Edward Charles Foundation

Edward Charles Foundation

Philanthropic Platform

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Established 2007 · Independently Audited 501(c)(3)

Edward Charles.
Foundation

Edward Charles Foundation is the premiere outsourced back-office platform for fiscal sponsorship and donor advised funds; trusted by music, sports, and entertainment industry leaders, RIAs, wealth managers, family offices, and their high-net-worth clients.

Focus on doing good. We handle the rest.

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0 +

Projects since inception

0 +

Active projects incubated

0

Years of expertise

4/4

Charity Navigator

Who we serve

Music & talent agents · Sports managers · Entertainment lawyers · RIAs · Wealth managers · Family offices · High-net-worth individuals

The Gold Standard in Outsourced Philanthropy

Where compliance, operations,
and giving come together seamlessly.

501(c)(3) organizations are governed by complex, ever-evolving rules. ECF assumes full responsibility — accounting, HR, reporting, legal, and compliance — transforming that complexity into a safe, secure experience.

Charitable Account Options

8 ways to structure
your charitable giving

ECF administers eight distinct charitable fund structures under our established 501(c)(3) umbrella. Whether you’re a first-time philanthropist or a seasoned advisor managing complex client portfolios, we help you identify and establish the right vehicle and handle everything else.

Not sure which structure is right for you? Take the quiz.

Answer a few questions and ECF will identify the best fund structure for your charitable goals.

Take the Fund Quiz
Who We Serve

Trusted by the industry's best

ECF proudly partners with the most respected names across finance, law, entertainment, and sports, providing the infrastructure for their clients to give with confidence and impact.

Business Managers

Business managers representing artists, athletes, and entertainers who need a trusted back-office partner to handle every aspect of their clients' charitable activity.

Advisors & Consultants

Philanthropic advisors and financial consultants who integrate charitable giving strategies into comprehensive client planning — backed by ECF's full infrastructure.

Attorneys

Entertainment, estate planning, and tax attorneys who rely on ECF to execute compliant charitable structures for their high-profile and high-net-worth clients.

RIAs & CPAs

Registered investment advisors and CPAs who want to deliver best-in-class philanthropic solutions and tax-optimized charitable strategies to discerning clients.

Industries we specialize in

  • Music & Talent Agents
  • Sports Managers
  • Wealth Managers
  • Family Offices
  • High-Net-Worth Clients
  • Talent Agencies
  • Health Care
  • Technology
The Outsourced Platform

Six Service Pillars

ECF’s fully outsourced platform is unmatched in scope and depth. Each pillar represents a complete service area, fully managed by our team so nothing falls through the cracks.

Compliance & Legal

Full 501(c)(3) regulatory compliance, attorney general rules, fundraising regulations, and governance oversight — handled entirely by ECF’s legal team.
501(c)(3) Administration Self-Dealing Rules Donor Advised Fund Rules Investment Rules Attorney General Rules Fundraising Rules Gift Deductibility Governance & Reporting Best Practices
9 Services · Risk & Regulatory

Full-Charge Accounting

Bill payment, payroll, receivables, bank reconciliations, investment account reconciliations, and reporting for non-cash charitable gifts.
Bill Payment Receivables Bank Reconciliations Investment Reconciliations Bank Account Management Monthly Statements End of Year Reporting Charitable Receipts Non-Cash Gift Reporting
9 Services · Financial Operations

Proprietary Technology

Purpose-built software with secure client portal, real-time dashboards, AI integrations, automated reconciliations, and white-label capability.
Secure Client Portal Real-Time Dashboards AI Integrations Automated Reconciliations White-Label Capability Custom Reporting
6 Capabilities · Platform & Tools

Disbursements & Grants

Weekly checks, wires, and ACH disbursements. Domestic and international grants managed with full charity check verification and oversight.


