What is the logistical/paperwork process of joining IHCenter?

Once an inquiry is made to the IHCenter office, we will mail or e-mail you an application form.  Most often this is more gracefully accomplished through applicants downloading the Proposal for Sponsorship and emailing the completed form to apply@IHCenter.org.  It is important to read through the application carefully, and to fill it out as comprehensively as possible.

Once we receive your completed application, someone from IHCenter will contact you with the result of our initial review, and, if preliminarily approved, to request your thorough review of the IHCenter Project Operations Manual (currently under revision), noting the areas of your concern or question.  When your Ops Manual review is completed, you may contact IHCenter to request an appointment with an IHCenter director. This meeting can either be in person or via teleconference and allows us to better familiarize ourselves with your work, as well as provides the opportunity for you to ask any questions about IHCenter and our policies.

Should we gain agreement to move on and decide to formalize your program within IHCenter's auspices, you will be required to sign the Memorandum of Understanding - MOU (currently under revision.) At this point there is a US$200.00 activation fee due for preparing database and accounting elements as well as creating a stand-alone webpage on the IHCenter website that includes the immediate ability to take online donations.  You will then receive a Letter of Support via email issued by IHCenter showing authentication as a fiscally sponsored program.  Shortly after this a hard copy package of information will be sent from the IHCenter office including copy masters of all authorizing letters and forms, plus a CD-ROM of the Operations Manual.

What if our group has no significant operating history?

IHCenter is a grassroots organization, and thus is equipped to handle start-up endeavors. As long as you are serious about doing the work, you have a home with IHCenter. Project directors are expected to raise funds to expand their work, and advance the goals of the project.

Are there any ongoing fees? What are fiscal sponsorship fees? Is there a minimum amount?

There are no ongoing fees other than fiscal sponsorship fees, which are calculated at 10% of all project revenues. However, the fiscal fee does not apply to in-kind donations, i.e. non-monetary donations such as clothing or equipment. These fiscal sponsorship fees are used to maintain the IHCenter office, and pay for such infrastructure costs as compensation to individuals, equipment, telephone, etc and cannot be reduced.

IHCenter requires that each project pay a minimum of $200 per calendar year in fiscal sponsorship fees. This policy only applies to groups that have been in IHCenter for a full calendar year -- projects joining midyear are exempt for the remainder of that year. There is no maximum amount, i.e. we do not cap fees at a ceiling amount. Any project that does not raise $4,000 in a full calendar year will need to remit $200 at year-end. This policy was enacted to ensure that all projects are active and working toward the goals they have set forth. Exemptions may be granted for unusual circumstances.

Can IHCenter put projects in touch with any donors or foundations?

No. Our donors, including foundations, understand that giving ensures a degree of confidentiality. Donors always expect an organization to respect their privacy. Therefore, we adhere to this unwritten code.

How does the flow of money occur once a donation has been given?

Donations always need to be transacted on the IHCenter website, an IHCenter-authorized payment module on the project website, or physically sent to the IHCenter office, where they are processed and deposited. They can be in the form of checks, money orders, credit cards, and electronic wires, plus online transactions with credit cards via our merchant gateway or PayPal and eChecks through PayPal. At this point, you may either submit a budget (proactive) or receipts (retroactive) for the release of available funds. Only project-related expenses can be covered with these funds, never personal expenses. In addition, if there are not adequate funds to cover expenses before checks are deposited, funds will be disbursed only after the checks have cleared the bank.

Can we make a salary doing nonprofit work?

Yes, you can pay yourself a salary or stipend. This goes for staff, interns, consultants, and contractors, as well. This is perfectly legitimate within nonprofit work. However, for every group the picture is different. It is usually not appropriate for a project's entire budget to be directed toward salaries. There are always office and field expenses entailed in carrying out a humanitarian / ecological project.

IHCenter monitors the paying of salaries to be sure that it is commensurate with the project work.

Do we need to form a Board of Directors? Who is our Board?

No. The IHCenter Board of Directors becomes the de facto Board for all IHCenter projects. This is due to the fact that every member project is technically an activity of IHCenter. Groups do not have a legal identity outside of IHCenter. However, all projects are encouraged - though not required - to form an advisory board. This helps in project efficiency, community visibility, and in the 'spinning off' process.

May we contact/collaborate with other IHCenter projects?

Absolutely. Collaboration is always encouraged, and is a decision every group must make independently. Contact information for active groups is listed on the IHCenter website. Feel free to get in touch with any project that you feel could augment your work, and vice versa.

What if our work involves books, films, videos, etc? Who owns them?

This is an important issue, and needs to be understood. Any tangible product (book, film, video, manuscript) that is produced with funds from the public realm, i.e. via a public charity such as IHCenter, is technically owned by the charity. It is strictly a legal issue. It is useful to keep in mind that every IHCenter project is afforded the recognized nonprofit status of IHCenter, and empowered to seek tax-deductible donations, only through its affiliation with IHCenter.

IHC does not act in a proprietary manner with any group's assets. There will never be an issue of IHCenter exercising creative control over your productions (unless it violates federal or state nonprofit guidelines). When a project spins off, all assets created during a project's tenure are granted to the project.

How are contracts with outside vendors/service providers/individuals handled?

Projects are free to negotiate contracts for services rendered by businesses or individuals. However, there is no debt financing allowed in IHCenter. When signing a contract for a service, the project must have available funds to pay for said service. If a contract for any amount is over and above a group's normal operating level, the IHCenter office must first approve it.

What if my project needs to purchase or lease a product?

In some instances, a group may find it necessary to purchase or lease expensive items that are crucial to their activities. Automobiles and computers are the most frequent large needs, though the possibilities are limitless. When arranging for payment, all such purchases and leases need to be executed by an individual associated with the group, not by the IHCenter office. IHCenter must never be listed as payee or lessee on any contracts. Please contact the office if clarification is needed.

Is there a minimum/maximum time a group needs to stay with IHCenter? Is it easy to spin off?

No project is required to spend any particular length of time with IHCenter. You can begin to seek independent status at any point that you and your advisory board feel ready. Spinning off is easy and efficient, and is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Does IHCenter get independent nonprofit status for its groups and projects?

No, what IHCenter does provide is the initial nonprofit status under our auspices. We can provide guidance and advice on seeking independent nonprofit status, but each project that chooses this route must be ready to handle the myriad of paperwork involved on their own. This is where an advisory board and/or core group of supporters can help tremendously.

What if I'm not sure my project fits within IHCenter's criteria?

The best place to start is the Member Groups section. If you are still unsure, or would like to discuss a certain issue, the best option is to contact us directly. A quick telephone call or email to apply@ihcenter.org is the best way of getting in touch with us.

Can projects have their own bank account?

No, all revenue and disbursements must be processed through the IHCenter Projects bank account. This ensures that every group's financial picture remains up-to-date, as well as ensuring that all monetary activity under IHCenter's auspices meets with acceptable 501[c](3) guidelines.

Projects who wish to have a project bank account separate from their personal finances may do so as long as the bank account is linked to an individual's social security number. Projects are strictly forbidden from opening bank accounts using IHCenter's tax ID number. Please contact the office if clarification is needed.