A private foundation and a public charity are both types of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations under IRS Section 501(c)(3), but they differ significantly in structure, funding sources, and regulatory requirements. Public charities typically receive broad public support, including donations from individuals, government grants, or other public sources, and often engage directly in charitable activities. In contrast, private foundations are usually funded by a single source—such as an individual, family, or corporation—and primarily make grants to other charitable organizations rather than operate their own programs. As a result, private foundations are subject to stricter regulations and oversight, including a mandatory annual distribution requirement of at least 5% of their non-charitable-use assets and an excise tax on net investment income. Public charities are not subject to this 5% payout rule and generally have more favorable tax treatment, including higher limits on tax-deductible contributions for donors.
According to its website, "In 2017 Avon separated from the North American business, which is now a privately-held company (New Avon LLC) and therefore, the Avon Foundation is no longer funding partnerships/projects in the US, Puerto Rico or Canada."
In 2015, Avon Products Foundation transferred its Breast Cancer Program to another public charity, New Venture Fund (NVF). NVF formed Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, LLC (ABCC) "to support breast cancer research education, outreach, awareness and access to care," according to the Foundation's 2017 audit. Also per the Foundation's 2017 audit: "In December 2017, ABCC discontinued its annual U.S. Avon 39 Walks and announced plans to wind-down its grant-making programs. As a result, the foundation will no longer be partnering with ABCC in 2018, however, the Foundation will continue its work to support breast cancer initiatives globally through partnerships with other organizations."
In Note 1 of its 2017 audit, Avon Foundation states:
"In 2017, the Foundation launched the Avon Breast Cancer Promise, its renewed commitment to the breast cancer cause in more than 50 markets worldwide. As part of this new promise, the Foundation, in partnership with Avon has set an annual goal to reach 50 million women to help them know the risks of breast cancer, know the signs of breast cancer, and know how to take action. The Foundation will work closely with its newly established advisory board of global experts to provide direction within the various markets in which the Foundation interacts. As a result of launching the new promise, the Foundation has ended its 'Avon Breast Cancer Crusade' branding going forward."
CharityWatch is unable to provide salary information for Avon Products Foundation (the Foundation). CharityWatch generally does not report compensation data on private foundations. In certain prior years the Foundation reported receiving "General Support - In-Kind" from related parties. For example, according to the Foundation's audited Statement of Functional Expense for the year ended December 31, 2019, the $320,367 in "Total In-Kind Expenses" it expensed that year included $318,122 in "Salaries and related personnel costs" and $2,245 in "Occupancy" expenses.
