Fiscal Sponsors
Why Should You Be a Fiscal Sponsor?
Support Youth!
Help youth have spaces where they can practice skills that will help them contribute to society and our communities.
“Initiating my project has been a goal of mine since starting high school. Having the support of my fiscal sponsor, mentor, and the YEF have been instrumental in running the organization. I love being able to connect with and benefit my community.”
Promote Your Organization!
Expand your organization's network to today's youth!
Connect with a high school aged audience.
Promote your organization's mission and goals through the youth being supported!
What is a Fiscal Sponsor?
Our Definition:
A fiscal sponsor organization is a 501c(3) nonprofit OR a for-profit business that will front money for a youth project and be reimbursed by YEF.
Eligibility Requirements
Be a 501c(3) nonprofit OR for-profit business.
Meet the YMCA of San Francisco minimum insurance requirements:
policy dates extend past life of youth-led project
includes commercial general liability
includes automobile liability, if applicable to project
includes workers' compensation, unless 0 employees
Submit all onboarding documents
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
shows the insured meets the YMCA of San Francisco's minimum insurance requirements (see above)
adds the YMCA of San Francisco as additionally insured
includes YMCA of San Francisco's correct address (YMCA of SF: 169 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105)
includes endorsement page noting change to policy
Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between your organization and the YMCA of San Francisco
Organization's W-9
Signed Fiscal Sponsor Agreement
Must be able to front the money for the youth project. YEF will REIMBURSE organization for the full grant amount as long as all purchasing is in line with the budget YEF approves.
How Do You Find a Fiscal Sponsor?
Brainstorm
Brainstorm a list of organizations and businesses to ask
Personal connections
Organizations with missions aligned with your project goals
Organizations with missions to support youth and youth leaders
Organizations or businesses looking to be able to advertise that they support youth in San Francisco
Contact
Email or Call to set up a meeting
In-person is the best, then remote, then email
If calling, be sure to send a follow-up email afterwards.
cc Program Manager Jessica on the email (jkravin@ymcasf.org)
You will likely need to ask around for the right person to answer your ask. Prepare to be rejected or ghosted, but be persistent!
Pitch
Put together your pitch and your ask
Show potential fiscal sponsor organizations what they would be supporting: Who are you? What are you trying to do? Why should they help your project?
Send this webpage and the Fiscal Sponsor Flyer or the information on it to potential sponsors to inform them on what they will be committing to.
What are a Fiscal Sponsor's Commitments
Insurance requirements
Pay up front for grantee project expenses & get reimbursed by YEF
Sign the MOU between the organization and the YMCA of SF
Generate monthly invoices for project spending reimbursement reports
Designate point of contact for the grant (Fiscal Sponsor Representative)
Attend 15 minute virtual check-in with YEF adult staff after app is submitted
Attend 45 minute virtual orientation after grantees are selected
Complete YEF feedback survey at end of project
Can my school be my project's fiscal sponsor?
Individual SFUSD public schools cannot act as a fiscal sponsor for a project. Instead, your project would need to go through the process of getting the school district to assume the role of fiscal sponsor. If you're interested in applying with SFUSD as your fiscal sponsor, please reach out with your adult ally to YEF's Program Manager, Jessica Kravin by email/phone (510) 472.2247 EARLY ASAP. The process of getting SFUSD approval is long, tedious, and confusing. It is recommended that applicants explore other alternative organizations while going through the SFUSD process. Refer to the section above for help with fiscal sponsorship.
If you attend a private or charter school, reach out to your respective administrators to see if they would be willing to support your project. Feel free to cc YEF in any communication regarding potential fiscal sponsorship!