I have a private charitable foundation. I contribute to the foundation which is tax-deductible at that point. Subsequently the foundation gives ‘grants’ according to my wishes. For purposes of mitzvas tzedoka, maaser, baal t’acher, etc. is there any significance that the grants are technically being given by a foundation (which follows my requests) and not directly from me?
Answer:
No, there is no special significance in this.
Many organizations and foundations collect money for charity, and a person fulfills his charity / maaser duties by donating to the foundation, which allocates the money on his behalf. In this case the foundation is actually yours, but your “donations” to your own foundation remain an act of charity, and the fact that the foundation then allocates the grants does not impair the act of donation that is made.
Best wishes.