Weekly Checks
Wires & ACH
Domestic Grants
International Grants
International Grants Rules
Charity Check Verification
Grant Oversight
7 Services · Grantmaking

HR & Payroll

Complete human resources infrastructure — payroll, W-2s, 1099 reporting, compensation rules compliance, and contract review managed end-to-end.
Payroll Processing W-2 Generation W-9 & 1099 Reporting Compensation Rules Contract Review HR Infrastructure
6 Services · People & Payroll

Educational Events

Ongoing philanthropic education — accelerator programs, webinars, events, and direct access to best practices from a team with 100+ years of combined experience.
Accelerator Program Advanced Accelerator Webinars & Events Case Studies Best Practice Access
5 Programs · Learning & Access

6

Core Disciplines

25+

Managed Services

100%

Back-Office Coverage

More Of What We Do

Operational Excellence
Real-Time Reconciliations
Bank and investment accounts reconciled continuously — eliminating month-end surprises.
Regulatory Depth
International Grant Verification
Equivalency determinations, expenditure responsibility, and OFAC screening on every grant.
Donor Experience
Donor Receipt Generation
Automated, audit-ready receipts for every gift — cash, non-cash, complex, or international.
Proprietary Software & Technology

Built from experience
not assumption

Every feature in ECF’s platform was forged from nearly two decades of running real 501(c)(3) back offices — proprietary software that automates and streamlines the full spectrum of charitable fund operations.

18

Years of
Operational Insight

Efficiency & Accuracy

Delivering efficiency, accuracy, and transparent accounting across the board for fiscally sponsored projects and donor-advised fund activity.

Compliance & Legal

Full 501(c)(3) regulatory compliance, attorney general rules, fundraising regulations, and governance oversight — handled entirely by ECF's legal team.

Full-Charge Accounting

Bill payment, payroll, receivables, bank reconciliations, investment account reconciliations, and reporting for non-cash charitable gifts.

Proprietary Technology

Purpose-built software with secure client portal, real-time dashboards, AI integrations, automated reconciliations, and white-label capability.

Platform Features
15 Tools · Refined Over 18 Years
Fully Secure Client Portal & Dashboard
Donation & Disbursement Tracking
Gifts & Grants Tracking
Access to Relevant Legal Documents
Financial Statements Archive
Bill Payment Portal
Invoice Tracker
Expected Donations Tracking
Charitable Fundraising Event Tracking
Instant Charity Checker
Customizable User Access
Powerful AI Integrations
Real-Time Account Balance
Automated Reconciliations / Reporting
White Label
The ECF Edge

What makes us different

Purpose-Built Technology

Custom-developed from nearly two decades of experience in charitable accounting — software that eliminates administrative friction and keeps every fund in compliance.

Secure Client Dashboard

Fully secure portal with real-time account access, tailored reporting, and AI-driven tools designed for transparency and accuracy across every fund.

Human-Centered Service

White-glove support from dedicated professionals who understand each client’s unique mission — responsive, relationship-driven, and always in your corner.

Risk Reduction

Complete protection against self-dealing, compensation, accounting, reporting, governance, and tax-compliance exposure — coordinated as a single integrated safeguard.

Focus on Impact

Efficient operations free clients from back-office burden — so they can stay focused on maximizing the meaningful impact of every philanthropic dollar.

Track Record

18 Years of Charitable Expertise

ECF’s platform was forged from running real 501(c)(3) back offices — not built in a vacuum. Every feature reflects hard-won operational insight.
1,000+
Projects Since Inception

Scale

Simple Pricing.
No Surprises.

A fair fee structure with no hourly billing, no upcharges, and no hidden costs — straightforward and tailored around your fund’s needs.
100%
Back-Office Coverage

$2M

Disbursed Weekly

1,000+

Projects Since Inception

500+

Philanthropists Counseled

2,300+

ECF Community Members
Education & Resources

Philanthropic knowledge
at every level

ECF keeps clients informed and connected — curating resources, hosting events, and providing direct access to expertise across every aspect of 501(c)(3) philanthropy.

Areas We Cover

501(c)(3) Administration Fundamentals

Rules, governance, reporting requirements, and the full compliance landscape for public charities.

Charitable Gifts & Deductibility

Maximizing tax advantages — cash vs. asset contributions, AGI limitations, and deductibility rules for donors.

International Grants Rules

How to fund global programs and mission trips compliantly — equivalency determinations, expenditure responsibility, and more.

Self-Dealing & Compensation Rules

Understanding private benefit, self-dealing prohibitions, and how the ECF structure mitigates risk for fund managers.

Donor Advised Fund Best Practices

Timing of contributions, investment options, grant recommendations, and successor advisor planning for DAF holders.

Investment Rules for Charities

Prudent investor standards, jeopardizing investments, program-related investments, and how charitable assets can grow compliantly.

