activities · 11
what they do
direct service · 2
- Direct Fund Disbursement for Charitable Campaigns Online Crowdfunding Platform ManagementFacilitates rapid fundraising and direct disbursement of funds for time-sensitive or innovative charitable causes. Examples include enabling a non-501(c)(3) project to raise several hundred thousand dollars for Hurricane Harvey relief, distributing nearly one million dollars in prizes to young female social entrepreneurs under 18, and facilitating hundreds of thousands in micro-donations for a celebrity-led campaign within 30 days.
- Direct funding of social enterprises Women and Girls' Empowerment GrantsDistributes prize funding to innovative social enterprises, including nearly $1M awarded to young female entrepreneurs under 18.
capacity building · 9
- Charitable Fund Establishment and Conversion Donor-Advised Fund AdministrationEnables donors to establish charitable funds quickly for immediate giving, avoiding the up to 9-month process of creating an independent nonprofit. Offers services to convert donor advised funds into fiscal sponsorship funds and manages complex assets such as real estate, including growing a donor advised fund’s real estate investment by over 25%.
- Charitable fundraising infrastructure Online Crowdfunding Platform ManagementOffers branded, co-branded, and peer-to-peer fundraising pages with CRM integration, donor communication tools, and event pages, enabling sponsored projects and donors to raise funds rapidly. Facilitated hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in donations for causes including disaster relief and celebrity-led campaigns.
- Digital Fundraising and Donor ToolsProvides sponsored projects with access to a branded fundraising platform featuring CRM integration, peer-to-peer fundraising, event pages, and donor communication tools. Offers free co-branded pages that can be customized with text, images, and videos to support campaign effectiveness.
- Donor and fund services Donor-Advised Fund AdministrationEnables donors to establish charitable funds quickly and convert donor advised funds into fiscal sponsorship funds. Manages disbursements and financial reporting for major gifts, including a $1M distribution to four NBA players on behalf of a foundation and investment growth of donor assets in non-public markets.
- Educational Resource Provision Digital Resource Library for Nonprofit Capacity BuildingMaintains a digital library of educational videos on fiscal sponsorship and nonprofit management topics to support sponsored projects and donors.
- Educational resource provision Digital Resource Library for Nonprofit Capacity BuildingOffers a digital library of educational videos on fiscal sponsorship and nonprofit operations to support capacity development of charitable projects.
- Fiscal Sponsorship Incubation Fiscal Sponsorship ServicesIncubates over 280 charitable projects by providing rapid fiscal sponsorship, enabling them to operate under the organization’s 501(c)(3) status within one week. Serves charitable initiatives from individuals, for-profit businesses, and startups across sectors including education, food, and technology.
- Fiscal sponsorship for charitable projects Fiscal Sponsorship ServicesProvides fiscal sponsorship services that enable charitable projects to operate under its 501(c)(3) umbrella, with capacity to establish new projects within one week. Sponsors over 280 charitable projects across sectors including education, food, technology startups, and disaster relief.
- Grant and Gift Administration Donor-Advised Fund AdministrationAdministers large-scale grants and gifts under its 501(c)(3) umbrella, including receipt, disbursement, and financial reporting. Examples include managing a multi-million dollar grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and overseeing a one million dollar gift distributed to four NBA players on behalf of a major foundation.
strategies · 13
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Corporate Social Impact via Fiscal Sponsorship fiscal_sponsorship_model_for_corporate_impactEnables for-profit corporations to achieve social impact goals by leveraging fiscal sponsorship, avoiding the complexity of forming a standalone 501(c)(3) while maintaining alignment with corporate mission and ESG objectives.
- Corporate and International Grantmaking Enabler fiscal_sponsorship_model_for_corporate_impactEnables for-profit corporations to achieve social impact through fiscal sponsorship without forming a standalone 501(c)(3), and acts as an intermediary for international grantmaking by conducting due diligence and disbursing funds to foreign charities on behalf of U.S. foundations restricted from direct foreign giving.
