You and Your Fiscal Sponsor: Keeping the Love Alive

Some view Valentine’s Day as a time for chocolates, roses, and homemade cards lovingly crafted from paper doilies. Others see it as little more than a crass commercial Hallmark holiday. But wherever you fall on that spectrum, it’s definitely a time when every article you read asks that you reflect on and celebrate your relationships.

And this one is no different.

So, what are the best ways to keep your relationship with your fiscal sponsor in the happy place? We have a few ideas:

• Know our love language. We know you love action and express your passion by working to change the world. But do you know what we love? Keepin’ it legal. Show you care by reading our handbook and telling us when you’re thinking about adding power tools, skate ramps, or your in-laws to the payroll.
• Acknowledge our work. Is processing checks and securing insurance sexy? No. Is it essential? Absolutely! We work hard to get those unglamorous back-office tasks done to keep you focused on your programs. So the next time you get an automatic email informing you that your paycheck has been direct deposited, remember the loving fiscal sponsor staff person who processed that monster payroll.
• Give us backrubs. NOT! Part of our job is paying attention to HR laws and best practices. And we promise you that giving co-workers backrubs is something we’re just not that into. During work hours. Or pretty much ever. But we would totally love it if you made us a mix-tape.
• Communicate openly and honestly. Let us know what’s going on with YOU. Having employee management challenges? Fundraising drama? Cash-handling conundrums? Trouble reconciling your vision with reality? We are here to help. We want to know. And we need to know. Related: we’ve seen it all, so we skip the judgments and go right to solutions. Unless you have a secret bank account. Then we are SO over.
• Encourage us to pursue our dreams. Just kidding. That’s the way we show our love for you. But you could introduce us to all your cool friends.