Fiscal Sponsorship

Fiscal sponsorship is the primary way Stara supports community-led work in Kalamazoo. Learn what this relationship is about.

What does fiscal sponsorship at Stara Collaborative mean?

  • Thought Partnership

    We collaborate with project leads and their teams to offer grounded strategy and support as they grow their vision and programming. That includes help with grant applications and access to professional development that aligns with project goals.

  • Fund Development

    Projects can manage their organization's sponsors, donors, events and grants from one platform. Each project has a branded donation page to steer their supporters.

  • Timely Access to Funds

    Once projects gain funds through donations or grants, they can access them quickly through a Stara-issued purchase card—no delays or confusing approval loops. detailed monthly reports on your financial status, funds, and any donations received.

  • Communication Support

    Projects gain access to a premium Canva account and support with creating materials and preparing press releases so that grassroots work is shared with the volume it deserves.

  • Workspace

    Stara offers a shared space for organizers and project leads to meet, plan, and build. Projects can go through training to access the building independently at times that work for their programming.

  • Community

    Stara provides a hub atmosphere where projects can collaborate quickly and leverage connections across their different focuses - from direct service to direct action. All of our work is interconnected and we do it better together.

Sponsorship Models

Model A

In Model A, projects become a program of Stara. Project Leads guide the work and play a key role in all decisions.

Stara manages the legal and financial responsibilities—like signing grant agreements, managing funds, and handling paperwork.

While all Model A projects have a project advisory committee, the project is formally part of Stara and falls under the oversight of the Stara Collaborative Board of Directors.

Direct Project of Stara

Model C

Preapproved Grant Relationship with Stara

In Model C, projects are more independent and maintain full legal and operational control.

Stara manages the grant agreement, reporting, and disbursement—making sure the process is clear, compliant, and aligned with funder expectations.

Model C projects also have access to advising support across strategy, fundraising and project development, operations, communications and administrative planning—helping your project stay grounded and on track.

Fiscal Sponsorship is a complex system.

We invite you to dig into our blogs to learn more.

Blog
How does fiscal sponsorship address issues of equity and sustainability?
How does fiscal sponsorship address issues of equity and sustainability?

How does fiscal sponsorship address the important issues of equity, social justice, sustainability and impact in the nonprofit sector?

Read more →
Fiscal Sponsorship at Stara Collaborative
Fiscal Sponsorship at Stara Collaborative

What is fiscal sponsorship and what does it look like at Stara? This blog introduces what fiscal sponsorship is and what we specifically provide to projects we sponsor.

Read more →

What kinds of projects work with Stara?

Stara supports projects at many different stages — whether stabilizing, growing, or shifting direction. Some are just beginning, others are expanding or refining long-standing work.

Our project budgets range from small pilots to established programs. Across that spectrum, Stara partners with leaders who are challenging systems in many different sectors, offering the infrastructure, guidance, and space needed to keep their work moving forward.

See Current Projects

Application Process

In order to build something stable together, we have patient process based in integrity to ensure the partnership is a good fit.

  • Prospective projects start by filling out a short form to tell us about their work. If it seems like a potential fit, we’ll invite you to meet with a member of the Stara team. This form will be open for more submissions on April 1, 2026.

  • This conversation helps us both learn more and see if applying for fiscal sponsorship at Stara is the right next step.

  • If it feels aligned, Stara will invite prospective project leads to complete an application, with 1-2 parts depending on the Model.

  • The Stara team reviews applications and may follow up with questions or requests for more information from prospective projects.

  • At this stage, Stara reviews documents, assess readiness, and clarifies final details before entering into agreement.

  • If approved and aligned fit, Stara will initiate a contract signing process and onboarding—welcoming projects into the Stara network with support, structure, and shared vision.

If this process seems do-able, fill out this form for staff to review and see if meeting to learn more is the right option.

Submit an Inquiry Form