National Network of Fiscal Sponsors
The Inaugural Gathering of NNFS
Tides, as the largest fiscal sponsor in the nation, has taken leadership in organizing a National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS), in order to improve the practices, capabilities, and awareness of fiscal sponsorship through education and advocacy. This work is aimed at increasing funders’ and the publics understanding of the benefits of fiscal sponsorship to increase the use of fiscal sponsorship as a key strategy to support forward-thinking social entrepreneurs, activists, and philanthropists. Last week, on Oct 18 and 19, Tides Center hosted the Inaugural Gathering of NNFS at the Biltmore in Los Angeles, under Heidi Gatty’s leadership, with seamless logistical support from Luba Palionny, and under Jane Levikow’s wise guidance.
50 participants from 30 organizations from across the country participated to share information about best practices, understand the similarities and differences across fiscal sponsorship models, and promote fiscal sponsorship as an important tool to strengthen the progressive nonprofit community. Participants identified opportunities for collaboration, including development of a website to help the sector understand fiscal sponsorship, guidelines for responsible practice, and case studies to showcase the important work fiscal sponsors do. Heidi reports that participants left the meeting energized, with a renewed sense of purpose and deeply grateful to Tides for its commitment to convening and connecting such a diverse group of practitioners.