EarthShare Knowledge Center
What Is Fiscal Sponsorship?
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Knowledge Center > Fiscal Sponsorship > What Is Fiscal Sponsorship?
- What is Fiscal Sponsorship?
- Who Is Fiscal Sponsorship Right For?
- What Is the Difference Between Fiscal Sponsorship and Nonprofit Status?
- How to Start Your Application for EarthShare Fiscal Sponsorship
- What Are EarthShare’s Eligibility Requirements for Fiscal Sponsorship?
- What Documentation Is Needed to Apply for EarthShare Sponsorship?
- What Are EarthShare’s Budget Requirements for Projects?
- Can Fiscally Sponsored Projects Transition to 501(c)(3) Status?
Fiscal sponsorship is a practice through which a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit lends its tax-exempt status to projects that share its charitable mission. This enables these projects to accept donations and grants, by way of the sponsoring organization, to fund their work.
Fiscal sponsors can offer increased visibility to these projects by marketing the work to their existing donor base and connecting project leads with known potential funders. Fiscal sponsors may also provide other services, such as administrative, legal, compliance, human resources (HR), and financial support. Which services apply is determined by the fiscal sponsor themselves and the type of fiscal sponsorship arrangement selected. An administrative fee is charged to the project to help cover the costs of these services. Exact fee amounts vary by sponsorship type.
There are six (6) categories (called “models”) of fiscal sponsorship: A, B, C, D, F, and L.
EarthShare Fiscal Sponsorship
Through our nonprofit fiscal sponsorship program, EarthShare provides administrative, compliance, financial, and operational services to elevate environmental work happening on the frontlines of climate, conservation, and sustainability.
EarthShare currently supports Model A, Model C, and Model L project types. We’re equipped to do everything from managing contributions and issuing tax receipts to providing human resources (HR) and staffing support.
EarthShare applies an administrative fee ranging from 6-7% for Model C projects and 8-10% for Model A projects based on the program scope, budget, and level of services provided.
Fiscal sponsorship guidelines and requirements can differ from sponsor to sponsor. As part of our fiscal sponsorship application process, all projects are reviewed and vetted for mission-alignment, scope, and budget.
EarthShare provides the legal, financial, and administrative systems and back-office support, such as compliance, insurance, and HR, that these innovative projects and their leaders need to launch their operations, grow, and deliver solutions quickly and at scale.
Ask AI about fiscal sponsorship:
Related Knowledge Center Pages:
- What Are EarthShare Sponsored Projects?
- What Is EarthShare?
- Who Is Fiscal Sponsorship Right For?
- What Is the Difference Between Fiscal Sponsorship and Nonprofit Status?
- How to Start Your Application for EarthShare Fiscal Sponsorship
- What Are EarthShare’s Eligibility Requirements for Fiscal Sponsorship?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
EarthShare is a nonprofit organization that makes environmental giving easier for individuals, businesses, financial advisors, and nonprofit organizations. Through donor-advised funds, workplace giving, fiscal sponsorship, and charitable giving solutions, EarthShare helps connect donors with trusted nonprofits working to protect people and the planet.
Yes. EarthShare is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing environmental philanthropy and supporting organizations that address conservation, climate change, clean water, wildlife protection, environmental justice, and other critical environmental issues.
Depending on the giving option you choose, you can recommend grants to more than 1.5 million eligible U.S. nonprofits, including hundreds of environmental organizations working locally, nationally, and globally.
EarthShare offers flexible giving options that make charitable giving simple and tax-efficient. Donors can open a donor-advised fund, participate in workplace giving programs, support nonprofit organizations through employer campaigns, and create long-term philanthropic plans.
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to make tax-deductible contributions, invest those funds for potential growth, and recommend grants to eligible nonprofits over time. Learn more about donor-advised funds.
Workplace giving is a charitable program offered by employers that allows employees to donate to nonprofit organizations through payroll deductions, matching gifts, volunteer programs, or company-sponsored fundraising campaigns.
Fiscal sponsorship allows charitable projects that do not have their own 501(c)(3) status to operate under the legal and tax-exempt umbrella of an established nonprofit like EarthShare. This enables projects to receive tax-deductible donations while benefiting from administrative, financial, and compliance support.
EarthShare serves individual donors, businesses, financial advisors, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and mission-driven projects looking to support environmental causes or expand their charitable impact.
EarthShare offers multiple giving options, expert philanthropic guidance, and access to a broad network of nonprofit organizations. Whether you’re making a single donation or developing a long-term giving strategy, EarthShare helps simplify charitable giving while maximizing your impact.
You can get started by exploring EarthShare’s giving options, opening a donor-advised fund, participating in a workplace giving program, applying for fiscal sponsorship, or learning more about the nonprofit organizations and causes EarthShare supports.