how fiscal sponsorship works

Model A — comprehensive: your project runs as an EIF program. EIF provides fiduciary oversight, finance, HR, and compliance.

Model C — pre-approved grant relationship: EIF accepts donations for your project and makes grants to you or your entity to carry out approved charitable activities under a written grant agreement.

EIF determines the best model during review.

who we sponsor

Projects that meet all of the following are strong candidates:

• A clearly charitable purpose under IRS 501(c)(3) and alignment with EIF’s mission
• Primary benefit to the public, not private parties
• Defined plan, timeline, beneficiaries, and a responsible budget
• Identified project lead and basic governance safeguards
• Willingness to use EIF systems and follow EIF policies
• Truthful, compliant fundraising and donor stewardship
• An acceptable legal, financial, and reputational risk profile
• U.S. activities, or if international, appropriate controls for cross-border giving and local compliance
• Commitment to lawful non-discrimination

what we do not sponsor

We cannot sponsor projects that involve:

• Support or opposition to political candidates
• Lobbying that would be substantial for a 501(c)(3) without prior EIF approval
• Private inurement, excess benefit, or primarily commercial aims
• Illegal activity, fraud, or unacceptable safety risk
• Hate, harassment, or violence against protected classes
• OFAC sanctions or anti-money-laundering concerns
• Donor-controlled or earmarked gifts that conflict with EIF variance power
• Regulated clinical research without required approvals and insurance

For full details, see “Eligibility and Restrictions.”

before you request an application

Please confirm that you can provide:

• A one-page project summary and alignment with EIF’s mission
• Year-one budget and simple cash flow plan
• Bios for key people and any advisory group
• Draft fundraising language and channels you plan to use
• Safeguarding plan and background checks if working with minors or vulnerable populations
• For international work, partner due diligence and cross-border compliance plan
• Agreement that all donations are gifts to EIF for charitable purposes and subject to EIF’s variance power

our review process

1. quick screen: we verify mission fit and basic eligibility.
2. application: you complete the EIF application and attach required documents.
3. due diligence: EIF reviews budget, activities, risks, and compliance needs.
4. model and agreement: EIF confirms Model A or Model C and issues a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement with fees, reporting, and policies.
5. onboarding: we set up accounts, train on procedures, and your project launches under EIF.

what to expect during sponsorship

• Fiduciary oversight, accounting, receipting, and reporting by EIF
• Clear spending and approval rules, including pre-approval thresholds
• Regular program and financial reporting
• Use of EIF’s name and assets under brand guidelines
• Administrative fees as described in your agreement

start your application

Step 1: request the short interest form

Email help@equityimpactfund.org with subject “Fiscal Sponsorship Interest.” Include:

• Project name and website or social links
• Primary contact name, email, phone
• City, state, and where activities occur
• 4–6 sentence purpose statement and who benefits
• Estimated year-one budget and expected funding sources
• Any international activity, work with minors, or elevated risks
• Whether you believe Model A or Model C may fit, if known

Step 2: complete the full application

If your project passes the quick screen, we will send the EIF application and document checklist.

Accessibility: if you need accommodations or a different format, email help@equityimpactfund.org and we will provide an alternative submission method.

Privacy: information you share is handled under the EIF Privacy Policy. We do not sell personal information.