- Digital and Co-Branding Support for Sponsored Projects digital_fundraising_infrastructureEnhances the visibility, credibility, and fundraising capacity of fiscally sponsored projects through co-branding and integration with third-party digital fundraising platforms, enabling efficient donation processing and public engagement while maintaining programmatic autonomy.
- Digital and Co-Branding Support for Sponsored Projects digital_fundraising_infrastructureEnhances visibility, credibility, and fundraising capacity for fiscally sponsored projects through co-branding and integration with third-party digital fundraising platforms, enabling greater public engagement while maintaining programmatic autonomy.
- Education and Outreach on Fiscal Sponsorship fiscal_sponsorship_educationProvides educational resources, video content, and guidance to donors, nonprofits, and corporations to clarify the benefits and mechanics of fiscal sponsorship, including comparisons with donor advised funds and explanations of Model A and Model C structures.
- Expanded Philanthropic Capabilities Beyond Donor Advised Funds expanded_giving_capabilities_modelOffers a philanthropic vehicle that enables activities restricted in donor advised funds, including international giving, support of individuals, mission-related expenses, and compensation for service providers, thereby expanding donor impact and flexibility.
- Fiscal Sponsorship Education and Outreach fiscal_sponsorship_educationConducts educational outreach through videos, resources, and content to clarify the benefits and mechanics of fiscal sponsorship, differentiate it from donor advised funds, and support nonprofits and donors in adopting this model.
- Fiscal Sponsorship Umbrella Model umbrella_nonprofit_modelActs as a 501(c)(3) umbrella organization for charitable startups and social enterprises, providing legal, financial, and administrative infrastructure to operate under its nonprofit status, enabling faster launch and access to funding without the burden of independent 501(c)(3) formation.
- Fiscal Sponsorship Umbrella Model umbrella_nonprofit_modelOperates as a 501(c)(3) umbrella organization that hosts charitable projects and startups under its legal and administrative infrastructure, enabling them to receive tax-deductible donations and operate without forming independent nonprofits, while providing mentorship and operational support.
- Flexible Philanthropic Vehicle Model expanded_giving_capabilities_modelOffers a fiscal sponsorship alternative to donor advised funds and private foundations that enables expanded giving capabilities—including international grants, support for individuals, mission-related expenses, and compensation for service providers—while avoiding regulatory burdens such as excise taxes, distribution requirements, and self-dealing penalties.
- International Grantmaking Intermediary Services international_grantmaking_intermediaryFacilitates compliant international grantmaking by acting as an intermediary—conducting due diligence, receiving U.S. funds, and disbursing to foreign charities—on behalf of foundations restricted from direct foreign giving.
- Model A and Model C Fiscal Sponsorship Guidance fiscal_sponsorship_modelsOffers strategic guidance on Model A (charitable project) and Model C (pre-approved grant relationship) fiscal sponsorship structures, helping sponsors and sponsees choose appropriate models based on control, compliance, and operational needs.
- Regulatory and Operational Efficiency for Philanthropy regulatory_efficiency_modelProvides a charitable fund structure that reduces regulatory burdens associated with private foundations—such as excise taxes, distribution requirements, and self-dealing rules—enabling more flexible, cost-effective, and efficient philanthropy.
named programs · 11
what they call their work
Celebrity Digital Campaign Fund
Supports celebrities in launching time-limited crowdfunding campaigns for charitable causes, managing receipt and disbursement of micro-donations
Celebrity Scholarship Fund
Establishes and manages scholarship funds under ECF's umbrella for celebrities to support underprivileged youth.
Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Conversion
Enables donors to convert existing DAFs into more flexible fiscal sponsorship funds, allowing investment in non-public markets and international giving
Donor Advised Fund Conversion
Assists clients in converting existing donor advised funds into more flexible fiscal sponsorship funds.
Fiscal Sponsorship Fund
Provides 501(c)(3) umbrella status for startups, corporations, and individuals to launch charitable projects quickly without forming a new nonprofit; includes fund receipt, disbursement, reporting, and compliance services
Fiscal Sponsorship for Charitable Projects
Provides 501(c)(3) umbrella, financial administration, and compliance services for individuals, corporations, and startups to operate charitable initiatives, including fundraising, grantmaking, and program implementation.
