The duration of the fiscal sponsorship agreement is typically 6 months to 1 year. However, the length of the agreement may vary depending upon the type program. Partners may apply to renew or modify the agreement at the end of the term. Either party may end the agreement with a 30 day notice.

Fees for the program vary and depend on the Model chosen and services provided by POISE. Typically, standard Fiscal Sponsorship Fees range from 7% to 10% of all contributions received. Additionally, direct program expenses are charged as incurred.

Please contact the Fiscal Sponsorship Department for a list of insurers.

POISE Foundation will consider applications from LLCs or other for-profit entities.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

• Clearly demonstrate that the grant will be used exclusively for a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.

• The program’s purpose must align with the mission of the POISE Foundation.

• The program must be a good fit.

• The program must be based in the Pittsburgh region.

POISE Foundation prioritizes programs that are based in the Pittsburgh region.

• Provide fiduciary, legal, compliance, and ethical accountability as the legal entity 

• Retain control and discretion of the use of funds, maintaining records demonstrating that funds were used for 501(c)(3) exempt purposes

• Establish and maintain processes that promote robust communication between POISE and the sponsored organization. Ongoing communication between POISE and the sponsored organization is critical to ensuring that the partnership goes smoothly and that any challenges that arise are resolved quickly

• Work in collaboration with the fiscally sponsored organization to deliver shared administrative financial management, human resources management, and compliance and risk management services

Yes, POISE offers services designed to meet the needs of complex and growing organizations, strengthen leadership skills, facilitate learning and strategic thinking, and provide practical and operational support with the goal of increasing organizational capacity.

• Organizations or projects that can deliver programs effectively, but don’t have support staff

• Projects that are short term, or temporary, that wish to avoid the time and expense of applying for a 501(c)(3)

• Pilot projects, that haven’t demonstrated long term viability

• Organizations that are awaiting, but have not received 501(c)3 status

• Social Enterprises & Creative Community Projects which would like to apply for grants requiring 501(c)(3) status