We exist so that great missions don’t stall on paperwork.
Access Philanthropy Charities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides the financial and administrative infrastructure emerging organizations need to receive funding, stay compliant, and focus on their work.
— NONPROFIT FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
Your mission deserves a strong foundation.
Access Philanthropy Charities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that acts as your fiscal sponsor, so you can accept tax-exempt donations, secure grants, and focus on the work that matters most.
“APC made it really easy to get us set up under their fiscal sponsorship arrangement. Minimal reporting, and plenty of available support and guidance."
Scott D. Dale — Collectivity & ConnectedMN
— WHO WE ARE
Building the philanthropic future, together.
A steady hand for organizations doing meaningful work.
Access Philanthropy Charities (APC) was founded in 2008. We act as a fiscal sponsor for emerging and established organizations — giving them the legal standing, financial infrastructure, and administrative support to operate with confidence.
We especially seek out organizations led by and serving Black, Brown, and other underserved communities. Whether you have funding in hand or a vision in development, we want to hear from you.
Our Mission
To assist new, high-potential nonprofits with the technical and financial services they need to launch, grow, and make lasting impact.
Fiscal sponsorship under our 501(c)(3) umbrella
Priority given to racial equity and underserved communities
Transparent, low-cost model at just 5% admin fee
Hands-on guidance, not just back-office processing
Services that remove the burden, so you can do the work.
— WHAT WE OFFER
APC's fiscal sponsorship model gives your organization the legal standing, financial infrastructure, and administrative support to operate with confidence from day one.
Donation & Grant Processing
APC accepts gifts and grants on your behalf under our 501(c)(3) status. Donors receive tax-deductible receipts. We process the payment and forward your funds — minus our 5% admin fee — on a timely basis.
Annual 990 Tax Filing
APC files the IRS Form 990 on behalf of your organization each year, eliminating one of the most time-consuming compliance requirements your organization would otherwise face alone.
Annual Financial Audit
We contract with a CPA to conduct an annual business review or full audit of APC's finances — which includes a basic overview of your organization's financials. Available upon request.
Fundraising Support
Through our relationship with Access Philanthropy, Inc., sponsored organizations can access grant writing assistance, foundation outreach support, and fundraising strategy guidance.
Foundation & Funder Relations
APC manages banking, accounting, reporting, and direct foundation interaction on your behalf — making your organization grant-ready immediately when a funder requires a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent.
Technical Assistance & Guidance
From your first inquiry to quarterly reporting, our team is available with practical guidance and thoughtful answers to your operational and fundraising questions. We're a coach, not just a processor.
— THE PROCESS
From application to active sponsorship.
Submit Request Form
Complete and submit the APC Fiscal Sponsorship Request Form. Tell us about your organization, your mission, and your needs.
Board Review
The APC board reviews your completed application and evaluates the fit. You'll hear back with questions or next steps.
Sign the MOU
If approved, both your organization and APC sign a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement, renewed annually.
Start Receiving Funds
Your organization is active. Donations and grants flow through APC. Submit simple quarterly reports on activities and expenditures.
Here's what the path to becoming an APC-sponsored organization looks like: straightforward, collaborative, and designed to move at your pace.
Simple, transparent pricing.
APC charges a flat 5% administrative fee on all gifts and grants received on your behalf. This fee covers banking, accounting, reporting, foundation interaction, CPA audit costs, and technical services. That's it. No hidden costs, no surprises.
5%
ADMIN FEE ON FUNDS RECEIVED
Collectivity was looking for a simple, local relationship to house a major initiative that was once carried by the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation. When we needed a new home, Gail and her team made it really easy to get us set up under their fiscal sponsorship arrangement. Minimal reporting, and plenty of available support and guidance if we needed it. Thanks APC for your support!
As a proud partner of APC, I rely on the organization for three things — to keep me grounded in what is trending in the philanthropic community, to help my organization lead courageously, and to help me network with other philanthropic leaders locally, regionally and internationally. APC is a dependable coach, responsive, reliable and always very professional.
Access Philanthropy Charities has been an invaluable partner in strengthening our nonprofit. They've streamlined our grant funding process and taken the stress out of filing 990s and preparing for audits. Just as importantly, their team is always available with practical guidance and thoughtful answers to our fundraising questions.
What our sponsored organizations say.
— CLIENT STORIES
— COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions.
Ready to apply for fiscal sponsorship?
Tell us about your organization and your mission. The APC board reviews every application personally — we'd love to hear what you're building.