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Starting a nonprofit takes time, but fiscal sponsorship lets you secure funding and operate under an established nonprofit—without the legal hassle.
Not sure how it works? Our guide on Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship breaks down the basics and helps you choose the right model.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 40 top fiscal sponsors to help you find the best fit—whether you're tackling social justice, the arts, or environmental change. Let’s dive in.
🚀 1. Big Players: The Heavyweights in Fiscal Sponsorship
Looking for a fiscal sponsor with deep pockets and a strong track record? These organizations don’t just support projects—they power them with serious funding, grant management, and administrative backing. If you’re managing a large-scale initiative and need a trusted partner, start here.
Tides Foundation
Location: San Francisco, CA
Best For: Large-scale social impact projects, advocacy groups, and environmental initiatives
Fees: 9% of funds raised (varies by project size)
Tides Foundation isn’t just a fiscal sponsor—it’s a powerhouse for progressive change. With over $1.4 billion in assets, they provide grant management, HR, and legal support, ensuring nonprofits focus on impact, not paperwork.
They’ve backed projects like climate initiatives, racial equity programs, and social justice movements. If your organization aligns with these causes, Tides gives you access to major philanthropic networks that fund long-term change.
One thing to note: their fees are higher than smaller sponsors, so they’re best for well-funded projects looking for comprehensive support.
National Philanthropic Trust (NPT)
Location: Jenkintown, PA
Best For: Nonprofits seeking donor-advised funds and large-scale philanthropy
Fees: Varies by project and funding amount
National Philanthropic Trust manages over $7.4 billion in charitable assets, making it one of the largest fiscal sponsors in the U.S. They focus on donor-advised funds (DAFs), a great option if your nonprofit wants to attract high-net-worth donors who prefer structured giving.
Why does this matter? Because DAFs give donors tax benefits while ensuring nonprofits receive consistent funding. If your organization relies on donor contributions, partnering with NPT can help you access wealthier contributors without the complexity of managing funds yourself.
Their flexibility in supporting various causes makes them a go-to for organizations that need long-term sustainability.
Global Impact
Location: Alexandria, VA
Best For: Global humanitarian projects, disaster relief, and international aid
Fees: Typically 7% – 10% of funds raised
If your nonprofit operates internationally, funding can get tricky. Global Impact simplifies that by handling compliance, grant distribution, and donor processing across borders.
They manage over $100 million in assets and have helped fund organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, and World Food Program USA. If you’re tackling global health, economic development, or humanitarian aid, this is a fiscal sponsor that understands international challenges and knows how to navigate them legally.
United Charitable
Location: Virginia
Best For: Nonprofits needing back-office support and donor management
Fees: 5% – 10% of funds raised
United Charitable is ideal if you’re looking for a hands-off approach to admin work. They take care of the operational headaches—compliance, legal filings, and fund management—so you can spend more time doing what matters: making an impact.
Their standout feature? Custom donor-advised fund management. If your nonprofit attracts major donors, United Charitable makes it easy to set up tax-advantaged giving accounts to keep funding stable.
If you’re just getting started with nonprofit financial strategies, check out our guide on fundraising metrics to see how tracking the right numbers can help grow your donor base.
FJC
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Organizations needing flexible funding and donor-advised fund services
Fees: 6% – 9%, depending on project needs
FJC is like the Swiss Army knife of fiscal sponsorship. They offer:
✅ Donor-advised funds
✅ Fiscal sponsorship for nonprofits
✅ Impact investments
They’re a great choice for organizations that need flexible funding and access to investment-based giving strategies. If you want to explore new ways to fundraise beyond traditional grants, FJC helps structure investments that support your mission long-term.
🎭 2. For Artists, Filmmakers, and Creatives
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Creativity fuels change—but let’s be honest, funding creative projects is tough. These fiscal sponsors specialize in helping artists, filmmakers, and media professionals get the support they need.
