Unpacking Fiscal Sponsorship:
Legal, Operational, and Strategic Insights for Nonprofits, Projects, Funders, and Sponsors
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET
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​This workshop is free of charge.
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Location: Online (link will be provided to registrants)
Workshop Leaders:
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Vineeta Gupta, MD, JD, LL.M: Vineeta is a nonprofit strategist working at the intersection of law, leadership, and organizational development. She has led and supported nonprofits globally. Her work is grounded in inclusive processes and mediation to help organizations navigate complexity with transparency and trust.
Anna R. Marx, MA, Esq.: Anna has supported dozens of nonprofits through program development, grant writing, and legal services. She has specialized training in nonprofit law and conflict resolution. Anna has worked within and as outside counsel to fiscally sponsored organizations.
Presented by:
Unpacking Fiscal Sponsorship Workshop
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Free workshop! Reserve your place now.
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Overview: This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of fiscal sponsorship, a tool for projects and organizations to operate under the umbrella of another entity’s 501(c)(3) status. We’ll examine its legal frameworks and strategies for navigating common pitfalls.
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​Who Should Attend: Nonprofit leaders, project founders, funders, legal and HR professionals, and board directors considering or engaged in fiscal sponsorship arrangements.
Key Topics Covered:
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What is Fiscal Sponsorship?
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Definition, history, and IRS recognition
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Common fiscal sponsorship models: their benefits and consequence
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Challenges in Fiscal Sponsorship Arrangements
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Fund flow restrictions, donor acknowledgment, and reporting requirements
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Leadership vulnerability, unclear authority, and limited employment protections
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Board oversight and sponsor control; accountability and decision-making
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Staff hiring and management, liability, and control
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How to Enter into and Realign a Fiscal Sponsorship the Right Way
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Due diligence and selection criteria
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Key terms in fiscal sponsorship agreements
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Strategies to Mitigate Risks
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Operational: Clear grant agreements, funder communication protocols
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Management: Delegation of roles and reporting, conflict resolution policies
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Governance: Advisory committees, joint planning mechanism
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Legal Protections & Questions to Ask
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Rights, roles, authority, and responsibilities of both parties
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What happens when the relationship ends?
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Outcomes: Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of:
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The structures and purposes of fiscal sponsorship
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Common operational, managerial, and governance pitfalls
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Legal and strategic tools to protect their interests
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The right questions to ask before entering or in a fiscal sponsorship arrangement​
