FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are a few frequently asked questions about fiscal sponsorship and donor-advised fund support processes and services at IPG.
Please keep in mind that these are generalized answers. Your project’s fiscal sponsorship, donor-advised fund support, administration, management, or accounting service agreement may contain specific provisions that differ from the answers provided.
In all cases, the Agreement is the binding document.
Please contact us if you have any questions about how a fiscal sponsorship, donor-advised fund, administrative support
or other services are structured at IPG.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
What is Fiscal Sponsorship?
In summary, fiscal sponsorship is a less-costly, faster, and more efficient alternative to launching your charitable activity than creating a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. A fiscal sponsorship arrangement can give you time to evaluate if your idea works, and it can also provide confidence to potential funders who are often reluctant to provide support to a new nonprofit with no prior history or financials.
A fiscal sponsor can be any established 501(c)(3) that agrees to accept the financial responsibility for your project. But there is an advantage to being with an organization that is dedicated to fiscal sponsorship, and that has many projects in its portfolio.
Such organizations can provide economies of scale when it comes to securing things such as insurance. They can provide valuable guidance about governance, help with the filing of reports, and keeping records.
A fiscal sponsor can become an efficient and cost-effective back office support system for a new project while allowing it to focus on its mission and programs.
How do I apply for fiscal sponsorship?
First, we encourage you to check other fiscal sponsors and compare them. Not all fiscal sponsors are the same, and not all projects are in alignment with the sponsor's mission and goals. When you are ready, complete our inquiry form and we will get in contact with you within 5 business days of receipt. Upon review of the inquiry form, we will contact you to schedule an exploratory call to discuss your project in detail to learn more about your needs.
If you prefer, you can send an inquiry email to info@ipgrp.org to request more information, or call (323) 424-0423 and one of our representatives will return your call. You can also schedule a consultation by clicking here.
After we apply for fiscal sponsorship, how long does the review/approval process take?
Depending on the time it takes to receive all pertinent information from you regarding your project and time to review/approve your application, it typically takes 24-48 hours. Once your application is approved, we present you with a proposal for review and upon acceptance, we provide you with a service agreement for your signature.
How are donations received by the fiscal sponsor, what is the process?
We accept multiple forms of donation payments (checks, credit cards, cash, wire/ACH funds, and stock). When donors pay by check, they are made payable to “Impact Philanthropy Group" with the name of your project noted on the check (preferably in the note/memo section) so that it is clear that funds are restricted for your project. Donors can mail the checks directly to IPG or you can collect and forward it to us (please do not endorse or make any markings on the checks received before submitting to us. You are welcome to make a copy of the check for your records).
All donations are the possession of IPG and are restricted for the use of the Project noted. Once we receive the donated funds, we deposit to your Project's unique sub-account held at our financial institution. You are provided 24/7 viewing access to your account for full transparency. In order for funds to be dispersed, you are required to complete a "grant recommendation request" with other supporting documents. To pay vendors, we must receive an invoice and the vendor's W9.
As a fiscally sponsored project, does this mean we are a nonprofit organization?
Receiving fiscal sponsorship from IPG does not make your project a “nonprofit organization.” However, it does make your Project eligible to receive donations and grants that are tax-deductible due to the fiscal sponsorship relationship with IPG. The only entity legally recognized by the IRS under a fiscal sponsorship is the sponsoring nonprofit 501c3 organization, in this case, IPG.
How much does fiscal sponsorship cost?
Fees vary depending on the scope of work, length of sponsorship, services provided, and other factors. All projects incur a one-time minimum $2,500 start-up fee. Depending on the urgency to start your project, the one-time start-up fee may increase. Our monthly retainer fee for all projects start at $2,500 per month - with the exception of government grant-funded projects. Government grant-funded projects vary and is based on what is allowable for administrative expenses per the grant requirements. However, the fee (percentage) for a government grant-funded project must be equivalent or equal to a minimum of $3,500 per month. This amount may increase depending on the complexity of the project. Occasionally, we provide fiscal sponsorship on a percentage-basis (e.g., for a one-time fundraising event or campaign like a benefit concert, marathon, etc.). In this instance, we charge a fee between 5% - 15% of funds raised. For government-funded projects in which a matching grant is required or additional non-government grants are awarded to the project, we charge an Additional Grant Management fee of 10% (or the maximum amount allowable for administrative purposes by the grantor).
