Who is this for?
This content is designed for participants in Anti Entropy's SparkWell fiscal sponsorship program. While some context will be specific to SparkWell and may need more context, we've made these resources public because they may, nevertheless, be useful to others who may be founding or building an organization.
About this Document
This document clarifies the division of responsibilities between SparkWell and Project Leads. Project Leads have full autonomy over day-to-day operations and strategic decisions within their mission scope. SparkWell provides the operational infrastructure, compliance oversight, and strategic support to enable Projects to focus on their impact work.
Project Lead Responsibilities
Program Operations
- Day-to-day operational decisions and management
- Program design, implementation, and iteration
- Strategic pivots and changes within original mission scope
- Research priorities and methodology decisions
- Setting and tracking toward program milestones
- External relations and communications
Fundraising & Financial Management
- Develop and execute fundraising strategy
- Donor cultivation and relationship management
- Create annual and quarterly budgets
- Track fundraising pipeline and budget performance
- Make routine spending decisions within approved parameters
- Ensure compliance with funder requirements
- Manage approved expenditure processes once established
Team Management
- Staff hiring decisions (subject to due diligence approval)
- Contractor selection and management
- Team performance reviews and development
- Building organizational culture
- Managing team workflows and productivity
SparkWell Responsibilities
Financial Operations
- Process all banking transactions and account management
- Provide monthly financial statements and dashboards
- Handle payroll processing and tax compliance
- Provide budget variance analysis
Compliance & Legal
- Maintain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- Monitor compliance with nonprofit regulations
- Ensure activities align with tax-exempt requirements
- Conduct due diligence for new hires and major partnerships
Program Support
- Conduct monthly check-in meetings with Project Leads
- Provide strategic guidance and problem-solving support
- Connect Projects to relevant resources and opportunities
- Offer expertise in nonprofit operations and management
- Coordinate access to advisory resources (fundraising, cybersecurity, etc.)
- Provide optional post-graduation support (up to 4 hours/month for 6 months)
Administrative Infrastructure
- Maintain donation platform (Every.org) and setup
- Coordinate EOR for employee hiring
- Provide access to financial analytics tools
- Supply operational templates and resources
- Manage contractor agreement workflows
- Onboarding process coordination
Consultation Required
Project Leads must consult SparkWell before:
- Strategic pivots beyond original project mission
- Large expenditures (thresholds agreed upon between SparkWell and Project Lead)
- Legal commitments, contracts, or formal partnerships
- Crisis management or significant operational challenges
- Activities that may impact Anti Entropy's 501(c)(3) status
Communication & Support
Regular Check-ins
- Monthly meetings covering progress, challenges, resources, and strategic guidance
- Additional meetings scheduled as needed for major decisions
Response Expectations
- 24-48 hours for routine matters
- Same-day response for urgent issues
Primary Channels
- Email for business communication and formal requests
- Video calls for check-ins and strategic discussions
- Slack for quick questions (when applicable)
Prohibited Activities
Due to operational complexity or compliance risk, Projects must seek approval from SparkWell before engaging in:
- Working directly with minors (safeguarding requirements)
- Hosting large public events (insurance complexity)
- International field operations (foreign law compliance)
- Advocacy and lobbying activities (tax-exempt protection)
- Fundraising lotteries or gambling (regulatory restrictions)
- Health/safety activities involving sensitive personal data
Expenditure Approval Process
Expenditure thresholds and approval processes will be established collaboratively between SparkWell and each Project Lead based on:
- Total project funding
- Budget complexity
- Stage of project development
- Risk profile of planned activities