Programs & Resources

ProgramAccelerator
ProgramAdvanced Accelerator
WebinarDAF Webinar Series
ToolFund Quiz
MediaBlog · Videos · Podcasts
Program
Accelerator Program
An orientation for new and emerging philanthropists entering the world of fiscal sponsorship and charitable fund management. ECF provides direct access to experienced practitioners and a network of peers navigating the same landscape.
What's included
Introduction to 501(c)(3) structures and fiscal sponsorship
Compliance fundamentals and governance requirements
Direct access to ECF's legal and operations team
Peer network of philanthropists at a similar stage
Program
Advanced Accelerator Program
An in-depth program for experienced advisors, fund managers, and philanthropists looking to deepen their compliance knowledge and stay current with regulatory developments across the charitable sector.
What's included
Advanced DAF, self-dealing, and compensation strategy
International grantmaking and OFAC compliance
Investment rules and jeopardizing investment analysis
Regulatory updates and emerging compliance issues
Webinar
DAF Webinar Series
Ongoing webinars covering Donor Advised Fund rules, strategy, and tax optimization — open to ECF clients, financial advisors, and their professional networks. Sessions are recorded and available on demand.
Topics covered
DAF contribution timing and tax strategy
Investment options and successor advisor planning
Grant recommendations and charity verification
Best practices for advisors with DAF-holding clients
Tool
Which Charitable Fund Quiz
A quick interactive tool that helps philanthropists and advisors identify the right charitable structure — fiscal sponsor, donor advised fund, or private foundation — based on their goals, activity level, and tax situation.
Structures evaluated
Fiscal sponsorship with ECF
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
Private Foundation
Supporting Organization
Media
Blog · Videos · Podcasts
An ongoing library of case studies, published articles, video content, and podcasts covering modern philanthropy in practice — written and produced by ECF's team and network of legal and financial professionals.
Content types
Published articles and legal commentary
Video walkthroughs of compliance topics
Podcast episodes with philanthropic practitioners
Real-world case studies from ECF's client base
Some of the Causes We Serve
Animals & WildlifeArts & CultureChildren's ServicesCommunity DevelopmentCuring Incurable DiseasesDisability ServicesDisaster RecoveryEducationElderly CareEmploymentEnding HomelessnessEnvironmentFood PovertyHealth ServicesHuman RightsLegal ServicesMental HealthRefugee ServicesReligion & FaithResearch & ScienceSafe HousesSoup KitchensSportsWomen's ServicesVolunteer ServicesPublic PolicyLow-Income ServicesHospitals Animals & WildlifeArts & CultureChildren's ServicesCommunity DevelopmentCuring Incurable DiseasesDisability ServicesDisaster RecoveryEducationElderly CareEmploymentEnding HomelessnessEnvironmentFood PovertyHealth ServicesHuman RightsLegal ServicesMental HealthRefugee ServicesReligion & FaithResearch & ScienceSafe HousesSoup KitchensSportsWomen's ServicesVolunteer ServicesPublic PolicyLow-Income ServicesHospitals
Executive Team

The people behind the platform

A seasoned team of legal, financial, and philanthropic professionals with a combined century of experience — dedicated to one mission: making your giving work.

Kent E. Seton

CEO, CFO & Chairman of the Board

Kent E. Seton, Esq., is the CEO, CFO and Chairman of the Board of the Edward Charles Foundation and a practicing lawyer in the philanthropic sector with his highly active law firm, Seton & Associates. He is a well-known speaker with published legal articles on tax and corporate matters affecting the philanthropy world.

Kirk Scott

Director of Client Services

Kirk Scott is the Director of Client Services for the Edward Charles Foundation and creates positive change in communities by collaborating closely with leaders from the NBA, MLB, NFL, and Entertainment — with a philanthropic vision, supplying those leaders with the clarity, tools, partnerships, and decades of experience in order to effectively execute their vision.

Tani Stephens

Operations Lead

Tani Stephens is the Operations Lead at Edward Charles Foundation, overseeing daily operations and ensuring clients receive top-notch support. She regularly engages with clients to address inquiries and enhance their overall experience across all fund activities.

Board of Directors

  • Kent E. Seton
  • Andrew Altschule
  • Kevin Gregorenko

Get Started Today

Ready to make a
lasting difference?

Join over 2,300 philanthropists who trust Edward Charles Foundation to manage their charitable back-office. Open your fund in less than a week, all at a fair and reasonable cost.
Open a Charitable Fund
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