How are Fiscal Sponsorship fees paid to IPG?
Fees assessed are deducted automatically on a monthly basis from the Project's bank account by IPG. These fees are to help share sponsorship costs among all the projects and to subsidize IPG’s direct costs of administering your Project’s sponsorship. For government-funded project that receive additional awards, we deduct the total Additional Grant Management fee - regardless of the length of funding - from the first installment of funds received. For percentage-based Projects, we subtract the percentage upon receipt of funds.
How often does IPG disburse grants?
As donors earmark funds to IPG for your project, the contributions are placed in the Foundation’s restricted fund for your project. IPG will generally consolidate the contributions in its project-specific restricted fund and award lump-sum grants once per month, generally on or about the 1st of each month. At our discretion, IPG may elect to maintain a positive balance in the restricted fund for the Project, and in most cases, will require the project to maintain a balance that covers 3-months of service fees in the account at all times (this amount does not include donations received and earmarked for specific purposes).
Why does IPG require that I submit information regarding my Project activities?
Your Project needs to submit information to IPG about its activities because we have assumed liabilities to the IRS about the charitable nature of your activities. IPG has to maintain records that document its oversight ensuring that your Project is furthering the IPG's charitable mission and purpose. The only way IPG can maintain those records is if you keep us informed and up-to-date with your activities.
What reports or materials do I have to send to IPG and how often?
The Project must provide IPG with advance copies of all fundraising solicitations and budgets for pre-approval. The project must also prepare reports for funders and the cost of any reports or other compliance measures required by funding sources of the Project. The Project should always send copies of any major work products or widely disseminated materials to IPG. Remember, in many instances, you may be required to receive IPG’s pre-approval before distributing these materials to third parties.
What are some of the standard materials IPG requires from Projects?
•Strategic plan for the Project
•Budget for the Project
•Copies of any fundraising solicitations, including all grant requests and reports to funders
•Brochures, Action Alerts, and other flyers
•Any legal documents pertaining to the Project, its vendors, contractors, consultants, etc.
Does a fiscal sponsorship term out?
Not with IPG. We will typically review and amend the terms of our service agreement on a case-by-case basis within six (6) months of an initial agreement or as-needed. This provides an opportunity to modify the agreement, if necessary, to accommodate your Project’s growth or if your Project is going into a brief hiatus (dormant status).
Some fiscal sponsors state that I receive "immediate tax exemption status." Is that true?
This can be confusing. Under a fiscal sponsorship agreement, the work that your Project performs is to further the fiscal sponsor's charitable mission. When accepted as a fiscally-sponsored project, IPG sets up a special restricted fund for the support of your Project, and donors may make tax-deductible contributions to IPG in order to support your project. Your Project does not receive "tax exemption status," however, donors can make a gift to IPG to support your project which in turn, provides tax deduction benefits to the donor.
Please keep in mind that since your Project is functioning under the charitable status of IPG, we maintain all control of funds and its record-keeping. We maintain this control because we must be able to justify your Project’s actions as furthering our own charitable purposes.
Is my project a part of IPG?
Yes, under fiscal sponsorship, you are a project of IPG. However, you are not an agent or legal representative of IPG. The Project owns its own work products and equipment. The Project's staff and volunteers do not work for IPG, but are employed by IPG. Project correspondence should not be on IPG letterhead unless the correspondence is sent directly from us. Collectively, all the Projects to which IPG makes grants comprise a significant part of the Foundation’s overall program. In that sense, your project is part of the overall IPG organization.
