Curious about fiscal sponsorship?

The experts at Foundation Center’s GrantSpace offer this concise working definition:

 “Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which a 501(c)(3) public charity sponsors a project that may lack exempt status. This alternative to starting your own nonprofit allows you to seek grants and solicit tax-deductible donations under your sponsor’s exempt status.”

Typically, having a fiscal sponsor allows donors to make tax-exempt contributions to the charitable activities of individuals or unincorporated groups when a 501(c)(3) extends its tax-exempt status to the sponsored people or organization. This enables groups to:

• Receive tax-deductible contributions from donors

• Apply for grant funding

• Get started faster, without having to apply and wait for nonprofit status

• Benefit from the name recognition of your reputable nonprofit sponsor

What exactly does FCCAN offer as a fiscal sponsor?

•  Technical assistance and administrative support, potentially including payroll and accounting services, office space, publicity, and capacity building

• Insurance cost savings (often, we can obtain lower insurance rates than individuals and unincorporated groups, then we pass these savings on to you)

• FCCAN receives and administers donations on behalf of the sponsored people or organization

• FCCAN can sponsor projects with a charitable purpose that are consistent with its own mission and values

What are the next steps?

1. Complete the interest form below

2. FCCAN’s Executive Director will reach out and set up a time to meet with you to discuss your vision, mission, and if having a fiscal sponsor is a right fit for you and your group

3. If we are a good fit, FCCAN will help you in creating a proposal. If we aren’t a good fit, we will help you determine next steps!

4. FCCAN’s Spokes Council (Board of Directors) will vote to approve or deny the project based on alignment with our mission and our current capacity.

5. We’ll both sign Fiscal Sponsorship Agreements—woo!