Looking for a fiscal sponsor? We can help!

The Leadership Undercommons (TLU) is committed to supporting local and community-based projects that align with our mission to cultivate collective liberation, nurture Black aliveness, and advance education through Beloved Community. Through fiscal sponsorship, TLU extends its nonprofit status to mission-aligned projects that do not yet have 501c3 designation, allowing them to receive tax-deductible contributions and access administrative and compliance support. The program exists to ensure that critical-need projects—particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, and community-based leaders—receive the structural and financial support necessary to thrive while strengthening TLU’s own institutional sustainability.

How does it work?

TLU operates Model C – Pre-Approved Grant Relationship structure:

  • Projects remain legally and programmatically independent but are fiscally sponsored by TLU for charitable purposes.

  • All funds raised under TLU’s sponsorship are legally owned and controlled by TLU.

  • TLU charges a 10 % administrative fee on all funds raised or received on behalf of the project. This fee helps TLU cover the following:

    • Grant intake and due diligence: Reviewing alignment with charitable purpose, executing grant and fiscal sponsorship agreements, and verifying eligibility of sponsored activities.

    • Financial management and compliance: Receiving funds, maintaining project-specific accounting, monitoring allowable use, and ensuring IRS and state compliance.

    • Payments and disbursements: Processing reimbursements and payments to project leads or vendors and managing disbursement schedules.

    • Grant reporting and recordkeeping: Preparing required financial reports, maintaining grant documentation, and supporting audits or funder inquiries.

    • Risk management and legal oversight: Holding fiduciary responsibility for funds, protecting tax-exempt status, and intervening if misuse is identified.

Interested in applying?

Projects must submit a brief proposal outlining mission, leadership, activities, and budget; demonstrate alignment with TLU’s mission; and agree to operate within nonprofit regulations. The Executive Director reviews applications and may approve sponsorships directly (with notice to the Board at its next meeting) when timeliness is critical to community need.

After applying, you will schedule a 30-minute meeting to talk through the project and funding requirements.

Within 7 days of the meeting, you will be approved or there will be a request for more information.

Apply Here!