1. What types of organizations does ESI work with?
We partner with mission-driven organizations, including public/private partnerships, nonprofits, and unincorporated projects, dedicated to building a society rooted in social justice, equity, strong communities, healthy populations, and environmental sustainability.
2. What does ESI provide?
Our team supports governance, financial management, grant and contract administration, HR, compliance, payroll, insurance, and other operational infrastructure so organizations can focus more fully on their mission and programs. We specialize in Model A (comprehensive) sponsorships and provide Model C (pre-approved grant) sponsorships.
3. What are the costs?
ESI’s operating costs are shared among its Sponsored Partners, which helps achieve economies of scale. For Model A partners, these costs are calculated monthly as a percentage of their revenue, starting at 10%. An additional 5% is applied to revenue from government grants and contracts due to the added complexity. For Model C partners, the base cost is 7.5% of sponsored partner grant income, and an additional 5% is assessed on revenue from government grants and contracts.
4. How long does the application process take?
Most applications take approximately 60–90 days from initial conversation to final decision. We aim to make the process collaborative, transparent, and focused on organizational fit.
5. How do we know if ESI is the right fit?
The best place to start is by reviewing our “Why ESI” page and reaching out for a conversation. Fiscal sponsorship works best when there is strong alignment around values, operational needs, and long-term goals.
We know exploring fiscal sponsorship comes with many questions, and we’re always happy to have a conversation about whether ESI could be the right operational home for your organization.
Learn more about applying for Fiscal Sponsorship through ESI here.
