Fiscal Sponsorship
At NEST, we believe great ideas deserve a chance to grow, regardless of nonprofit status. Our Fiscal Sponsorship program provides arts initiatives, community projects, and emerging organizations with the infrastructure they need to receive donations, apply for grants, and operate with financial accountability, all under our 501(c)(3) umbrella.
Whether you're launching a new initiative or building toward independent nonprofit status, we can help you get started and stay focused on your mission.
What is Fiscal Sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit, like NEST, extends its tax-exempt status to support a project or organization that shares a compatible mission. This allows your project to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for foundation grants without needing to form its own nonprofit organization.
What NEST Offers
Our fiscal sponsorship program includes:
501(c)3 Tax-Exempt Status
Donations made to your project through NEST are tax-deductible for your donors.
Grant Management Support
We can receive and administer grant funds on your behalf, helping you access funding sources that require nonprofit status.
Financial Reporting & Oversight
NEST maintains proper financial records and reporting to ensure your project remains compliant and accountable.
Administrative Support
We provide guidance and infrastructure so you can focus on your work, not the paperwork.
Fees
10%
administrative fee
NEST charges a 10% administrative fee on all funds received through the fiscal sponsorship arrangement. This fee supports the operational costs of maintaining compliance, financial oversight, and administrative management on your behalf.
Connecticut Community Foundation Grant Recipients
If your project receives a grant through the Connecticut Community Foundation, the 10% fiscal sponsorship fee is covered by them, at no cost to you.
Who Can Apply?
NEST welcomes applications from a wide range of projects and initiatives, including:
Arts and cultural projects
Community-based programs and initiatives
Emerging Organizations working towards nonprofit status
Grassroots efforts that align with building strong, equitable neighborhoods and communities.
There are no specific eligibility requirements. We encourage anyone with a project that serves the community to reach out and learn more.
In Their Words
NEST has been one of our earliest and most valued supporters since we made the decision to establish Waterbury’s first food co-op. They stepped in as our fiscal sponsor, offering both guidance and hands-on support as we navigated the nonprofit sector. Their team has consistently been available to answer our questions, provide direction, and ensure we are moving forward with confidence. We are truly grateful for their partnership and the role they have played in helping bring our vision to life.
Shawn D. Johnson
President, North End Cooperative Market
Waterbury Bridge to Success has partnered with NEST as a fiduciary and fiscal sponsor on pertinent grant opportunities that provided critical resources and supports for the youth, families and communities of Waterbury. Their willingness to serve as an intermediary for us provided BTS with the expertise and experience necessary during a time of exponential organizational growth. NEST provided the confidence needed for funders to manage financial oversight and management of the grants as well as guidance on compliance with non-profit regulations. We remain grateful for their commitment to grass roots and community-based organizations like Waterbury Bridge to Success.
Waterbury Bridge To Success
Fiscal Sponsee
Our Fiscal Sponsees
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be a nonprofit to apply?
Can my project apply for grants under NEST's sponsorship?
What is the 10% fee used for?
What if I receive a grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation?
How do I get started?
Ready to Get Started?
NEST is committed to building strong neighborhoods and communities of choice, and that starts with supporting the people and projects driving change. If you have an idea that could benefit your community, we want to help you bring it to life.
Contact us today to learn more about our Fiscal Sponsorship program.
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