Fusion Incubation Program Eligibility

Mission

Through collaborative action, including fiscal sponsorship, Fusion Partnerships works to be a catalyst for justice and peace.

Our Vision

Our vision for Baltimore is thriving communities with equitable resources, modeling collaborative processes and organizational structures which encourage all voices and enable truth, connection and love for humanity.   

Basic Criteria for Sponsorship

Fusion will consider emerging or existing projects, as per our capacity. for fiscal sponsorship and/or Incubation services that meet these basic criteria:

• A mission that is consistent with Fusion’s mission and work for social justice
• Serving charitable purposes
• Community based and grassroots oriented
• Leaders, staff or volunteers with relevant experience for project plans
• Planning to seek funds from charitable sources such as foundations or individual donors and able to propose fundraising and implementation plans
• Show strong commitment to the project and understand the needs of the community it serves
• Commitment to democratic, inclusive and equitable practices
• Commitment to consensus and collaborative practices
• Potential to grow and develop
• Understanding and acceptance of the terms of fiscal sponsorship
• Willing to accept the stated outcomes, goals and expectations required for fiscal sponsorship under Fusion Partnerships as stated in the Letter of Agreement.

Application Process

Individuals or groups seeking sponsorship must submit an application form.  This form is available on our website (www.fusiongroup.org) or upon request.  Upon receipt, the application will be reviewed by a committee of Fusion staff and Board members.   If the application is accepted, a meeting will be scheduled with the program leaders to explore the relationship with Fusion. We will contact you regarding your application status within one month of receipt.  

Membership Approval

Once your application has been approved for inclusion in Fusion’s nonprofit umbrella, there are three basic models of participation.   

1.  Emerging Program- You have a great idea that we would like to help you develop. You have no funding but need support on how to build your idea into action.  

Fusion provides:

• Approximately five hours of consulting time with Fusion staff over a six month period to assess the support and resources you need and develop a plan for building your program. (plan development will determine future support and consultation)
• Opportunities to share in Fusion network, peer learning and marketing opportunities.

Program agrees to:

• Pay an initial fee of $250 for five hours of Fusion consultation.
• Attend Fusion Quarterly Potluck meetings.
• Negotiate a provisional Letter of Agreement that will outline the program plans, roles and responsibilities for Fusion and the emerging program.

2.  Project- You have a community based project and an established legal entity that needs a 501c3 to get foundation grants and tax deductible contributions.  You wish to solicit grants and contributions through Fusion Partnerships nonprofit status.   You are responsible for your own tax returns, insurance, debts, liabilities and other legal obligations.

Fusion Provides:

• Access to solicit funding through Fusion Partnerships’ nonprofit status.
• Disbursement of grant or donation funds to the project, specified under terms of the grant agreement
• Support in grant reporting and financial management for the grant or donation funds
• Opportunities to share in Fusion network, peer learning opportunities.
• Listing in Fusion promotional materials, websites, newsletters, other forms of communication as a Project of Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

Cost and Requirements:  

• 5% of grants and donations for administrative costs paid to Fusion (negotiated on a project basis based on income and services provided)
• Negotiate an annual Letter of Agreement, which outlines responsibilities and goals as well as rates and fees.
• Attend Fusion Quarterly Potluck meeting.
• All grant proposals and fundraising materials must be reviewed by Fusion before submission

3.  Program- You have a program history, and imminent or awarded funding so you need the benefits of 501 c3 status to begin or continue your program implementation.   You desire the full benefits and fiscal management of fiscal sponsorship.   

Fusion Provides (as needed):

• Financial management – accounting, audit, tax reporting, check writing, banking services, grant management and reporting.
• Human Resources – payroll, benefits administration, employment policies.
• Access to solicit funding and the benefits of Fusion Partnerships’ 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status.
• Oversight of program activities from Fusion Board of Directors and staff.
• Coverage under Fusion insurance policies and legal services
• Opportunities to share in Fusion network and peer learning opportunities.
• Listing in Fusion promotional materials, websites, newsletters, other forms of communication as a Program of Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

Cost and Requirements:          

• 5-12% of grants and donations for administrative costs paid to Fusion (negotiated on a program basis based on revenue and services provided)
• Negotiate an annual Letter of Agreement, which outlines responsibilities and goals as well as rates and fees.
• Attend Fusion Quarterly Potluck meeting.
• All grant proposals and fundraising materials must be reviewed by Fusion before submission