Fiscal sponsorship is a financial and legal arrangement in which a nonprofit organization (the “fiscal sponsor”) offers its tax-exempt status to another project or group that is not a registered nonprofit but aligns with the sponsor’s mission. This allows the sponsored project to receive tax-deductible donations without going through the process of becoming an independent 501(c)(3) organization. In a fiscal sponsorship, the sponsor typically provides administrative support, financial management, and oversight of funds while ensuring that the sponsored project complies with nonprofit regulations.

If you have not received a Determination Letter from the IRS confirming your charitable status, you may submit an application if you have a fiscal sponsor that is 501(c)(3) certified. You must secure the fiscal sponsor before you apply and will be asked to provide a copy of your fiscal sponsorship agreement.

A gift is typically provided with no conditions or restrictions on its use. Gifts may be used as each funded partner organization determines in accordance with your general charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes as described in Section 170(c)(2)(B) of the internal revenue code. Grants often contain conditions or restrictions, usually contained in a grant agreement.

Our gifts are made without restrictions or conditions, including reporting requirements. We value the relationships and learning about the impact our partners are making in the community. Our partners are invited, but not required, to share information regarding your organization’s work.

Our partners are welcome to acknowledge the gift. Please contact us and we will provide you with our logo and communications guidelines.

Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, no funds from KC People’s Fund can be used for lobbying or be used to participate in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. For example, KC People’s Fund gifts cannot be used to directly lobby a legislative body or call on people to do a specific legislative action (i.e. vote no on this upcoming initiative). The laws surrounding 501(c)(3) organizations lobbying are complex and often misunderstood, so if you have questions about what is acceptable activity for the funds received, please contact us.

Typically, we require a project proposal, budget, and proof of eligibility. Specific requirements are listed in the grant application.

KC People’s Fund believes that multi-year funding allows organizations to grow and thrive. Our gifts are distributed over two years and organizations can apply for up to a total of $100,000.

No. People’s Fund loves learning about new organizations, but since we are not the decision makers, you do not need to have a relationship with us to receive funding.

KC People’s Fund uses a participatory gifting model where we cede decision-making power to a team of community members who review applications and make funding decisions. It is a significant time commitment for which we are deeply grateful. Applicants should communicate with our program staff about their application and should not reach out to members of the Gifting Team directly.