International Grant Making
Facilitates compliant international grantmaking for private foundations and donors by receiving US-based funds, conducting due diligence, and disbursing funds to international charities.
International Grant Making Portal
Acts as a compliant intermediary for private foundations to make international grants by handling due diligence, fund receipt, disbursement, and reporting
Natural Disaster Relief Fund
Enables rapid fundraising and disbursement for disaster relief efforts, such as Hurricane Harvey, for entities without 501(c)(3) status
Prize Philanthropy
Helps incubators develop and administer prize programs for impactful startup concepts, particularly for young entrepreneurs.
Prize Philanthropy Program
Administers prize funds for social enterprise concepts, particularly for young female entrepreneurs under 18, distributing nearly $1 million in awards
relationships · 28
who they work with
- 11:11 Media Impact Partner — Fiscal sponsor for 11:11 Media Impact's charitable initiatives.
- A List Celebrity Partner — Provided fiscal sponsorship and fund management for a foreign-based charity founded by an A-list celebrity.
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Funder — Provided a multi-million dollar grant administered by ECF for a startup under its fiscal sponsorship.
- Charity Navigator Government — Rated Edward Charles Foundation with 4 out of 4 stars.
- Dr. Brandt Foundation Partner — Fiscal sponsor for Dr. Brandt Foundation's #SayILoveYou Speaker Series.
- Footprint Coalition Partner — Fiscal sponsor for Footprint Coalition's environmental initiatives.
- Footprint Coalition Partner — Partners to drive climate crisis solutions and support innovative companies building a sustainable future
- Horse Racing Women's Summit Partner — Partners with HRWS to empower women in the horse racing industry through connection, innovation, and leadership development
- NBA Players Partner — Disbursed funds to four NBA players as subgrantees of a major foundation through ECF’s fiscal sponsorship.
- Outschool Partner — Fiscal sponsor for Outschool's charitable fund, Outschool.org.
- Pioneer Academics Partner — Fiscal sponsor for Pioneer Academics' free research program for secondary students.
- RE:Her Partner — Supports RE:Her’s mission to fast-track women entrepreneurs and leaders in the food and beverage industry
- TeachStart Partner — Supports TeachStart’s mission to address educator shortages by offering full-time salaries and debt-free credentials
- The Berkeley House Foundation Partner — Collaborates with The Berkeley House Foundation in supporting founders who build high-growth startups
- Thrive Market Partner — Fiscal sponsor for Thrive Market's COVID-19 Relief Fund.
- Thrive Market Partner — Partners in advancing the mission to make healthy living easy and affordable for everyone
- Tiltify Partner — Fiscal sponsor for Tiltify's fundraising events, including Jingle Jams and support for the National Children Alliance.
- Top Crowdfunding Website Partner — Partnered with a leading crowdfunding platform to facilitate a celebrity's digital fundraising campaign.
- Top Silicon Valley Incubator Partner — Collaborated to provide fiscal sponsorship and mentorship to charitable startups within the incubator’s network.
- Visual Snow Initiative Partner — Supports research, collaboration, and awareness efforts to identify a cure for Visual Snow Syndrome
- Well-Known Private Foundation Partner — Executed international grants on behalf of a private foundation restricted from making foreign grants.
- Wildfires.org Partner — Supports Wildfires.org in measuring and scaling fuel treatments to prevent wildfires using technology and rapid prototyping
- Women Who Tech Partner — Funds or supports Women Who Tech's initiatives to accelerate women tech entrepreneurs
- WorkingNation Partner — Collaborates on workforce development initiatives and sharing stories about current and future jobs
- Y Combinator Partner — Collaborates with Y Combinator’s model for funding early-stage startups through intensive support and investor pitch development
- family offices Partner — Provides fiscal sponsorship fund services to family offices.
- high-net-worth individuals Partner — Serves high-net-worth individuals seeking flexible charitable giving structures.
- wealth managers Partner — Partners with wealth managers to manage charitable funds within fiscal sponsorship funds.