How We’re Helping This Charitable Mission Prepare for 501(c)(3) Independence
How our fiscal sponsorship is setting up Catalyst Kitchens to scale and, eventually, become an independently-run nonprofit.
Every organization experiences growing pains. But for many charitable missions, growth isn’t always as linear. (For example: Should we start our own 501(c)(3) or become fiscally sponsored)?
Catalyst Kitchens was in that position in 2021 as they sought an interim solution to support their growth plans. Previously, they were operating as a program of another organization – and that partnership was no longer sustainable for their expansion efforts.
As a result, Catalyst Kitchens needed to find a new home that would provide them the time and space to reimagine how they operate and set a new vision for their growth in the years to come, as they also planned to eventually become their own 501(c)(3) organization.
About Catalyst Kitchens
Catalyst Kitchens’ goal is to create a community of learning and resources dedicated to supporting individuals with barriers to employment to launch and grow careers. They achieve this through a network of organizations that thrive and grow by sharing best practices, raising awareness, and advocating together for one another and their constituents. Network members support one another, and the movement of culinary skills training and workforce development as a whole.
Why Mission Edge?
Catalyst Kitchens’ search for a new fiscal sponsor wasn’t just about finding a partner to grow with; it was about understanding the intricacies of scaling, and finding a partner who shared their vision for independence.
Mission Edge was the best fit for Catalyst Kitchens because we had the expertise and resources to help them re-establish their vision and direction, and then move towards those goals.
They also needed a partner who was supportive of their end goal to eventually become an independent 501(c)(3) organization, and that’s what we’re best at.
Where Mission Edge Came in
When we became fiscal sponsors for Catalyst Kitchens, we gave them:
A platform and the systems they needed to build a foundation for future independence.
Time and space to build and dream. We didn’t force any major changes too quickly. Rather, we joined them on their journey and met them where they were at.
We provided a structure for them to hire three full-time employees. Each of them are fully remote and live outside of California, and we were able to navigate the employment laws and complexities of the states they lived in.
The Results
Since becoming a fiscally sponsored project with Mission Edge, Catalyst Kitchens has been able to re-launch and brand themselves as a more independent project. (View their website here!)
They’re currently working towards building the structure they need to be an independent nonprofit organization, and they’ve also been able to focus on their mission, vision, and growth without being bogged down by the compliance side of managing a nonprofit.
Now that Catalyst Kitchens has their own mission and vision in place, they can shift their focus towards becoming their own organization!
The Outcomes
Here at Mission Edge, our goal is to help organizations better achieve their missions and serve their communities by taking on things like accounting, compliance management, and human resources.
We’re proud that, due to our partnership with Catalyst Kitchens, the program has been able to help more people. Here’s how.
They’ve relaunched regular programming for all its members, allowing them to better serve their members.
They’ve continued to recognize exemplary individuals from member organizations with the David Careleton Catalyst for Change Award.
They’ve maintained a strong member base, allowing them to hire a full-time Executive Director with two additional directors.
what’s next
Since originally publishing this article on [date], Catalyst Kitchens went on to obtain their own 501(c)(3) status. This is exactly the journey we are equipped to support as a Fiscal Sponsor. When Catalyst came to us, they weren’t quite ready for the administrative overhead, but through the years they have grown immensely. Now, with their own nonprofit status, we are shifting our relationship to collaborate with them as a Managed Services client, where we will continue to provide Accounting and HR support. Together we were able to ensure there was no lapse in programming during their transition, and now we are sure they are even more set up for continued growth and longterm success.
Learn more about Fiscal Sponsorship with Mission Edge
At Mission Edge we love speaking to other social entrepreneurs and learning what impact you are passionate about. Contact us below to chat with a Fiscal Sponsorship Specialist and learn what model might be best for you, and if Mission Edge is the partner you are looking for.
