Apply

This page walks you through applying to the Department of Bioregion’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program: who can apply, choosing a model, the steps, and what to prepare. New to fiscal sponsorship? Start with What Is Fiscal Sponsorship.

Who can apply

We sponsor individuals, groups, and initiatives whose work is rooted in place and aligned with our mission to create a world of bioregions and thriving bioregional movements. You do not need to be incorporated; individuals and unincorporated groups are welcome. Geographic scope is universal, not only Cascadia. For the full list of the work we support, see What Is Fiscal Sponsorship.

Choosing a model

• Model A (Comprehensive). Your project becomes an internal program of the Department of Bioregion; we handle accounting, payroll, insurance, compliance, and reporting under our EIN. Best for early-stage projects and teams that want full backend support.
• Model C (Pre-Approved Grant Relationship). Your project is a separate legal entity with its own EIN; we receive funds and re-grant them under an approved scope of work. Best for established entities that want grant access while keeping operational autonomy.

You do not need to decide before you apply, but it helps to come in with a working sense of which fits.

The application process

1. Initial inquiry. Email fsp@deptofbioregion.org or use the form below to introduce yourself and your project.
2. Conversation with our team. We meet to learn about your work and answer your questions. Applications move faster when this happens before submission.
3. Submit your application. Complete the form and attach your budget and any supporting materials.
4. Review. We follow up within one week of submission. Board review can take up to three months.
5. Sign the agreement. On approval, you sign the agreement that formalizes the relationship and the chosen model.
6. Onboarding. We set up your project fund, payment intake, and reporting templates so you can begin.

What to prepare

• A clear project description: charitable purpose, place-based scope, and alignment with our mission
• A budget covering anticipated revenue and expenses for at least the first year (we provide a budget template)
• Leadership information: who is responsible, short bios, and the authorizing official for financial decisions
• A timeline of key milestones and any current or anticipated funding
• For Model C applicants: governing documents and proof of separate legal status

The application form and budget template are available from fsp@deptofbioregion.org, and the application is also below.

Begin your application

Use the form below to start, or email fsp@deptofbioregion.org with questions first. We strongly recommend a brief conversation with our team before you submit.

Organization name *

Website (optional)

Include https:// if your organization has a public site.

Executive Director name *

Executive Director email *

A confirmation email will be sent to this address.

Fiscal need (one or two sentences) *

Organization background (3 to 5 sentences) *

At least 200 characters. Tell us who you are, what you do, and the bioregional context you work in.

I confirm that the information above is accurate and that Department of Bioregion may review my application. *

Website

Submit application

If fiscal sponsorship is not the right fit

Not every project needs fiscal sponsorship. If you want to start or grow a place-based team in your own area, see the Bioregional Incubator. For anything else, write to projects@deptofbioregion.org. We respond to every inquiry.