Choosing between a Donor-Advised Fund and a private foundation? There's a third option most people miss: fiscal sponsorship. This article breaks down all three structures — including Givinga Foundation's Charitable Foundation Account (CFA) — so you can find the right fit for your giving goals.

Raising your first $100,000 can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t have wealthy donors, a famous name, or years of nonprofit experience.‍But here’s the truth most founders don’t hear often enough: you’re not behind. Nearly 70% of nonprofits operate on less than $100,000 per year, and more than half operate on far less. That means reaching your first $100K doesn’t make you small — it puts you ahead of the majority.

Starting a charitable foundation used to mean navigating complex paperwork, compliance rules, and lengthy approval timelines. Today, technology has changed that. With digital tools and online fiscal sponsorship platforms, launching a charitable foundation is faster, simpler, and more transparent than ever before.

Modern tools, online platforms, and foundation management services — such as the Givinga Foundation — have made it easier and more affordable than ever to formalize your giving through a process known as fiscal sponsorship.

Fiscal sponsorship provides a pathway to grow your philanthropy quickly and efficiently. It’s a structure that enables individuals to design, launch, and operate a charitable fund under the umbrella of an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit, providing the benefits of a foundation without the burdens of creating a new charity from scratch. 

As the Giving Season approaches, October provides a great opportunity to explore key causes and charities. This month hosts Indigenous People’s Day, LGBTQ+ History Month, Mental Health Awareness Week, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.