SEE Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Geographic Scope: United States (projects with international activities must have a U.S. base)

Contact Information:

• Address: 23564 Calabasas Road, Suite 201, Calabasas, CA 91302
• Phone: 818-225-9150
• Website: saveourplanet.org

Focus Areas

SEE supports charitable projects focused on:

• Ecological and humanitarian change
• Social and environmental innovation
• Transformative justice (community accountability, restorative justice, alternative justice paradigms)
• Projects that address systemic harms and root causes of oppression and violence

Program Overview

SEE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor that provides administrative infrastructure and compliance support to projects. The cost share is 6.5% (one of the lowest in the industry). A one-time $100 activation fee is required to launch a project under SEE.

Eligibility Requirements

Legal Requirements (501(c)(3) Standards):

• Project activities must be charitable in purpose
• Project must be organized and operated exclusively for stated purposes
• No earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual
• Cannot attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of activities
• Cannot participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates
• Must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests
• Must have one allocated director for all communication
• Regular access to telephone and email is mandatory

Mission-Based Criteria:

• Project must have a clear and concise mission directly relating to social or environmental progress
• If project already has 501(c)(3) status, it must be made dormant while under SEE's sponsorship
• Activities cannot serve a commercial business
• Projects with international activities must have a U.S. base
• Activities must not be litigious in nature

What They Don't Fund

• Commercial business activities
• Projects without U.S. base (for international work)
• Litigious projects
• Projects that don't meet 501(c)(3) charitable standards
• Projects without a clear social or environmental mission

Application Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Review minimum 501(c)(3) requirements and mission-based criteria at https://saveourplanet.org/become-a-project/eligibility/
• Contact SEE at (818) 225-9150 with eligibility questions

Step 2: Complete Application

• Submit 15-question application form
• Include a first-year budget using the provided template
• All applications must be completed in full to be considered
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed

Step 3: Interview (if approved)

• If SEE finds your project to be a potential match, an interview will be scheduled
• Interviews are conducted in person or via telephone depending on project location
• Discuss proposed work and how SEE can support the project

Step 4: Selection & Activation

• If selected for sponsorship, pay one-time $100 activation fee
• No set timeframe for application review (varies by project complexity)

Required Application Materials

Project Information:

• Project name
• Concise one-sentence mission statement
• Expanded purpose statement
• Primary goals and specific programs/activities
• Unique contribution and distinction from related efforts
• Links to similar efforts/movements
• Proposed timeline with progression of dates
• Inspiration/relevant history for the project
• Intended community impact when successful
• Work completed to date (research, design, service delivery)
• Expectations regarding SEE relationship benefits
• Funding strategy and prospective funders contacted
• Current funds brought in and where deposited
• Organizational structure (staff, volunteers, advisory committee)

Contact Information:

• Name of contact person
• Phone number
• Address (street, city, state, ZIP)
• Email address
• Website (if applicable)
• How you heard about SEE

First Year Budget
Submit budget using provided template with:

Income Categories:

• Foundation Grants
• Government Grants
• Donations from individuals
• Donations from businesses
• Membership Fees
• Sales of Goods or Services
• Total Income

Expense Categories:

• SEE Fiscal Fees (6.5% of Total Income)
• Advertising
• Conferences & Meetings
• Consultants
• Equipment
• Insurance – General Liability
• Internet, Website & E-mail
• Legal Fees
• Licenses & Permits
• Maintenance & Repairs
• Materials (non-office)
• Meals
• Membership Fees
• Office Supplies
• Postage and Courier Services
• Printing and Copying
• Publications
• Rent
• Salaries
• Storage
• Telephone
• Utilities (gas, electric, security, etc.)
• Other expenses
• Total Expenses
• Total Income minus Expenses calculation