Wondering if your organization is a fit for CNDC fiscal sponsorship? Here are a few initial questions we consider:
- Does your organization benefit Colorado communities in the course if its mission?
- Is a steering committee or board of directors involved in the Project?
- Is there evidence of community support for the Project beyond the Project leaders?
- Can the group leaders effectively and succinctly describe their plan of action and proposed activities, and explain how they will address the core problem that is being solved?
- Is the Project based on research and/or proven effective practices?
- Have the leaders developed a realistic revenue and expense budget?
- Do group leaders have the ability to identify, approach, and cultivate prospective funders?
CNDC works primarily with charitable organizations that have not yet achieved 501(c)(3) status. We also offer certain support services to established 501(c)(3)s who outsource their accounting to CNDC. To learn more about how to work with us, please see the categories below. Current CNDC Projects will also find resources below. To see a full list of our services, click here. If you are currently in the “idea phase” and not quite ready to pursue fiscal sponsorship from CNDC, please review other resources available for you from the Colorado Nonprofit Association.
I want to… Start a New Nonprofit Project
ABOUT FISCAL SPONSORSHIP:
Fiscal Sponsorship is a proven alternative to starting and running a separate nonprofit organization. It allows a charitable venture to operate under the umbrella of CNDC’s legal and tax status without having to form its own 501(c)(3). This unique partnership allows sponsored charitable organizations (known as Projects) to launch programming quickly and leverage CNDC’s nonprofit management expertise, robust back-office infrastructure and technical assistance to support their efforts. The practice enables leaders of Projects to focus on implementing mission-based programs and services while CNDC takes care of the management functions of finance, human resources, legal compliance, and risk management.
CNDC’s fiscal sponsorship also assures funders and others who invest in sponsored Projects that their dollars are being accounted for and well managed.
Fiscal Sponsor Best Practices
CNDC has been a leader in promoting comprehensive fiscal sponsorship best practices for more than 15 years. As a founding member of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS), CNDC helped draft the NNFS Best Practice Guidelines. CNDC adheres to these Guidelines and provides guidance to other funders and nonprofits. Please click here to access the NNFS Guidelines for Fiscal Sponsorship.
HOW TO APPLY:
STEP ONE: Determine if CNDC is a Fit for your Organization:
We fiscally sponsor organizations that provide benefit to Colorado communities, demonstrate genuine charitable intent, have able and committed leadership, can show evidence of community need, have the potential for significant community impact, and have strong prospects for growth and financial sustainability.
CNDC may be unable to sponsor some types of organizations for legal or insurability reasons. For example, CNDC does not sponsor commercial or profit-making ventures, organizations that will have a medical or legal practice, or programs involving one-on-one mentoring with children.
Faith-based charitable groups may apply but the organization cannot espouse religious beliefs, require adherence to particular religious beliefs by staff or service recipients, or seek converts to a particular faith.
If you believe your organization may qualify for our fiscal sponsorship, move on to Step 2, Mutual Expectations. If you still have questions about whether you may qualify, please reach out to us! We are happy to work with you to determine if we’re a good match.
STEP TWO: Mutual Expectations
What Sponsored Projects Can Expect From CNDC:
A team of respectful, responsive, and accountable professionals with expertise in nonprofit management, fiscal sponsorship best practices and financial management.
As the fiscal sponsor for a Project, we provide expert compliance, financial and administrative support, human resources support, as well as coaching and capacity building resources. Click here for more detail on our support services.
What CNDC Expects From Projects:
Regular communication with Projects and CNDC on topics including current programs, special events, fundraising activities, board development, and budget changes.
Cost Sharing – Project Fees
By sharing costs with other CNDC Projects, the fee is significantly less than what each Project would pay vendors independently for the same high-quality service.
- 10% Project fee on all Project revenues from private sources
- 14% Project fee on all Project revenues from government sources
- For Projects with revenue over $750,000, there may be modifications available on fee structure
Regular Reporting
Notification to CNDC staff of potential risks or liability issues (pending layoffs or terminations, accidents or injuries, large events, long-distance travel by Project participants, etc.).
Risk Management
Follow the policies and procedures outlined in CNDC’s Project Handbook and Employee Handbook.
STEP THREE: Contact CNDC
If you believe your organization is ready and a good fit to be fiscally sponsored by CNDC, please reach out to info@cndc.org or book a call using the button below:
I want to… Transfer Existing Nonprofit Project
CNDC accepts charitable groups currently operating beneath another fiscal sponsor or current 501(c)(3) organizations that are willing to give up their tax-exempt status in exchange for the services CNDC provides as a fiscal sponsor.
The procedures for transferring a fiscally-sponsored Project or current nonprofit organization are similar to those in CNDC’s Project Application and Selection process. Due to the complexity of transferring a group’s financials, programs, insurance, and employees, the transfer process needs to be customized to each situation. For details on how to apply to become a Project of CNDC, please see steps above. If you have questions, please feel free to get in touch: info@cndc.org | 720-855-0501.
I want to… Find Resources for my CNDC Project
Please visit our Online Help Desk here.
I want to… Donate to a CNDC Project
Please visit the Project’s website to make a donation. See the list of our Projects here.
I want to… Work for CNDC
Current Open Positions:
- Please check back soon!
Open RFPs
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion RFP
- Proposal Due: May 27, 2020
- Selection and Award: by June 17, 2020
Wondering if your organization is a fit for CNDC fiscal sponsorship? Here are a few initial questions we consider:
- Does your organization benefit Colorado communities in the course if its mission?
- Is a steering committee or board of directors involved in the Project?
- Is there evidence of community support for the Project beyond the Project leaders?
- Can the group leaders effectively and succinctly describe their plan of action and proposed activities, and explain how they will address the core problem that is being solved?
- Is the Project based on research and/or proven effective practices?
- Have the leaders developed a realistic revenue and expense budget?
- Do group leaders have the ability to identify, approach, and cultivate prospective funders?