Introduction
Charity Bridge Fund supports fiscally sponsored organizations that do not hold their own independent 501(c)(3) status.
Because these organizations operate under a fiscal sponsor’s tax-exempt status and EIN, setup requires manual review by our team. This guide explains what documentation is required, how to complete setup, and how your organization can establish its presence, share its funding needs, and receive support through Charity Bridge Fund.
Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship
A fiscally sponsored organization is a project, initiative, or organization that operates under the legal and tax-exempt status of another nonprofit organization.
The fiscal sponsor provides the tax-exempt structure, while the sponsored organization carries out its own mission, programs, and fundraising activities.
Fiscally Sponsored Organizations on Charity Bridge Fund
Yes. Fiscally sponsored organizations can use Charity Bridge Fund to share their work, connect with donors, and receive support.
Because the EIN belongs to the fiscal sponsor, these organizations cannot use the standard charity claim process. Instead, Charity Bridge Fund manually verifies the sponsorship relationship and helps complete the setup.
Required documents for verification
To verify a fiscally sponsored organization, Charity Bridge Fund requires documentation that confirms both the fiscal sponsor’s tax-exempt status and the sponsorship relationship.
Please provide:
The fiscal sponsor’s IRS Determination Letter
A current Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement that identifies the fiscal sponsor, the sponsored organization, and the fiscal sponsor’s EIN
If the documentation does not clearly confirm the relationship, our team may request additional information before completing setup.
How to set up your account
Fiscally sponsored organizations must contact Charity Bridge Fund for support with manual setup. This process cannot be completed through self-service.
Step 1: Create your Charity Bridge Fund account
Create your Charity Bridge Fund account using your organization’s nonprofit email address.
Use the email associated with your organization, even if your organization operates under a fiscal sponsor.
For help with creating an account, check the following article:
Step 2: Contact our team
After creating your account, email nonprofits@charitybridgefund.org and include:
Your organization name
The fiscal sponsor’s legal name
The fiscal sponsor’s EIN
The fiscal sponsor’s IRS Determination Letter
The Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement confirming your relationship
Once submitted, our team will review your information and guide you through the next steps.
Step 3: Wait for review and setup confirmation
Our team will review your documents, verify the sponsorship relationship, and complete the account setup process.
You will be contacted once the review is complete or if additional information is needed.
After Your Organization Is Approved
Once approved, your organization can manage its own presence on Charity Bridge Fund while remaining connected to its fiscal sponsor.
Your Charity Profile and Projects
Your organization can manage its own Charity Profile, share its mission and impact, and create projects that highlight specific funding needs.
Distributions for Fiscally Sponsored Organizations
For fiscally sponsored organizations, the BILL Payment Network ID (PNI) must belong to the fiscal sponsor. Funds are distributed to the sponsor, who then allocates them according to the existing fiscal sponsorship arrangement.
You should also provide an accurate nonprofit representative contact for distribution-related communication.
FAQ
Can my organization use Charity Bridge Fund without its own EIN?
Yes. Fiscally sponsored organizations can participate after Charity Bridge Fund verifies the sponsorship relationship.
Do I need to claim my charity?
No. Fiscally sponsored organizations are set up manually because the EIN belongs to the fiscal sponsor.
What documents do I need to provide?
You will need the fiscal sponsor’s IRS Determination Letter and a current Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement.
Whose BILL Payment Network ID should I use?
Use the PNI that belongs to the fiscal sponsor receiving funds on behalf of your organization.
How long does verification take?
Verification time depends on the completeness of your submission. Our team will follow up once your documents have been reviewed.
Once approved, your organization can use Charity Bridge Fund to share its work, highlight funding needs, and connect with donors while remaining transparently linked to its fiscal sponsor.
We strive to make the process smooth for fiscally sponsored organizations while ensuring compliance and transparency. If you have any questions during setup, our team is here to guide you through each step: nonprofits@charitybridgefund.org.