ANNOUNCEMENT: Online Directory of Fiscal Sponsorship Launches

Most of us know individuals who've had a great idea to benefit their community but couldn't get the idea funded because they didn't have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Fewer of us know that those people are perfect candidates for fiscal sponsorship. Say what?

According to San Francisco attorney Greg Colvin, who literally wrote the book on the subject (Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do It Right):

Fiscal sponsorhip arrangements typically arise when a person or group (we call this a project) wants to get support from a private foundation, a government agency, or tax-deductible donations from individuals or corporate donors. By law or preference, the funding source will make payments only to organizations with 501(c)(3) tax status. So the project looks for a 501(c)(3) sponsor to receive the funds and pass them on to the project....

Recently, the San Francisco Study Center, a community service provider and resource for community organizers, launched Fiscalsponsordirectory.org, an online directory offering detailed information on 139 fiscal sponsors in 26 states, including sponsors' philosophies, fees, eligibility requirements, and a listing of the services they provide. The interface is nice and clean, and the sign-up process for tax-exempt organizations interested in being listed as a sponsor couldn't be easier. Hats off to all involved.

For more information, contact director manager Heidi Swillinger at [email protected].

-- Mitch Nauffts