Do you aim to create positive and lasting impact for Muslim American communities? If so, grants and donations may help fund your efforts. However, many foundations and donors prefer to give to established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits. For individuals and organizations interested in pursuing grant funding and seeking donations for charitable work benefiting Muslim American communities, but don’t have the time, resources, or interest in applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, partnering with TCIF as your fiscal sponsor under our Project Incubator Fiscal Sponsorship (PIFS) program can help.
What is the PIFS Program?
The PIFS program gives community-based initiatives which support the Muslim American community, but do not have 501(c)(3) status, the opportunity to access funding, capacity building, and collaboration opportunities with allies.
How it works is TCIF, upon determining the project you’re working on aligns with our mission, will apply for and receive awards to support your work. You are responsible for determining the funding sources, preparing applications, and carrying out the project, if funded. In turn, TCIF will review and approve funding proposals, enter into award agreements with funders and then “regrant” funds it receives over to you or your organization to cover your costs associated with carrying out the project. We’ll work together to make sure the project is completed and reported on in a timely compliant manner.
Why work with the PIFS Program?
- Access. The process to become a 501(c)(3) can be a long and complicated process. Once the IRS has granted 501(c)(3) status, ongoing compliance requirements are considerable and burdensome. Through the PIFS Program, you can receive grants and tax-deductible donations before obtaining tax exempt status or even as an alternative to obtaining 501(c)(3) status.
- Focus. You’re closest to your community and therefore best positioned to develop and implement responsive projects. Focus on what you do best while we do the rest – 501(c)(3) compliance and grant administration.
- Capacity Building & Networking. Accessing charitable and philanthropic funds is only part of the equation. Through our PIFS Program, we provide networking opportunities and tailored capacity building support to best position you to achieve your goals now and in the years ahead.
Before applying:
Before applying, make sure that fiscal sponsorship at TCIF is right for your organization. If you answer yes to all of the questions below you may be a good candidate for the PIFS Program.
- Is your mission aligned with our mission? TCIF is dedicated to making a measurable difference in the Muslim-American and larger communities by supporting organizations and programs in the U.S., including in underserved areas, through grants and other resources.
- Are you currently unable to access grant funds or donations but would like to?
- Is your work non-profit in nature?
- Does your work benefit the Muslim-American community?
- Does your project demonstrate high standards of community care, social responsibility, and excellence?
- Is your project based in and perform activities in the US?
- Do you have a budget at or greater than $10,000 per year?
- Do you have a federally registered EIN number?
- Do you have an official executive/project management team and/or an advisory board guiding the project activities?
TCIF is accepting applications on a rolling basis which will be reviewed quarterly. If you believe you fit all of the criteria and this program would support you in reaching your goals please contact Program Manager, Rheanna Abbott to express your interest. You can reach her at [email protected].