Fractured Atlas
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Independent artists, filmmakers, and creatives
Fees: 8% of funds raised
Fractured Atlas has helped over 4,000 artists and creative projects secure funding. Whether you're producing a documentary, launching a theater production, or creating a large-scale public art installation, they provide the nonprofit status and donor management you need.
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Artists and arts organizations
Fees: 7% – 10% of funds raised
New York Foundation for the Arts is well-known for connecting artists with major grant opportunities. They help creatives with everything from fiscal sponsorship to career development programs, ensuring you get the funding and skills to thrive in a competitive space.
The Gotham (formerly IFP)
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Filmmakers, independent media projects
Fees: 5% – 8% of funds raised
If you're making a documentary, indie film, or digital media project, The Gotham is your best bet. They offer access to exclusive grants, funding networks, and industry events, helping you get your film funded and seen.
Women Make Movies
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Women and non-binary filmmakers
Fees: 7% – 10% of funds raised
Women Make Movies has been a leader in supporting women’s voices in film for over 40 years. If you’re a female-identifying filmmaker, they help you get grants, connect with distributors, and navigate the film industry’s funding maze.
Creative Capital
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Artists with groundbreaking ideas
Fees: Varies by project
Creative Capital funds high-risk, high-impact artistic projects—the kind that push boundaries and challenge norms. If your project is experimental and needs serious backing, this is where you want to be.
🌍 3. Global and Social Justice Champions
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(For those who want to change the world!)
If your nonprofit is fighting for human rights, social justice, or international development, these fiscal sponsors provide more than just funding—they offer a platform for real impact. From grassroots activism to global movements, these organizations are on the front lines of change.
Alliance for Global Justice
Location: Tucson, AZ
Best For: Human rights, workers' rights, and social justice organizations
Fees: 7% – 8% of funds raised
If you're running a grassroots movement or advocacy group, Alliance for Global Justice is built for you. They specialize in left-leaning, community-driven initiatives, including racial justice, environmental activism, and indigenous rights.
Beyond fiscal sponsorship, they offer political advocacy support, ensuring that smaller organizations can navigate legal challenges while staying mission-focused.
Social Good Fund
Location: Richmond, CA
Best For: Nonprofits in social justice, education, and public health
Fees: 5% – 10%, depending on services
Starting a nonprofit can be overwhelming, but Social Good Fund makes it easy to get off the ground fast. They sponsor hundreds of projects, helping with grant management, legal structure, and administrative work.
If you’re just getting started and want to skip the legal headache of setting up a 501(c)(3), this is a great option. Their quick approval process means you could be fundraising in weeks instead of months.
Thousand Currents
Location: San Francisco, CA
Best For: International social justice, climate action, and economic equity
Fees: Varies by project
Thousand Currents is not your typical fiscal sponsor. They focus on community-led solutions for food security, climate justice, and indigenous rights—ensuring that change happens from within impacted communities, not from the outside.
If you’re working internationally and need a fiscal sponsor that understands the complexities of global grassroots movements, this is one of the best choices.
Open Collective Foundation
Location: Remote-based, USA
Best For: Mutual aid groups, community-driven projects, open-source initiatives
Fees: 5% of funds raised
Open Collective Foundation is the tech-forward solution to nonprofit funding. If you're running a mutual aid network, open-source project, or community fund, they provide transparent, real-time financial management tools to help you grow.
Unlike traditional fiscal sponsors, OCF embraces transparency—every dollar donated is visible to the public, creating trust and accountability.
The Fund for Global Human Rights
Location: Washington, D.C.
Best For: Global human rights defenders and advocacy groups
Fees: Varies based on funding model
When human rights activists need support, The Fund for Global Human Rights steps in. They provide funding, training, and emergency aid to those on the front lines of freedom of speech, democracy, and anti-corruption movements.
If your organization is focused on policy change, legal defense, or protecting vulnerable communities, this is one of the most respected fiscal sponsors in the human rights space.
📚 4. Education & Youth-Focused Sponsors
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(Helping the next generation succeed!)
