Fiscal Sponsorship

We are currently accepting applications for 2025

Tiny Seed sponsors projects based in the United States, preferably in the Northeast. 

Fiscal sponsorship with Tiny Seed allows groups to receive tax-deductible donations and grant funding for their work without having to become a 501c3 non-profit entity.

This service allows project leaders to put their efforts and resources toward the project without needing to maintain a bookkeeper, tax accountant, or Board of Directors.

Fiscally sponsored projects are aligned with Tiny Seed's Mission

Our Mission:

We empower community projects that conserve the environment, encourage creativity, and strengthen communities.

We do this through our nonprofit status and by providing exceptional administrative support.

Tiny Seed provides fiscal sponsorship services for projects that align with our mission and meet our guidelines.

Tips for a Successful Application

We are currently experiencing a high volume of sponsorship inquiries.  As a result, the Tiny Seed onboarding committee is able to accept just a very small percentage of sponsorship applications. We are impressed with the quality of applications that we have received so far, there are many great ideas deserving 501c3 status, yet we are only able to onboard a few projects every quarter.

 

The best project proposals we receive define three key factors:

(a) a demonstrated need that is charitable, educational, or scientific,

(b) a tangible impact that can be explained in simple terms, and 

(c) a strong emphasis on the three C’s of Tiny Seed’s core mission of community, conservation, and creativity. 

 

How to Apply

Review Tips for a Successful Application (above)

Read our policies & review our fiscal sponsorship services and fees (below)

Complete Eligibility Questionnaire (click on link here)

If the project is eligible for fiscal sponsorship Tiny Seed will email an application

Applications are reviewed monthly.

Fiscal Sponsorship Services and Fees

A fiscal sponsorship fee of 10% is applied to all incoming project-specific funds, which provides the following benefits and services:

Benefits

  • 501c3 tax-exempt status 
  • Eligible to apply for private, state, and federal funds
  • Receive tax-deductible donations
  • Governance Structure through Tiny Seed Board of Directors
  • Limited liability protection
  • Compliance with IRS regulations 
  • Public trust and credibility

Fiscal Sponsorship Services

  • Bookkeeping and banking 
  • Bill pay, invoicing, and contractor payments 
  • Annual tax filing and issuance of Form 1099s
  • Find funders and grants  through our Instrumentl membership
  • Grant administration and reporting 
  • Comprehensive project support 
  • Hosted on GiveButter fundraising platform (*accepts all major credit cards)
  • Ability to receive project donations via checks, wires, DAF
  • Promotion of your project on Tiny Seeds’ “Projects” webpage

 

Fiscal Sponsorship Policies

• Project funding must be used towards goals consistent with the mission of Tiny Seed and must comply with any restrictions placed by the funder.

• Activities funded must fit within the IRS guidelines for non-profit activities; i.e., they must be educational, charitable, or scientific.

• All grant proposals will be reviewed by Tiny Seed staff prior to submission to a funder.

• Tiny Seed does not advance funds in anticipation of expenditures. We require receipts for all expenses reimbursed through sponsored monies. To be reimbursed, all requests must be accompanied by a receipt and meet 501(c)(3) guidelines.

Tiny Seed may end a fiscal sponsorship for cause, including non-compliance with sponsorship conditions, or if an entity becomes inactive. 

Administrative Overhead: Tiny Seed retains an average of 10% administrative fees for the total funds administered for sponsored projects.