Fiscal Sponsorships

Supporting Emerging and Growing Nonprofit Work

Fiscal sponsorship is one way that Support Cabarrus assists charitable work in our community by providing operational, financial, and administrative infrastructure to projects and organizations at different stages of development.

Fiscal sponsorship can help remove administrative barriers, ensure compliance, and allow leaders to focus on delivering programs and impact.

Support Cabarrus currently offers two fiscal sponsorship models:

Each model serves a different purpose, depending on an organization’s structure, capacity, and goals.

Model C - Comprehensive Fiscal Sponsorship

Model C Fiscal Sponsorship is designed for projects or initiatives that do not have their own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Under this model, the project operates as a program of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation, assuming full legal and fiduciary responsibility.

  • In a Model C relationship:

    • The project does not have its own 501(c)(3)

    • The project operates under Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s tax-exempt status

    • All charitable contributions are made to us on behalf of the project

    • We have legal and fiduciary responsibility for the project

    • We provide financial oversight, compliance, and administration

    The project team focuses on program delivery, partnerships, and community impact while Support Cabarrus manages the administrative and compliance requirements.

  • Depending on scope and needs, Support Cabarrus may provide:

    • Receipt and management of charitable contributions

    • Financial oversight and internal controls

    • Grant and contract administration

    • Compliance and reporting

    • Payroll and expense processing (as applicable)

    • Administrative and operational support

  • Model C Fiscal Sponsorship is often used:

    • By new or emerging initiatives testing a program or concept

    • When a group is not yet ready to form an independent nonprofit

    • For pilot programs or time-limited projects

    • When leaders want to focus on mission without forming a new legal entity

Choosing the Right Model

Both models are designed to support charitable work, but they serve different needs.

  • Model C provides a legal and fiduciary home for projects without tax-exempt status.

  • Model F provides administrative expertise to organizations that already have tax-exempt status.

Support Cabarrus works with interested organizations to determine alignment, expectations, and scope before entering a fiscal sponsorship relationship.

Interested in Fiscal Sponsorship?

Two people working on a project at a glass wall covered with yellow sticky notes arranged in columns.

If you’re exploring fiscal sponsorship or aren’t sure which model might be the right fit, we’re happy to start with a conversation.

Complete the form below to let us know what you’re interested in. There’s no obligation, just a chance to understand options and fit.