Education transforms lives, and these fiscal sponsors ensure that organizations supporting students, teachers, and youth programs get the funding they need.
The Giving Back Fund
Location: Boston, MA
Best For: Education-focused initiatives, mentorship programs, and scholarships
Fees: Varies based on project needs
If your nonprofit attracts high-profile donors (think athletes, entrepreneurs, and celebrities), The Giving Back Fund is built for handling big donations responsibly. They help organizations structure charitable giving while ensuring compliance with legal and tax regulations.
The Players Philanthropy Fund
Location: Baltimore, MD
Best For: Athlete-driven charities, youth sports programs, and leadership initiatives
Fees: 5% – 10%, depending on program
Professional athletes don’t just play the game—many want to give back to their communities. The Players Philanthropy Fund helps athletes create nonprofits, community programs, and scholarships for young leaders.
They manage everything from fundraising compliance to grant distribution, allowing sports figures to focus on impact rather than paperwork.
Earth Island Institute
Location: Berkeley, CA
Best For: Environmental education, youth sustainability programs, and conservation efforts
Fees: Varies by project
Education and environmental action go hand in hand. Earth Island Institute fiscally sponsors dozens of eco-focused nonprofits, from sustainability workshops to climate activism training for young leaders.
If you’re leading an education initiative focused on climate change, conservation, or green careers, this is a fiscal sponsor that understands the urgency of your mission.
Community Initiatives
Location: Oakland, CA
Best For: Small, community-driven education and youth programs
Fees: 7% – 9% of funds raised
Not every education nonprofit is looking for big-dollar funding—sometimes, grassroots efforts need the right structure to thrive. Community Initiatives specializes in local, community-based education programs, providing fund management, HR services, and grant support.
If you’re looking to launch a nonprofit focused on mentorship, after-school programs, or tutoring, this is a strong option with an emphasis on local impact.
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Global education programs, policy-driven education nonprofits
Fees: Varies based on funding model
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors provides high-level funding for education-focused nonprofits, particularly those working in policy reform, curriculum development, and education access.
If you’re aiming to scale an education nonprofit to a national or global level, RPA connects organizations with major philanthropic donors and impact investors.
💚 5. Environmental and Sustainability Projects
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(For those protecting the planet!)
Climate change, conservation, and sustainability efforts need funding to thrive. These fiscal sponsors specialize in backing environmental initiatives, whether you’re working on ocean conservation, reforestation, or climate policy.
Earth Island Institute
Location: Berkeley, CA
Best For: Sustainability, conservation, and climate-focused nonprofits
Fees: Varies by project
If you're building an eco-focused nonprofit, Earth Island Institute should be on your radar. They offer fiscal sponsorship to dozens of environmental projects, from wildlife conservation to sustainable agriculture.
The best part? They go beyond funding by providing advocacy support, networking opportunities, and mentorship from experienced environmental leaders.
Global Greengrants Fund
Location: Boulder, CO
Best For: Climate change, biodiversity, and social justice-linked environmental projects
Fees: Varies based on funding model
Global Greengrants Fund specializes in getting funds directly into the hands of grassroots environmental activists worldwide. Their approach? Small grants with big impact—especially for communities on the front lines of climate change.
If you're working on eco-justice, indigenous rights, or carbon reduction efforts, this is a fiscal sponsor that understands global environmental activism.
The Conservation Fund
Location: Virginia
Best For: Land conservation, environmental policy, and sustainable development
Fees: Varies by project type
The Conservation Fund focuses on protecting natural resources while supporting economic development. They help nonprofits acquire land for conservation, manage green infrastructure, and promote sustainable business models.
If your project involves land trusts, environmental education, or policy advocacy, this is one of the best partners out there.
One Percent for the Planet Fiscal Sponsorship
Location: Vermont
Best For: Startups and nonprofits looking to partner with eco-conscious businesses
Fees: 1% of revenue commitment for businesses
What if businesses committed 1% of their sales to saving the planet? That’s exactly what One Percent for the Planet does. They connect nonprofits with corporate donors who want to support environmental action.
