Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Organization: SF Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Pride

Geographic Scope: Programs serving LGBTQ+ communities in San Francisco, Bay Area, California, or beyond

Overview: SF Pride offers fiscal sponsorship services for independent LGBTQ+-focused projects and programs seeking nonprofit status and tax-deductible donation capability. SF Pride acts as the fiscal sponsor, holding assets and providing administrative support as needed. Applications are reviewed quarterly.

Eligibility

• Mission Alignment: Program must align with SF Pride's mission, vision, and values
• Tax Status: Applicants must be unincorporated projects, fiscally sponsored by other organizations, or have nonprofit aspirations
• Community Connection: Must serve or support the LGBTQ+ community

Three Fiscal Sponsorship Models

Model A: Direct Project (Comprehensive Fiscal Sponsorship)

Best for: Projects that become programs of SF Pride with full integration

Structure: Program becomes formal project of SF Pride; SF Pride holds all assets, intellectual property, and legal liability

Fund Management: All funds raised are SF Pride funds; donors receive SF Pride tax receipts

Support: SF Pride provides full financial management, HR support, and administrative oversight

Fee: 8-12% administrative fee on all funds raised/granted

Model C: Pre-Approved Grant Relationship

Best for: Independent organizations seeking nonprofit status for specific grants/donations

Structure: Organization maintains separate identity and operations; SF Pride serves as passthrough for specific, pre-approved funds

Fund Management: Donors designate funds for program; SF Pride issues tax receipts

Support: SF Pride reviews and approves all incoming/outgoing funds; organization maintains independent bank accounts and operations

Reporting: Quarterly financial reporting required

Fee: 5-8% administrative fee on funds processed

Model L: Supporting Organization (Limited Affiliation)

Best for: Programs with minimal need for ongoing administrative support

Structure: Program operates independently under SF Pride's 501(c)(3) umbrella

Support: SF Pride provides tax-deductible donation capability only; minimal oversight

Reporting: Annual financial reporting and insurance requirements

Fee: 3-5% administrative fee plus annual renewal fee

What SF Pride Provides

• Financial management & bookkeeping
• Payroll services
• Donation processing & acknowledgment
• Grant application & management support
• Insurance & liability coverage
• HR support & employment management
• Contract review & vendor management
• Tax filing & regulatory compliance
• (Scope varies by model)

Required Supporting Documents

• Detailed budget (current and projected)
• Program timeline or calendar of activities
• Current financial statements (if applicable)
• IRS determination letter (if previously tax-exempt)
• Marketing materials, past event photos, or program documentation (if applicable)
• Letters of support from community partners or stakeholders (if applicable)

Contact Information

Email: [email protected] Phone: (415) 294-1844 Address: 1663 Mission Street, Suite 305, San Francisco, CA 94103

Additional Notes

• Applications reviewed quarterly with 60-90 day review timeline
• Approval is not guaranteed
• SF Pride maintains oversight authority over all fiscally sponsored programs
• Budget template available for download