FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
  • Founded by 2x Super Bowl Champion and Ravens “Ring of Honor” inductee Matt Stover, Players Philanthropy Fund - PPF is a 501(c)(3) public charity that enables philanthropists to create a dedicated project that can accept tax-deductible contributions in support of any qualified charitable mission.

    PPF offers a simple, efficient, and cost-effective fiscal sponsorship solution for collecting and distributing charitable assets, which provides a desirable alternative to the complexity, hassle, and burden of operating an independent foundation or 501(c)(3).

    PPF will inspire and empower your philanthropy while ensuring full compliance with legal requirements and nonprofit best practices to protect against unnecessary risks.

  • PPF’s staff has over 150 years of combined experience in the philanthropic space! PPF prides itself on partnering with you and works diligently to provide you with the hands-on support you need. This fiscal sponsorship allows you to focus on fundraising, programs, grantmaking, and interacting with the people you serve. PPF also provides peace of mind knowing your philanthropic funds and reputation are protected.

    In addition, no matter where you live or where life takes you, PPF can direct your giving to qualifying charities or mission-driven program expenses worldwide. PPF provides transparency, providing continuous access to your charitable project’s account and investment managers (where applicable). PPF vets all charities before processing donations and requires appropriate proof before fundraising, expense reimbursements, or charitable invoice payments are processed.

  • Fiscal sponsorship provides new or existing charity projects (“foundation”) 501(c)(3) status so that they can fulfill their charitable mission(s). By obtaining charitable status, the project secures the ability to solicit tax-deductible donations, apply for and distribute grants, host fundraisers/events, and operate mission-driven programs. PPF, as the fiscal sponsor, provides back-office administration services for the charitable project.

  • As an advisor of the project, you may apply for grants and solicit gifts or contributions earmarked for your project. You may make disbursement requests from your project for donations to charities or payment of charitable expenses (invoices or reimbursements), which PPF records. Also, a PPF Project Manager will be assigned to your account to assist with day-to-day questions.

  • PPF can give your project several white-label benefits, which provide the look and feel of a standalone foundation. For example, your donors can make their checks payable to your project’s name. You have the ability to support a mission(s) of your choice within communities worldwide. Your project can give to individuals or organizations facing financial hardship, whether it be as a result of a natural disaster, injury, or to provide an academic scholarship.

    The benefits of PPF’s fiscal sponsorship can be found here.

  • PPF charges an industry-low fee for fiscal sponsorship. You save more so you can give more.

    Also, when you open an account with PPF by making an irrevocable contribution, you can receive a tax deduction to the fullest extent of the law. You may also solicit tax-deductible contributions to benefit your charitable project. There is no management fee charged on in-kind donations received.

  • There is a standardized management fee. PPF’s management fee of 6% on deposits is one of the lowest in the fiscal sponsorship industry! There may be other filing and charitable fees applied to your project. This information can be discussed further during prospective client vetting.

  • Yes, many existing 501(c)(3)s currently operate through PPF as their fiscal sponsor (60 as of March 2023). Fiscal sponsorship could be a more cost-efficient solution for the required compliance and bookkeeping needs. Also, it eliminates administrative headaches and liabilities that your board members may have to endure, freeing up their time to focus on your mission and programming.

  • The first step is to complete our free and non-binding online fiscal sponsorship application, located here. PPF staff will review the submitted application and contact you within 3-5 business days.

    5 step guide for engaging in PPF’s fiscal sponsorship

  • Our fiscal sponsorship agreement includes a 60-day notice mutual termination clause. Therefore, no long-term commitment is required.

  • No, PPF does not. However, PPF offers grant prospect research, funding research, and financial tracking once a grant is awarded. We can also refer you to vetted fundraisers and grant-writing consultants.

    *For more information, please reach out to PPF Grant Manager Gina Custead (gina@ppf.org).

  • Yes, PPF has an approved processors list that must be adhered to. See our pre-approved list here.

  • No - In fact, over half of our established partnerships are with various philanthropists, whether they are individuals, corporations, athletes, or public figures. View our diverse Roster here.