended for pass-through grantmaking.
2. [**Invested**](#when-to-consider-an-invested-account)**:** The balance of this donor-advised fund account is invested in your choice of prepopulated Charityvest portfolios, with built-in investment fees. A standard [admin fee](#what-is-the-admin-fee) (up to 45bps depending on balance) also applies on this account type.

The default state of a new client DAF account is Cash. For private foundation clients looking to use a DAF as a complementary grantmaking tool, this is likely the best fit.

If your client is looking to invest their balance, you are able to [edit your client's investment allocation](/pca-instructions/enable-investing.md), which will automatically enroll them in an Invested account.

## When to consider an Invested account

The Invested account is a great option for Foundation Source DAF clients who wish to maintain a balance in their DAF account over time prior to grantmaking. The benefits include:

* **Donate now, decide later** approach to philanthropy, so clients can enjoy tax-smart giving practices, such as the [bunching strategy and appreciated asset contributions](/about-donor-advised-funds/daf-educational-resources.md#learning-center).
* **Tax-free growth** on client giving account balances, to enable them to give more over time.

## Client fee overview

Here is a breakdown of the fee structure for each account type:

<table><thead><tr><th width="396"> </th><th width="139">Cash (default)</th><th width="215">Invested</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Investment status</strong></td><td>None</td><td>Invested in prepopulated Foundation Source DAF portfolios</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Built-in investment fund-level fees</strong></td><td>None</td><td>0.05% to 0.11%</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Admin fees</strong></td><td>None</td><td><a href="#what-is-the-admin-fee">up to 60bps</a>*</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Account opening fee</strong></td><td>$0</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Account maintenance fee</strong></td><td>$0</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Contribution fee (via linked bank account)</strong></td><td>$0</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Contribution fee (via all other modalities)</strong></td><td><a href="/pca-instructions/contribution-options.md"><strong>Varies</strong></a></td><td><a href="/pca-instructions/contribution-options.md"><strong>Varies</strong></a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Grant fee</strong></td><td>$0</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Minimum initial contribution</strong></td><td>$0</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Minimum balance requirement</strong></td><td>$0</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Minimum contribution, grant, or gift amount</strong></td><td>$15</td><td>$15</td></tr></tbody></table>

Here is an example of Invested account admin fees at various balance levels:

<table><thead><tr><th width="188">Average balance</th><th width="299">Annual admin fee (up to 60bps)*</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>$2,500</td><td>$100</td></tr><tr><td>$10,000</td><td>$100</td></tr><tr><td>$100,000</td><td>$600</td></tr><tr><td>$250,000</td><td>$1,500</td></tr><tr><td>$500,000</td><td>$3,000</td></tr><tr><td>$1,000,000</td><td>$3,000</td></tr></tbody></table>

*\*The* [*admin fee* ](/how-client-fees-work.md#what-is-the-admin-fee)*starts at 60bps (with a minimum fee of $100/year) and blends down at higher balances.*

## What is the admin fee?

If you select the Invested account type for a client, their account will be subject to a admin fee, automatically assessed monthly and deducted from their DAF balance.

This fee is paid to the DAF sponsor ([Charityvest, Inc. EIN: 81-2771871](/master/the-charityvest-partnership.md)) to provide and service the donor-advised fund.

Foundation Source DAF admin fees are among the lowest in the industry, starting at 45bps and blending down based on fund balance. Here is a breakdown of the annualized admin fee at each balance level:

| Invested account DAF balance        | Annualized admin fee     |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| First $500,000 of fund balance      | 0.60%                    |
| Next $500,000 of fund balance       | 0.30%                    |
| From $1M to $2.5M of fund balance   | 0.20%                    |
| From $2.5M to $5M of fund balance   | 0.15%                    |
| From $5M to $10M of fund balance    | 0.10%                    |
| Above $10M of Fund Balance          | Custom pricing available |
| Minimum annual Invested account fee | $100/year                |

### Admin fee timing

Fees accrue daily based on your client's DAF daily ending balance and the fee schedule applied. They are deducted from the account balance on the first business day of the month. Here are some key terms to understand:

* **Last fee charged** is the fee amount assessed on the account during the specified period.
* **Average daily balance** is the sum of each day's ending balance divided by the number of days in the period.
* **Blended fee rate** is calculated as the annualized fee for the period divided by the average daily balance.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Curious to learn more about the Foundation Source DAF program?** Contact <support@charityvest.org> for any program or product-related matters.
{% endhint %}


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