Fiscal Sponsorship

We are accepting applications on a quarterly basis

Tiny Seed sponsors projects in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine.

Tiny Seed is a nonprofit resource hub with best practices and shared services. As the backbone of strong community projects, we specialize in providing administrative services and nonprofit status, empowering community leaders to concentrate on their core mission.  

 

Fiscal Sponsorship FAQ

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 fiscal sponsorship 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 accepts only a small percentage of sponsorship applications. 

The best project proposals demonstrate three key factors:

(a) Alignment with our mission

(b) Broad community engagement 

(c) Strong funder support

How to Apply

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

(2) Complete Eligibility Questionnaire (click on link here)

(3) The Tiny Seed onboarding committee will only send an application if your project meets our requirements

Applications are reviewed quarterly

Fiscal Sponsorship Services and Fees

Fiscally sponsored projects receive 100% of every donation designated to their project, and then contribute 10% to Tiny Seed to support the shared services and administrative infrastructure that make their work possible.

Fiscal Sponsorship 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
  • Compliance with IRS regulations and state charitable registration
  • Public trust and credibility

Shared Services

  • Bookkeeping and banking 
  • Bill pay, invoicing, and contractor payments 
  • Annual tax filing and issuance of Form 1099s
  • Access to legal expertise
  • Grant seeking through our Instrumentl membership
  • Grant administration and reporting 
  • Access to Fundraising platform “GiveButter”
  • Ability to receive project donations via checks, wires, DAF
  • Highlight 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. 

Projects contribute an average of 10% of incoming funds toward shared services.