Requirements for grant proposals involving a fiscal sponsor

Groups that have not yet applied for or received a determination of their nonprofit status may work through a fiscal sponsor. A fiscal sponsor is an organization that already has established 501(c)(3) status and is willing to manage the grant funds, passing them through to the organization that will carry out the project.

Proposals or applications that involve a fiscal sponsor must provide:

1. A letter on the fiscal sponsor organization's letterhead indicating: 
• Willingness to administer the grant if awarded
• Nature of cooperative relationship between the two entities
• Name of executive director and contact for this grant proposal
• Any fee to be paid from the grant for custodial services
2. IRS letter indicating 501(c)(3) status
3. Copy of the fiscal sponsor's current operating budget
4. Copy of the fiscal sponsor's most recent audited financial statement, including a management letter (if any)
5. List of the fiscal sponsor's board of directors with their affiliations.

The fiscal sponsor is responsible for all financial requirements and reporting if a grant is awarded, including:

• Signing the award letter if a grant is made
• Returning any unexpended funds to the Foundation at the end of the grant period
• Expending funds and maintaining supporting records in a manner consistent with generally accepted accounting practices
• Completing required grant progress reports in conjunction with the partnering organization

If the organization does not complete the program as outlined in the grant proposal, the fiscal sponsor is responsible for:

• Any and all grantee reports due
• Accounting for all expenditures from the grant
• Returning any funds not spent