Looking for a fiscal sponsor but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone. Many projects find it difficult to figure out which organization fits their needs and what each sponsor can actually offer. This article can be used as a guide when comparing fiscal sponsors, taking into consideration your project’s budget, timeline, and values when making your selection. We’ll outline the requirements of each fiscal sponsor, as well as the their services and pricing. If you’re looking for a fast, flexible and affordable fiscal sponsorship experience, you will be able to find a great fit from the organizations outlined. Each of these fiscal sponsors offers personal support and resources to help your project thrive.

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is a way for charitable projects that don’t have their own 501c3 status to collect tax deductible donations under the umbrella of an existing 501c3 nonprofit. In short, it’s a legal arrangement where a nonprofit (a sponsor) supports a charitable project or program (the sponsee) by helping it accept tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, and manage their finances. All without needing to start a brand new nonprofit from the ground up. There are multiple models of fiscal sponsorship, but in this article, we primarily focus on fiscal sponsors that offer Model C. 

Who Are the Major Model C Fiscal Sponsors?

Tides Foundation, Fractured Atlas, Fiscal Sponsorship Allies and Players Philanthropy Fund (PPF) are some of the most well-known fiscal sponsors in the U.S. Combined they support more than 4500 charitable projects across the country. In this article, we’ll be comparing fiscal sponsors so you can find the right fit for your organization, no matter your mission.

These four fiscal sponsorship organizations stand out because:

• Each of them fiscally sponsors at least 50 charitable programs
• Revenue size of at least $5 million
• In-depth administrative support and tools to manage finances
• Support of projects throughout the country

Comparing Fiscal Sponsors | What Is The Tides Foundation? 

The Tides Foundation is a major player in the world of philanthropy, known for supporting social justice initiatives and large-scale charitable efforts. (In case you’re wondering, they are not related to the laundry detergent!) But if you’re a brand-new nonprofit looking for a fiscal sponsor, Tides might be a difficult door to open.  

Tides sets high expectations for projects it sponsors. To be considered, your project typically needs to meet a few criteria:

• $100k minimum donation requirement
• US-based project with no international staff
• Alignment with mission and values of their organization 

Tides offers both Model A and Model C fiscal sponsorships. With Model A, your project essentially becomes part of the Tides organization. You operate under their legal and administrative structure, gaining access to their in-house services that include legal, HR, and marketing resources. Model C on the other hand, is a more hands-off approach. You maintain control of your project, while Tides manages the donations and ensures compliance on the backend. 

The application process isn’t open to just anyone, it is invitation only. Accepted projects are onboarded only four times a year. If you are approved, Tides takes a 5% fee from donations under the Model C arrangement. 

An important thing to note is that fiscal sponsorship with Tides comes with a two year commitment. So it isn’t something that you can easily opt out of if your project decides to take another path. Overall, Tides is a great fit for well established, mission and values aligned organizations that are seeking access to strong infrastructure and comprehensive support. 

Best For: Social justice initiatives with solid funding who need some back office support

Pros of Tides Foundation:

• Missional alignment for social justices initiatives

• 5% fee is on the lower end of Model C pricing

• Extensive back office support services available

Cons of Tides Foundation:

• Minimum 2 year commitment

• $100,000 minimum donation amount

• By invitation only

Comparing Fiscal Sponsors | Who Is Fiscal Sponsorship Allies?

Fiscal Sponsorship Allies (FSA) is a public charity that offers Model C fiscal sponsorship to a wide range of charitable projects throughout the country. Based in the Midwest, FSA often attracts new charitable projects because they have no donation minimums, a short onboarding process and accept applications year-round. 

To be considered for fiscal sponsorship through FSA, you will need:

• A registered entity with an EIN
• Their online application completed, describing your organization and its goals
• The ability to pass a basic background check

Unlike some sponsors who focus on specific project areas, FSA supports a wide variety of projects that range from community gardens to education programs for vulnerable youth. 

