Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Love Out Loud supports local organizations, groups, and emerging 501(c)(3)s as they ignite new ideas and systems to bridge service gaps in our city. As a fiscal sponsor, we provide essential financial and administrative support, enabling project leaders to focus on growing and developing their programs.

Through fiscal sponsorship, projects aligned with Love Out Loud’s mission can receive tax-deductible donations and grant funding under our nonprofit status. This model allows organizations without their own 501(c)(3) designation to operate with financial oversight and legal compliance.

 FAQs

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 FAQs *

  • Fiscal sponsorship is available to:

    1. Organizations in the incubation stage that are in the process of applying for their 501(c)(3) status.

    2. Programs that do not intend to apply for 501(c)(3) status but need administrative support, allowing them to focus on their mission without the burden of governance.

    3. For-profit organizations engaged in nonprofit projects, enabling them to accept tax-deductible donations while ensuring compliance with legal guidelines for hybrid ventures.

  • Starting your own nonprofit organization requires time, money, and energy to set up operations. Our fiscal sponsorship model allows program leaders to focus fully on their mission, programming, and fundraising efforts.

  • You must have all of the following:  

    • Committed funding of at least one major source of revenue

    • At least two months of operating reserves

    • One-year budget

    • At least one person (either staff or board) who will act as the point person between your organization and LOL

    • Never operated under for-profit status

  • As the fiscal sponsor, LOL ensures legal compliance, fiduciary oversight, and ethical accountability as the sole legal entity. We offer these services as a fiscal sponsor:

    Human Resources

    • Payroll and benefits administration

    • Onboarding and offboarding

    • HR forms and templates

    • Labor law compliance and reporting

    • Employment verification

    Financial Management

    • Revenue and expense accounting

    • Fund disbursement aligned with budget and mission

    • Donation and grant processing

    • Cash flow projections

    • Monthly financial reports

    • Purchasing and payments

    Legal Compliance

    • General compliance oversight

    • Insurance coverage (additional coverage beyond LOL's standard at FSP's expense)

    The fiscally sponsored program is responsible for conducting ethical business practices consistent with IRS regulations, all applicable laws, funder restrictions, and LOL’s policies and procedures. Establishing and maintaining strong communication between LOL and the sponsored project is essential.

  • No, LOL does not assist with finding or securing funding sources, including grants.

  • We request at least a one-year commitment. FSPs can continue for any length of time, granted they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

  • All projects under LOL’s fiscal sponsorship must have an advisory board for oversight and guidance.

    An advisory board is essential for serving as a thought partner, supporting fundraising efforts, expanding networks of supporters and community partners, acting as ambassadors, and providing program and financial oversight.

  • Applications can be submitted at any time, but reviews will occur on a quarterly basis:

    March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1.

Let’s connect.

Interested in fiscal sponsorship? We’d love to meet you and learn more about your project!

Please review our FAQs before submitting an inquiry.