Frequently Asked Questions

Our consulting services are ideal for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including:

• Nonprofits Seeking Strategic Direction: Those looking to develop or refine strategic plans to enhance mission alignment and goal achievement.
• Organizations Facing Operational Challenges: Nonprofits that need to improve their operational effectiveness and streamline their processes.
• Boards Aiming for Better Governance: Boards that want to adopt best practices in governance, improve oversight, and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Growing Nonprofits: Organizations aiming to build their capacity and scale up their operations effectively.

Our approach to strategic planning is comprehensive and collaborative:

• Initial Assessment: We conduct a thorough assessment of your organization’s current state, including a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Stakeholder Engagement: We engage key stakeholders—such as board members, staff, and community partners—to gather valuable insights and perspectives.
• Goal Setting: We facilitate the development of clear, measurable goals that align with your mission and vision.
• Action Planning: We create detailed action plans that outline the steps needed to achieve your strategic goals, including timelines and resource allocation.
• Implementation Support: We provide ongoing support to ensure effective implementation, monitor progress, and make necessary adjustments to keep your organization on track.

To begin with our organizational consulting services, reach out to us here. We will arrange an initial consultation to understand your needs and develop a tailored plan to support your organization.

Fiscal sponsorship is ideal for:

• Organizations lacking support staff: Focus on your mission while we handle administrative tasks.
• Short-term or temporary projects: Operate under our tax-exempt status without the hassle of applying for your own.
• Pilot projects: Test and refine new initiatives without establishing a new nonprofit entity.
• Organizations awaiting 501(c)(3) status: Start accepting tax-deductible donations and apply for grants while your application is processed.
• Social enterprises and creative community projects: Qualify for grants and accept tax-deductible donations without forming a nonprofit.

Fiscal sponsorship offers flexibility and support, enabling various projects and organizations to thrive without administrative burdens.

Yes, Group 36 supports LLCs and for-profit entities if the grant is used exclusively for charitable purposes as defined by the IRS and the program is a good fit for fiscal sponsorship.

No, Group 36 does not prioritize programs based in a specific location. We welcome applications from around the world.

The fees for fiscal sponsorship vary depending on the chosen model and services provided by Group 36. Here are the key details regarding the fees:

• Percentage of Contributions: Typically, standard fiscal sponsorship fees range from 5% to 8% of all contributions received. This percentage helps cover the administrative costs associated with managing the fiscal sponsorship.
• Direct Program Expenses: In addition to the percentage fee, any direct program expenses are charged as they are incurred. This means that costs specifically associated with the program, such as materials, services, or other operational expenses, will be billed separately.

These fees ensure that Group 36 can provide comprehensive support and management services, enabling your program to focus on achieving its charitable goals.

Possibly. If you already have a primary fiscal sponsor and are seeking additional sponsorship from Group 36, please contact us here to discuss your situation before starting the application process.

There may be situations where a specific grant requires an in-state fiscal sponsor in a state where Group 36 is not registered. Since Group 36 is registered as a public charity in Pennsylvania, if we cannot sponsor you for a specific grant, you are free to pursue secondary fiscal sponsorship with a local organization in the state where you are applying for the grant. Whenever possible, Group 36 will recommend trusted organizations. However, secondary sponsorship is not approved in all cases. Please contact us with any questions.

To apply for fiscal sponsorship, complete the form available here.

Most applications are reviewed within 5-10 business days. However, this time frame is not guaranteed.

Group 36’s application review process is designed to be swift, so we don’t have an expedited procedure in place. However, if you have special circumstances, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you, though we can’t guarantee expedited processing.

Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for fiscal sponsorship with Group 36. However, you may be subject to mandatory IRS withholding requirements in some cases. It is up to you to check whether you are subject to any such requirements.

Organizations partnering with Group 36 can expect:

• Fiduciary, Legal, Compliance, and Ethical Accountability: As the legal entity, we ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Control and Discretion Over the Use of Funds: We maintain oversight and ensure that all funds are used strictly for 501(c)(3) exempt purposes, with detailed records demonstrating their appropriate use.
• Comprehensive Administrative Support: We handle administrative tasks such as contribution management and invoice payment, allowing you to focus on your mission.
• Financial Transparency: Regular financial reports and detailed statements provide clear insights into your program’s financial health.
• Contract and Employment Services: We manage contracts and can hire employees or independent contractors for your program, ensuring all legalities are properly handled.

Our program services are ideal for:

• Nonprofits Designing New Projects: Organizations looking to create and implement innovative projects that align with their mission.
• Donors Seeking Grant Issuance: Donors who prefer to have someone issue grants on their behalf.
• Organizations Requiring Financial Management: Nonprofits that need effective financial oversight to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Capacity-Constrained Organizations: Organizations that need additional resources and expertise to manage complex projects.

Our grantmaking services offer several key benefits:

• Efficiency: Streamlined processes to ensure timely and accurate grantmaking process.
• Compliance: Adherence to funder requirements and regulations to avoid compliance issues.
• Resource Optimization: Effective use of resources to maximize the impact of grant funds.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with grant-funded projects.

Organizations partnering with Group 36 for program services can expect:

• Expert Guidance: Professional support throughout the project lifecycle, from planning to execution.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring projects align with your mission and strategic goals.
• Resource Optimization: Effective use of resources to maximize project impact.
• Accountability and Transparency: Robust financial and operational oversight to ensure accountability and transparency.

To get started with program services at Group 36:

• Contact Us: Reach out to us here to schedule an initial consultation.
• Initial Consultation: We will discuss your project needs and objectives to understand how we can best support you.
• Proposal Development: Based on the initial consultation, we will develop a tailored proposal outlining our recommended approach and services.
• Agreement and Kick-off: Once the proposal is agreed upon, we will formalize our partnership and kick off the program services process.