"They want access to capital, and limited liability, but they want the control of a private company, " says Nell Minow, editor of the Corporate Library, a shareholder advocate.

FORBES: Henry Ford's Will

He and his wife emerged with a private foundation, a remainder trust and one lead trust with shares in a family limited liability company, plus two more that spring into being on the death of the surviving spouse.

FORBES: Finding the inner philanthropist