If you're looking for long-term corporate partnerships to sustain your nonprofit, this is a game-changing fiscal sponsor.
The Ocean Foundation
Location: Washington, D.C.
Best For: Ocean conservation, marine research, and coastal community initiatives
Fees: Varies by project
Our oceans are in trouble, but The Ocean Foundation is working to change that. They specialize in funding projects that restore marine ecosystems, fight climate change, and support ocean-based education.
If your nonprofit focuses on coral reef restoration, sustainable fisheries, or coastal conservation, this is the perfect fiscal sponsor for you.
💰 6. Best for Grassroots and Community Projects
(Perfect for small local initiatives!)
Not every nonprofit needs big-budget funding. Sometimes, what you need is local support, community trust, and a streamlined way to manage donations. These fiscal sponsors are ideal for neighborhood-driven projects that create real change from the ground up.
Community Vision
Location: California
Best For: Grassroots nonprofits and social equity initiatives
Fees: 5% – 8% of funds raised
Community Vision focuses on helping small, community-driven organizations thrive. Whether you're running a food justice program, housing initiative, or neighborhood improvement project, they offer fiscal sponsorship plus funding guidance and leadership training.
North Star Fund
Location: New York, NY
Best For: Grassroots organizing, racial justice, and worker rights
Fees: Varies based on funding model
North Star Fund helps small activist groups secure funding for urgent local issues, from housing rights to racial equity. Their grantmaking process is community-led, ensuring that funding goes to organizations that truly need it.
The Miami Foundation
Location: Miami, FL
Best For: Local nonprofits focused on community resilience
Fees: 7% – 10% of funds raised
For those working in South Florida, The Miami Foundation is a key player in funding community initiatives, especially those addressing climate resilience, education, and public health.
The Boston Foundation
Location: Boston, MA
Best For: New England-based social programs and nonprofits
Fees: Varies by program
The Boston Foundation is one of the oldest and most well-established community foundations, supporting everything from affordable housing initiatives to youth mentorship programs.
Amplifier
Location: Seattle, WA
Best For: Artists and activists using art to drive social movements
Fees: Varies by project
If you believe in the power of art to inspire change, Amplifier is your best bet. They sponsor grassroots art projects, political campaigns, and visual advocacy efforts that aim to shift culture and policy.
🏆 7. Niche Fiscal Sponsors for Unique Causes
(Because some projects are just… different! 🤷♂️)
Some projects don’t fit neatly into traditional categories. Whether you’re working on faith-based initiatives, tech-driven nonprofits, or film production, these fiscal sponsors can help.
Give2Asia
Location: San Francisco, CA
Best For: Asia-focused charities and humanitarian programs
Fees: Varies by project
Give2Asia connects U.S. donors with charitable projects across Asia-Pacific. If you're running a humanitarian aid project, disaster relief effort, or education program in Asia, they make cross-border giving easier.
Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Best For: Film, TV, and entertainment-driven philanthropy
Fees: Varies by partnership
EIF works with Hollywood and the entertainment industry to fund causes through celebrity-backed campaigns, grant programs, and major fundraising events.
National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS)
Location: Nationwide
Best For: Nonprofits seeking guidance on fiscal sponsorship
Fees: Membership-based
NNFS doesn’t offer direct sponsorship but provides best practices, connections, and resources for organizations looking to find the right fiscal sponsor.
Faith in Action Fund
Location: Washington, D.C.
Best For: Religious charities, community programs, and faith-based organizing
Fees: Varies by program
Faith in Action Fund helps religious organizations fund social justice initiatives, faith-based community programs, and humanitarian relief efforts.
Hacker Fund
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Best For: Tech-driven nonprofits and STEM initiatives
Fees: Varies by program
Hacker Fund provides fiscal sponsorship for coding boot camps, open-source software projects, and STEM education programs.
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