Partnerships That Strengthen Community Impact
UBF works with mission-aligned organizations to provide fiscal sponsorship, shared infrastructure, and access to partner resources that help community work grow responsibly.
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which an established nonprofit, the fiscal sponsor, provides its legal and tax-exempt status to another organization or project that shares a similar mission. This allows the sponsored organization to receive grants and tax-deductible donations without having its own 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS.
UBF's model: Comprehensive (Model C) fiscal sponsorship
UBF operates under a Model C comprehensive fiscal sponsorship structure. In this model, UBF directly manages the fiscal sponsorship project as a program of the Fund, holding all assets, receiving all revenues, and maintaining full legal and financial responsibility. The sponsored organization's activities are carried out as a program within UBF's organizational structure. This model provides maximum compliance infrastructure and is the appropriate choice for groups building toward long-term organizational independence.
Who this program is designed for
UBF's fiscal sponsorship program is designed for mission-aligned organizations that:
- Are doing meaningful community work in Ohio, with a focus on Greater Cleveland
- Are not yet incorporated as a 501(c)(3) or are in an early stage of development
- Share a mission consistent with UBF's focus on meeting unmet community needs
- Are ready to work within a structured, compliant fiscal sponsorship relationship
What we look for
UBF reviews every fiscal sponsorship inquiry against a consistent set of criteria: mission alignment, geography, organizational readiness, operational infrastructure, and financial readiness. These criteria are designed to make sure our partnership is a strong fit for your stage and that we can offer the structure and support you need.
Mission & values
- Alignment with UBF's mission and community priorities
- Commitment to equity with accountability
Geography
- Primary operations within Ohio
Organizational readiness
- Valid EIN
- Articles of Incorporation or Organization
- Established leadership or governance structure
Operational infrastructure
- Business email
- Physical mailing address
- Phone number
- Website or digital presence
Financial readiness
- Basic understanding of financial processes
- Willingness to comply with Model C structure
- Agreement to advance grant disclosure
How It Works
Inquire
Submit your inquiry and tell us about your organization and the work you are doing.
Evaluate
UBF reviews your inquiry to assess mission alignment and program fit.
Partner
Approved organizations enter a formal fiscal sponsorship agreement and begin working with UBF.
What happens after you submit your inquiry?
Once we receive your inquiry, our team will review it for mission alignment and program eligibility. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 30 days after receiving a complete inquiry. If your organization appears to be a strong fit, a member of the UBF team will reach out to discuss next steps and the formal application process. If we are not the right partner for your current stage, we will do our best to point you toward other resources that may help.
Applications Opening in 2027
UBF's fiscal sponsorship inquiry process is not yet open. We will share updates through our website and official UBF communications when applications become available.
In the meantime, reach our team with questions at info@unitedblackfund.org.
Contact UBF
General Inquiries
Reach our team for general questions, partnerships, or information about our programs.
info@unitedblackfund.orgOur Office
Located in Greater Cleveland. Visit us or connect with our team to learn how we can support your mission.
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