Building Capacity

At United Way of Merced County, we understand that effective capacity building must be tailored to each organization's unique needs. Recognizing that many nonprofits struggle with administrative burdens that can detract from their mission-focused work, we have developed specialized support services. Our approach acknowledges that while workshops and training are valuable, the real challenge often lies in managing the day-to-day operations that support impactful work. We aim to alleviate these pressures so that nonprofits can focus on what they do best: serving the community. Through our initiatives, we provide the critical back-office support necessary to enhance their capacity and effectiveness.

Fiscal Sponsorships

Fiscal sponsorship is a strategic relationship where United Way of Merced County, extends its tax-exempt status as an umbrella to cover smaller groups, projects, or organizations. This partnership allows these initiatives to operate under our nonprofit status while focusing primarily on their core missions. For a fee or percentage, our fiscal sponsorship program manages your grant funds, ensures compliance with legal standards, and acts as a direct liaison to the IRS.

This arrangement not only helps projects channel more resources towards impactful community work but also alleviates the administrative burdens of running an independent nonprofit. By eliminating the need and costs associated with setting up a new 501(c)(3), emerging programs can concentrate on their development and delivery of services without getting entangled in complex accounting and organizational logistics.

CURRENT FISCALLY SPONSORED AGENCIES

Nonprofit Incubation - Winter 2025

Our Nonprofit Incubation program is designed to provide comprehensive support to emerging groups and organizations as they navigate from fiscal sponsorship to full-fledged nonprofit. We guide each organization through every step of the process, ensuring that foundational elements are thoroughly established. This includes assistance with filing the necessary paperwork, selecting a committed board of directors, and meeting all legal requirements for nonprofit status.

Our approach is hands-on and tailored to each organization’s specific needs. We work one-on-one with organizations to develop robust internal systems that are crucial for long-term sustainability. This support extends beyond mere administrative setup; it encompasses strategic planning, financial management, program development, and governance structures. Our goal is to build a strong backbone for each organization, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to operate effectively and independently in the future.

RISE Program

The RISE (Reinforce, Innovate, Strengthen, Empower) Program is designed to bolster existing nonprofits by enhancing their operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability. A key feature of the program is to create a fractional staffing model in Merced County, which offers a cost-effective solution for nonprofits to access specialized skills without the full-time expense. Through this model, United Way supplies the staffing expertise, and nonprofits share in the cost, tailoring the level of support to their budget and needs.

We aim to ensure that nonprofits not only receive interim solutions to immediate challenges but also engage in building a durable framework that supports their mission over the long term.

Community Investment Grants

These grants are aimed at providing seed funding to innovative programs, organizations, and initiatives that address pressing community needs. The grants support early-stage projects by reducing the financial risk associated with starting new ventures. By investing in these initiatives, United Way helps catalyze significant community developments and encourages creative solutions to local challenges. These grants are often pivotal in enabling projects to move from concept to implementation.