Your Mission Deserves a Strong Foundation
We extend our 501(c)(3) umbrella, and the legal and fiduciary responsibility that comes with it, to community-led projects ready to make their mark.
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Through fiscal sponsorship, the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin enters a formal partnership with community projects, extending its 501(c)(3) status needed to accept donations and apply for grants. This allows groups to receive tax-deductible donations and apply for grants without forming their own nonprofit organization.
Think of it as a launchpad for community impact. We handle the legal, compliance, and operational resources so community-led projects can focus on what matters most: the mission.
Tax Deductible Donations
Accept gifts from individuals and businesses under the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) status.
Grant Eligibility
Apply for grants using the Foundation’s EIN and established nonprofit credibility.
Operational Resources
Donor portal access, invoice processing, 990 filing and annual audit. A compliance partnership with staff guidance while your group leads project operations and fundraising.
Focus on Your Mission
Spend less time on legal structure and more time doing work that matters.
Is this the right partnership?
Fiscal sponsorship is designed for community groups and initiatives that are not yet, or may never need to be, their own standalone nonprofit. To be considered, your project should meet the following criteria:
- Your project serves a charitable, educational, or community purpose that aligns with the Foundation’s mission to strengthen communities across Central Wisconsin.
- Your work is time-limited in nature — even if that timeline spans several years. Fiscal sponsorship is not a permanent alternative to forming a nonprofit.
- You have a committed Fund Representative who can serve as the primary contact and manage compliance responsibilities on behalf of the project.
- Your group is prepared to operate transparently and follow the Community Foundation’s policies around fundraising, grant applications, event management, and financial reporting.
- Your project is based in Portage and/or Waushara counties.
- You have donors ready to contribute to your project.
Not sure if your project qualifies? Download our Eligibility & Readiness Guide for more details. Also feel free to reach out. We’d rather have a conversation than have you guess. Our team is happy to help you think it through.
What to Expect
Our process is designed to be straightforward and collaborative. Here’s how a new fiscal sponsorship fund comes to life:
- 1
Submit an inquiry
Complete our online interest form to share a brief overview of your project, its goals, and timeline.
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2
Connect with our team
A CFCWI staff member will reach out to schedule a conversation and answer your questions.
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3
Review & decision
We’ll review your project for mission alignment and share our decision along with next steps or feedback.
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4
Fund setup & orientation
Approved projects receive a full orientation, fund setup, and access to all resources needed to launch.
Ready to get started?
Questions? Contact Natasha Duda | natasha@cfcwi.org | (715) 342-4454