How do I express the fiscal sponsorship relationship to funders and others?
Your project is an independent entity, conducting business under the fiscal sponsorship of IPG with separated assets. We provide you with a “tax letter” upon the on-boarding process that explains the fiscal relationship. We also provide you with a copy of our IRS Determination Letter (or Affirmation Letter), W9, and any other information required for those that inquire about your status.
Do you only sponsor local (Los Angeles) or regional (California) projects?
No. While it is great to have projects located in our headquarter city of Los Angeles, we serve and support projects located throughout the country and internationally.
Do I need to form a Board as a fiscally-sponsored Project?
No. Since IPG is the legal entity, our Board is the governs over our work. You are encouraged, however, to create an Advisory Board to help with your fundraising, capacity building, and awareness of your Program to the general public and stakeholders alike.
DONOR ADVISED FUND (DAF)
To be clear, IPG is NOT an investment firm nor do we manage DAFs. We partner with investment firms like Charles Schwab, City National Bank, Vanguard, and others to help get you started.
What is a Donor Advised Fund?
Generally, a donor-advised fund (DAF) is a separately identified fund or account that is maintained and operated by a section 501(c)(3) organization, which is called a sponsoring organization. We partner with DAF providers such as Charles Schwab, City National Bank, Vanguard, JP Morgan Chase and others to help you create your donor advised fund.
How do I/we get started with IPG's help to locate a reliable DAF provider?
Please complete this inquiry form as the first step and one of our advisers will contact you within five (5) business days. We also offer a free 1 HR consultation. Please click here to schedule an appointment. We partner with reputable investment firms to help you receive the best and most experienced support possible when creating a DAF.
Where do the funds originate and who legally owns the funds?
Each account is composed of contributions made by individual donors. Once the donor makes the contribution, the sponsor has legal control over it. However, the donor, or the donor's representative, retains advisory privileges with respect to the distribution of funds and the investment of assets in the account.
Who can contribute to a DAF?
Inclined individuals, families, and businesses can make an irrevocable gift to a public charity that sponsors a DAF and take an immediate tax deduction. Most DAFs accept cash equivalents, securities, and other assets.
What is the donation process?
Donors make an irrevocable, tax‐deductible contribution of cash, long‐term appreciated securities, or other assets to the sponsor of the DAF program. The sponsor in turn creates an account in the donor’s name. DAF donors may choose from a variety of investment options and proceeds are put into an account from which donors may make "grant recommendations" for funds to be dispersed.
What is the structure of the sponsoring DAF organization?
Sponsoring organizations of DAFs are nonprofit 501c3 organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Who can receive grants from a DAF?
The sponsor vets all charity organizations that the DAF recommends to receive funding. Vetting requires several checks and balances, however, the first step is to check the charitable organizations' status as tax‐exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) and public charities under IRS Section 509(a). Grants can also be given to private operating foundations or state or local government organizations qualified to receive tax‐deductible charitable contributions, such as institutions defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 170(c)(1).
Does the Sponsor dictate where DAF funds are donated?
No. DAFs are self‐directed in their charitable giving. The sponsor will conduct their due diligence to vet the organization that the donor recommends to fund. If there are any issues with the receiving charity, such as nonprofit status, current standing with the IRS, etc., the sponsor will discuss with the donor and provide alternative solutions.
Is there a minimum donation amount that has to be made from a DAF?
The requirement depends on the investment firm, but the minimum fee is typically $10,000 and up.
What is the process to donate funds from a DAF to a charity?
Typically, the donor completes a grant recommendation form that is reviewed. Upon completing the review, the sponsor creates a grant acceptance form that is sent to the receiving charity to make them aware of the grant, grant amount, any restrictions on the grant, timeline of payment, reporting schedule of how funds were used (if required), and for what purpose the grant is given. The receiving charity, in turn, agrees to the terms of the grant and returns a signed copy to the sponsor. Upon receipt, along with the charity's IRS Determination Letter and W9, the sponsor issues a check and donation check letter confirming the donation. If a grant report is requested, the receiving charity typically has 6 months to a year to provide details of how funds were used.
