Get Started
Before submitting an inquiry form, read about our multi-step application process. Going through this process is a way for us to get acquainted – and make sure it’s a good fit on both sides of the relationship. Below you will find valuable information and resources to guide prospective projects through the application process.
We Can Help
Partner with Us
Thank you for considering Community Initiatives as a partner to your great ideas! This page provides everything you need to prepare your application to join our community. Community Initiatives staff are available to help you through the entire process, so we encourage you to get in touch soon!
Prospective projects must submit an inquiry form before being invited to apply. If we seem like a good fit, our Vice President of Client Services will walk you through the application process.
Quarterly application deadlines are:
- March 15, 2024
- June 14, 2024
- September 13, 2024
- December 13, 2024
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Us Out
Explore our Services page to learn about all the resources available to you at Community Initiatives. Hear from our clients on how Community Initiatives assisted them in achieving their goals. More information can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Step 2: Get to Know Each Other
As soon as you are ready to start the conversation, submit our short inquiry form. Our staff will reach out for an introductory phone call. During this conversation, we will tell you more about Community Initiatives, learn about your project, and determine if we could be a good fit.
If we decide together to proceed with a partnership, we are just a phone call away. You are always welcome to ask questions about your individual project’s needs and learn more about our services. We want to make sure we fully understand your project–so we will be in touch throughout the application process.
Step 3: Complete Application
- Cover Letter Requesting Fiscal Sponsorship
- Four-page Application Form
- First-Year Budget (Community Initiatives template required)
- Three-Year Fundraising Plan
- Bio and Resume for Executive Director
- Bios for Advisory Committee Members
- Additional program collateral (optional)
- March 15, 2024
- June 14, 2024
- September 13, 2024
- December 13, 2024
Step 4: Operational Deep Dive
Community Initiatives staff will schedule a 90-minute meeting to discuss your Model A application, or a 45-minute meeting to discuss your Model C application. The purpose of this meeting is to better understand your project’s operational needs and conduct a risk assessment of your proposed activities.
Step 5: Board Review
The Community Initiatives board must approve an application before a project joins our network. Our board meets quarterly to consider applications. Projects will be notified of the status of their application within one week of the board review.
Step 6: Partnership Begins
An orientation meeting will be held to help you learn how to get the most out of your partnership with Community Initiatives.
We work with approved projects to select a start date that works for you. Some projects may want to join immediately, while some may need more time to reach a fundraising target or other milestone. If you are transferring from another fiscal sponsor Community Initiatives will communicate directly with them on your behalf. Projects must start their work within one year of board approval.