Fiscal Sponsorship

At GroundUp, fiscal sponsorship is more than an administrative service—it’s a tool for justice. Our flexible offerings give changemakers the support they need, whether they’re fundraising for a specific initiative or leveraging our full infrastructure to run their organization. We help social change leaders channel resources and energy into mission-driven work that creates real impact.

How Does Fiscal Sponsorship Work?

A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit that extends its legal and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to initiatives aligned with its mission. At GroundUp, we offer two flexible models to meet the needs of changemakers: Model A, for full-scale organizational support, and Model C, primarily for grantmaking purposes.

Model A Fiscal Sponsorship

Model A is designed for leaders running mission-driven organizations who need support in finance, legal, and human resources. Offered through GroundUp Center, Model A provides a comprehensive toolbox to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, ensure compliance, and connect with our network of changemakers. Our Model A offerings include:

  • 501(c)(3) status: Extend our nonprofit status to raise funds for your organization.

  • Operational guidance: Receive personalized support from designated advisors and nonprofit/philanthropy experts who share your values.

  • Financial accounting: Track and monitor revenues and expenditures with monthly reports and annual auditing.

  • Human resources (HR) management: Full-cycle support to hire, retain, and develop employees while synchronizing key HR functions.

  • Payroll processing services: Tides Center handles payroll and files necessary compliance returns.

  • Benefits administration: Access top carriers and values-aligned benefit options.

  • Grants management: Tides Center administers grant agreements and supports reporting.

Model C Fiscal Sponsorship

Model C, also called a single entity fund, is ideal for leaders primarily focused on fundraising and grantmaking. This option helps changemakers respond quickly to temporary or targeted needs—whether you’re empowering proximate communities or launching a charitable initiative without 501(c)(3) status. Offered through Tides Foundation, Model C connects partners with:

  • Fundraising: Accept tax-deductible donations to support your mission.

  • Grants management: GroundUp Collective Foundation administers all grant agreements and reporting.

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