- info@aha-projects.org
What We Do
You have an exciting project that you have been forming for years, months or days. Your endeavor supports the community, gives space, creates access to, provides resources or something new that engages the creator and the community to solve a greater purpose. You have built it or ideated it and you need help developing your business model, building your budget, and more.
Through individualized planning and thoughtful risk taking, we provide you the support your project needs to build it, grow it, and make it sustainable. Once businesses are thriving, we can help you determine how to spin off into your own nonprofit, corporation, or limited liability operation.
Fiscal Sponsorship
Model A: (Umbrella)
Model B: (Entity)
Model C: (Pass-Through)
Model K: (Canopy)
Fiscal Sponsorship
Fiscal sponsorship refers to the practice of non-profit organizations offering their legal and tax-exempt status to groups (typically projects, but can be LLC’s, nonprofits or collectives) engaged in activities related to the sponsoring organization’s mission. It typically involves a fee-based contractual arrangement between a project and an established non-profit. Projects may seek fiscal sponsorship for various reasons: an anticipated short lifespan, improved access to funding, increased credibility, and low-cost financial and administrative services. Fiscal sponsors can also assist nascent projects in developing the necessary organizational capabilities to eventually spin off as independent non-profits.
Model A: (Umbrella)
Comprehensive Project Integration (Individual)
The project becomes a program of AHA Projects, with the Project Partner (an individual or group) serving as an employee(s), volunteer(s), or independent contractor(s) of our organization. This model provides full integration, comprehensive support and is ideal for changemakers with big ideas.
Model B: (Entity)
The project becomes a program of AHA Projects, with the Project Partner being an entity (LLC, collective, etc.) and individuals serving as employees, volunteers, or independent contractors. This model suits more complex organizational structures with multiple team members.
Model C: (Pass-Through)
Direct Grant Relationship (Pass-Through)AHA Projects acts as a conduit for charitable dollars to advance your project. This is typically a one-time donation arrangement for short-term projects that impact the community. The sponsoring organization supports the project indirectly as a pass-through option, ideal for focused, time-limited initiatives.
Model K: (Canopy)
Nonprofit Integration
For existing nonprofit organizations experiencing operational challenges that endanger their long-term sustainability or tax-exempt status. Projects find safe harbor and operate their nonprofit as a project of AHA while retaining their 501(c)3 status until they are ready to spin out again.
“AHA Projects provides the operational infrastructure
so that you can focus on - your AHA Idea!”
What are the Benefits of Fiscal Sponsorship?
- Projects can launch quickly, without having to file for 501(c)(3) status.
- Newly founded projects have time to incubate without having to invest in infrastructure.
- Financial management is taken care of by a team of experienced professionals, increasing the confidence of funders.
- Projects can be focused in duration by design, such as disaster relief.
- Fiscal sponsors can offer economies of scale for many services. By pooling resources, projects are able to affordably access liability protection, health insurance, and legal counsel.
- Advocate with the Land Use Services
Day to Day Support
- Invoice Tracking
- Accounts Payable
- Contract Development
- Grant Compliance
- Donor Engagement
Additional Services
In addition to our daily support, we offer consulting services in the following areas of expertise:
- Business Plan Development
- Fundraising Events
- Grant Writing
- Major Gift
- Program Development
- Program Management
- Accounting (AP/AR)
- Financial Planning
- Organizational Structure and Staffing Needs
- Human Resources
- Payroll & Independent Contractor