Once approved, FSA’s onboarding process can be completed in as little as 1 business day. Most projects can begin to accept tax-deductible donations within 3 business days. A 3.89% fee is charged on donations, which covers the administrative and financial services they provide. 

With no required minimum time commitment, a charitable project can decide to move on from fiscal sponsorship as long as a 30 day notice is given. This also makes FSA a good option for seasonal or temporary charitable initiatives. Whether you’re looking for a short-term fiscal sponsor or a long term partner so you can build relationships with corporate sponsors, FSA has services that can support your project. 

Best For: Short or long-term charitable programs who want to get started quickly and inexpensively

Pros of Fiscal Sponsorship Allies:

• 3.89% fee is the lowest of any of the fiscal sponsors compared here

• No donation minimum requirement

• Quick onboarding to begin accepting donations within 1-3 business days

Cons of Fiscal Sponsorship Allies: 

• Cannot facilitate federal grant opportunities

• Cannot facilitate in-kind donations

• Does not accept grant-making organizations

Comparing Fiscal Sponsors | What Is The Players Philanthropy Fund?

The Players Philanthropy Fund is a public charity that offers fiscal sponsorship for professional athletes, entertainers, and public figures, but they also support a wide variety of charitable projects throughout the country. Whether you’re launching a scholarship fund or a community health initiative, PPF helps to manage the back-end support for your project so you can focus on your mission. 

To be considered for fiscal sponsorship with PPF, you will need: 

• $30k annual budget 
• $5k deposit necessary if application is accepted
• Alignment with mission and values of their organization

PPF is open to different types of charitable initiatives and doesn’t restrict projects to focus on specific issues, but they do want projects that are prepared to support their charitable mission. Their onboarding process includes six steps of communication, giving both your project and their organization time to ensure that it is a good fit. 

Once you’re approved and the agreement is signed, a 6% fee is taken from all donations received. A $5,000 deposit is due within 15 days of signing the agreement. This helps to cover the administrative, legal and general compliance that PPF offers to projects. 

PPF is a great option if you have a solid funding plan and are looking for a sponsor who is familiar with supporting high-profile charitable projects. 

Best For: Mid-sized charitable programs or programs starting with solid funding sources in place already

Pros of PPF:

• Experience working with high profile individuals

• Extensive communication

• Back end support for all types of organizations

Cons of PPF:

• $30k required annual budget

• $5k upfront payment 

• Longer timeline in onboarding new projects

Comparing Fiscal Sponsors | Who is Fractured Atlas?

Fractured Atlas is a nonprofit organization that supports independent artists and arts organizations, providing tools, resources, and services to help creative projects thrive. One of the primary services provided is Model C fiscal sponsorship, focusing on supporting artists. 

To qualify for fiscal sponsorship with Fractured Atlas, your project needs to meet a few basic requirements:

• An artistic component with a clear mission statement
• Minimum of $1000 donation raised by non-family sources
• Alignment with the mission and values of the organization

Fractured Atlas has a broad definition of art, making it easier for a wide range of creative projects to qualify. Whether you work in dance, visual arts, film, or something that is less commonly known, they work to lower barriers and help artists to access the nonprofit tools that they need when starting out. 

Once a project is approved, you can begin to start collecting tax-deductible donations through their platform. There is an 8% fee that is taken from all donations, which includes credit card processing fees, unless your donors choose to cover them. 

There is no required length of sponsorship, so if your project wraps up after hosting your art exhibit, you can opt out at any time without penalty. This flexibility makes Fractured Atlas a good fit for both short-term and long-term projects focusing on the arts. If your charitable initiative is in music, arts or film, and you don’t mind a slightly higher fee, Fractured Atlas could be a great fit. 

Best For: Arts-based organizations seeking fiscal sponsorship for a short or long term project

Pros of Fractured Atlas:

• Mission-specific fiscal sponsor for arts organizations

• Extensive network within the art world, allowing for artists to sell their work

• No commitment to length of fiscal sponsorship 

Cons of Fractured Atlas:

• $1k minimum donation required

• 8% fee is the highest on the list

• Does not accept organizations that are not in the arts