For Projects that want to really understand the costs and trade-offs of leaving a fiscal sponsor

Deciding to separate from a fiscal sponsor, especially if your project has a substantial annual budget and more than a handful of employees, can feel like being between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, you may have advisors, funders or others telling you that separation is the right thing to do. And on the other, you have all of the unknowns related to operating an independent 501(c)(3), including the costs to separate and succeed “out in the world” as a standalone nonprofit.

Wouldn’t be helpful if you could see and compare your current operational costs under fiscal sponsorship with some informed estimates on what your costs would be as a standalone nonprofit?

If you answered yes to that — our Fiscal Sponsorship Cost Comparison engagement may be for you.

Through this engagement, you’ll receive:

  • An understanding of your project’s current operational costs for the services provided by your sponsor
  • Estimates of what it may cost for your project to 1) move through the separation process and 2) operate as an independent 501(c)(3)
  • Some different paths your organization could take to replace the infrastructure currently provided by its fiscal sponsor
  • Recommendations on how to move forward and a reasonable timeline for separation (if that’s recommended)

If you’ve always thought that the budgetary questions around this monumental decision couldn’t be answered — now they can.

  • The fee this analysis is $4,500.
  • Length of Engagement: Approximately 6-8 weeks.

Have a question about our Fiscal Sponsor Retainer service? Please see the FAQ below or email us at hello@schulmanconsulting.com. And if you’re ready to get started, click the blue button below to get schedule your introductory phone call.

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FAQ

What is the Fiscal Sponsorship Cost Comparison and Analysis?

  • The Fiscal Sponsorship Cost Comparison and Analysis is a consulting engagement to help leaders of fiscally sponsored projects understand the costs associated with leaving their sponsor and going out on their own — and how they compare to the costs of remaining under fiscal sponsorship.

Who is the Fiscal Sponsorship Cost Comparison and Analysis for?

  • The Fiscal Sponsorship Cost Comparison and Analysis is for sponsored projects that are considering separating from their sponsors and want to better understand the financial implications of that move.

How does this work?

  • Once you schedule your introductory call we’ll get on the phone for 20 minutes to talk through your current situation. If you decide to move forward, I’ll follow up with some additional questions along with a list of information and data that are required to effectively develop the analysis. This is a purely data-driven engagement. If you’re looking for something more quantitative, we suggest our Separation Readiness Audit.

How come I’ve never seen anything like this before?

  • There has never before been a consulting firm dedicated to the fiscal sponsorship community and focused on the needs of fiscally sponsored projects. With the specialized, industry-wide knowledge that we have (and continue to add to), we know from experience that this service is a benefit for sponsored projects in this situation.

How much does the Fiscal Sponsorship Cost Comparison and Analysis cost?

  • The fee for this service is $4,500. By moving forward with your project, you and we both agree to our terms of service.

What are the payment terms for the Fiscal Sponsorship Cost Comparison and Analysis?

  • This service is paid for in one payment, made prior to the start of the work.

What if I’m not happy with the results?

  • Our goal is to provide you the information and peace of mind to understand what it takes to separate from your fiscal sponsor. Our success is based on your success. If we get to the end of the project and you’re not satisfied with the results, we will make best efforts, to provide you with the information and resources that meet your needs.

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