Fiscal sponsorship
Fiscal sponsorship gives your project a home under our exemption while it isn't yet its own 501(c)(3). You can accept gifts, keep good records and get to work without forming a separate nonprofit first.
Our fees are posted on one page: Ways to Give.
Your project becomes a program of Paramount Impact. Contributions belong to Paramount Impact legally and are designated for your project's use. You lead the project's work and submit requests to pay approved expenses, and we handle the banking and records behind it.
Timeline
Application
3–5 business day review of purpose, leadership & budget
Agreement
Sign Model A fiscal sponsorship agreement & fee schedule
Banking
Dedicated subaccount opened in 1–2 days
Launch
Begin accepting tax-deductible donations & grant applications
In depth
Some sponsors offer little more than a logo and a bank account. We treat sponsored projects as programs of a public charity, with purpose checks and documentation so donors can give with confidence.
Your project becomes a program of Paramount Impact. Legally, contributions are gifts to our public charity, restricted for your project's charitable purposes. We provide oversight, and you lead the work under the sponsorship agreement.
Each active project gets its own subaccount. Payments follow the approved budget and must serve a charitable purpose. If you have a debit card, you'll still need to upload receipts. We reconcile every month so you always know the project's available balance.
You send us a short program report each quarter and keep your documentation. Annual financial reporting is due within 45 days of fiscal year end. Paramount Impact files Form 990 for the whole organization, so you can focus on your project instead of building a finance department.
Donors receive acknowledgment letters from Paramount Impact. Many private foundations will fund fiscally sponsored projects with a letter of support citing our EIN. When it makes sense, you can apply for grants in our name, and we'll help you put your application together.
When you're ready to grow
For many projects, fiscal sponsorship is a starting point. When your project has steady funding, a board ready to govern and a clear long-term plan, we'll help you spin out. That includes working through the IRS determination, transferring remaining restricted funds under the agreement, and a smooth handoff so donors stay confident.
Who sponsorship works well for
Political campaigning, private benefit, and non-charitable commercial activity are not eligible.
Eligibility quiz
Educational self-assessment only, not an application decision.
Question 1 of 5
What best describes your project's primary purpose?
Question 2 of 5
Will donations be used exclusively for charitable activities?
Question 3 of 5
Do you need to pay founders a profit distribution from donations?
Question 4 of 5
Can you provide quarterly program reports and maintain receipts?
Question 5 of 5
When do you need to start accepting donations?
Let's talk and see whether your project is a good fit for our 501(c)(3). Our fees are listed on Ways to Give.
