Definition of private operating foundation

A private operating foundation is any private foundation that spends at least 85 percent of its adjusted net income or its minimum investment return, whichever is less, directly for the active conduct of its exempt activities (the income test).  

In addition, the foundation must meet one of the following tests: 

• the assets test
• the endowment test
• the support test  

Certain private foundations that provide long-term care facilities are treated as operating foundations only for the purposes of the excise tax on failure to distribute income.

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