SE Uplift’s fiscal sponsorship program provides valuable support to community-based organizations and neighborhood associations in District 3. SE Uplift’s fiscal sponsorship program is designed to help community-led organizations and grassroots projects access charitable funding without first becoming their own IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. By operating under SE Uplift’s tax-exempt status, sponsored groups can receive tax-deductible donations and apply for grants that would otherwise require nonprofit status. This is an important resource because grassroots organizations often lack the administrative infrastructure to carry out their mission. The program is intended both for groups that eventually want to establish their own nonprofit and for those that prefer to remain fiscally sponsored.
As part of our fiscal sponsorship program, we provide the following support:
Financial administration and oversight: SE Uplift manages charitable funds, processes reimbursements and payments, maintains financial records, and provides fiduciary oversight to ensure compliance with nonprofit and tax requirements.
Capacity building: SE Uplift offers guidance on nonprofit best practices, grant management, organizational development, and governance. We do this via one-on-one coaching and by offering trainings related to topics identified by our fiscally sponsored groups.
Fundraising access and support: By lending our 501c3 status, fiscally sponsored groups unlock access to fundraising. This includes the ability to apply for grant funds and accept contributions from individuals and other organizations. Groups are given access to our online fundraising platform and can utilize our subscription to Grantwatch.org to unlock more opportunities.
Low- or no-cost space rental: Fiscally sponsored groups can rent an event space in our building twice a month for free. They may also rent office space long-term at deeply discounted rates.
Fiscal sponsorship is simple. Organizations fill out one application for all projects that would benefit from tax-exemption. SE Uplift Executive Committee reviews and approves the application. The applicant’s leadership then sign an annual agreement outlining roles and responsibilities.
Projects must be aligned with SE Uplift’s mission statement:
“To collaborate with Portland’s District 3 community to build informed, inclusive, and participatory neighborhoods that support our social and ecological well-being.”
SE Uplift offers a “Model C” fiscal sponsorship. In this model, an organization or project must be a separate legal entity. In our case, we require that organizations register as an Oregon-level nonprofit. You can read more about fiscal sponsorship models here.
- Your organization would need to be registered as an Oregon nonprofit organization, which is different from being a federal-level nonprofit organization (501c3). If you have not done so already, we would be happy to guide you through that process.
- Your organization would need to serve the boundaries of District 3 in Portland. A map of these boundaries can be found here. It is okay if you serve other areas of Portland, but we need to be clear on how District 3 residents are benefiting from your efforts.
We also evaluate organizations based on risk involved, the equity implications of the project, and whether or not we have the internal capacity to effectively support an organization.
That is okay! We just need to be clear on how District 3 residents benefit from your efforts.
The SE Uplift Board Executive Committee meets monthly to approve fiscal sponsorships. Depending on when the application received, you can anticipate up to one month between applying and receiving a decision.
We are now accepting applications for our Fiscal Sponsorship program!
Our Fiscal Sponsorship application process is a three step process that is outlined below:
If you are ready to turn your ideas into action, or your want to take your community project to the next level, apply today!
