FISCAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

Hoʻiwai Fund extends its 501c3 status to fiscally sponsor select projects aligned with the organization’s mission.

FUNDER HUI

Hawaiʻi’s first association of funders and philanthropy-serving organization (PSO) serving Hawaiʻi’s philanthropic community.

PROJECT THESIS

A women’s learning circle committed to increasing the dedicated financial and intellectual capital invested in women-leadership in Hawaiʻi.

Tier 1:  9-12%

Financial and Administrative Management

  • Donation processing (checks, online, wire transfers, etc.)

  • Grant management, including application review, funder communication, and compliance monitoring

  • Budget oversight and financial reporting

  • Accounts payable and receivable

  • Fund release and expense reimbursement processing

  • Executive Compensation Review

Legal and Compliance Oversight

  • Use of 501(c)(3) status for grant eligibility and tax-deductible donations

  • Contract review and approval (e.g., MOUs, vendor agreements, event rentals)

  • Insurance coverage (liability, D&O, event insurance, etc.)

  • IRS and state compliance (e.g., lobbying restrictions, charitable solicitation laws)

Donor Communications

  • Review of donor materials for compliance

  • Use of fiscal sponsor branding or templates (if applicable)

  • Support for public messaging around tax-deductibility and grant relationships

Strategic and Capacity-Building Support

  • Governance guidance, including establishing advisory boards or steering committees

  • Leadership coaching or mentorship

  • Fundraising strategy consulting

  • Workshops or peer learning opportunities

  • Help with transition to independent 501(c)(3) status (if the project chooses to spin off)

Technology and Infrastructure

  • Access to shared tools or platforms (e.g., donor databases, financial software, e-newsletter tools)

  • Set up and management of Google Workspace; Squarespace; Zoom 

  • File storage or document retention systems

Tier 2: 15% (all of the above +)

What Partnership Looks Like

If you’re seeking fiscal sponsorship, here’s what you can expect from our process and partnership journey.

Partnership Readiness & Application Invitation

If you’re exploring fiscal sponsorship with Hoʻiwai Fund, we invite you to reflect on a few questions to see if this partnership could be a good fit:

  • Does your project create tangible benefits that strengthen and serve your community?

  • Is your idea supported by a group of committed collaborators or community members who share your vision?

  • Do you have the passion, integrity, and determination to bring your charitable goals to life?

  • Can you clearly describe the community need your project addresses — through both data and lived experience?

  • Have you identified potential funding sources or partners that can help sustain your work?

  • Are you able to articulate your goals and outline a clear path to achieving them?

  • Would your project benefit from the strategic guidance, administrative infrastructure, and fiscal sponsorship that Hoʻiwai Fund provides?

If these questions resonate with you, please complete our Fiscal Sponsorship Interest Form. Once received, our team will reach out to learn more about your project and explore our alignment with Hoʻiwai Fund’s mission, values, and approach.

If we find that your project is a good fit, you’ll be invited to submit a full application to join the Hoʻiwai Fund Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

Fiscal Sponsorship Interest Form