How does IPG work with my DAF and is there a fee?
We work hand-in-hand with DAFs to help manage programs, events, campaigns, and initiatives that your DAF fund may be supporting. For example: You may set up a DAF with Fidelity while also creating a community-focused project at IPG. We will work directly with Fidelity to ensure the recommended funds are processed according to schedule and that the project that is funded is managed to your specifications. Think of the DAF as your "savings account" for the project(s) you want to support and IPG as the facilitator working on our behalf to ensure the funds and project is completely managed, taking all of the stress off of you so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Can we fundraise through a DAF?
No.
Can securities be donated to a DAF?
Yes. Typically, securities that a donor has owned for more than one year are best to consider for gifting purposes. The donor will avoid any capital gains tax on the securities and will receive the highest income tax deduction available - even better than those of a private foundation. The investment firm(s) that we work with can explain this in greater detail.
Can I pay for a pledge or auction item with my DAF account?
No. By IRS rule, DAF's are not allowed to fulfill a "pledge" or "promise to pay."
What does IPG do when it receives my donated funds?
When a contribution is received by IPG from your DAF, IPG will deposit the proceeds of the contribution into your respective fiscally sponsored account that is created to support the program for which the funds are intended, or if your funds are intended for one of our projects, those funds are deposited into the respective project's account.
Can my DAF's interest income earned qualify for an additional tax deduction?
No.
Why does it state that I "recommend" where my donated funds go?
Tax laws for donor-advised funds require that you relinquish ownership and control over contributed assets. As a donor adviser, you retain the privilege to advise and recommend on how your fund is named, invested, granted, and even plans for the fund upon your death.
Five things you may not know about DAF's:
1) DAFs have a lower regulatory and tax burden than private foundations
Donors have higher limits with DAFs when giving appreciated assets, and giving to DAFs is also eligible for immediate tax deductions. DAFs are not subject to tax on net investment income – unlike private foundations, which pay between 1 and 2%. In addition, DAFs are not subject to the same distribution requirements each year as private foundation giving.
2) DAFs provide an avenue for philanthropic flexibility
Donors who establish DAFs give more to philanthropy overall, and given the flexibility around disbursement requirements, donors who are uncertain about their charitable plan can begin by contributing funds to a DAF and deciding where to donate later on. F
3) Charitable organizations can work together to leverage DAFs
A large share of DAF giving is for local charities, but these funds are often held and disbursed by large national groups. To thrive under these circumstances, community foundations and other local charities need to be proactive. Developing an outreach strategy for DAF advisors is essential. Some community-level, charitable organizations, and other smaller philanthropic groups are going a step further and working directly with financial planners who advise these donor funds to help guide giving. IPG works directly with these advisors to help you have a successful philanthropic plan that can live on throughout the generations.
4) DAFs are an excellent vehicle for family philanthropy
Many DAF donors have spouses and children who are involved in their charitable causes, and for those donors with younger children whose engagement with their parents’ philanthropic endeavors is still growing, setting up a DAF can be an excellent way to begin the process. Family members can begin to play an advisory role in the fund as appropriate without the full burden of managing a family foundation or the need to begin disbursing funds immediately.
5) Partnerships with DAF advisors are important for organizations
One attraction DAFs hold for potential donors is the opportunity to work directly with an investment adviser to learn more about philanthropic options and guide the donation process. The introduction of these intermediaries into the philanthropic process can present a challenge for organizations that are accustomed to direct giving.
However, because they aggregate philanthropic donor pools, these advisors can also be a gateway to new clients. IPG also works with organizations to help them develop an outreach and networking strategy for these advisors, as well as prepare materials that help advisors understand the unique value offered by the organization.