Last Modified May 2025
These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern the relationship between HelpLink ("Sponsor"), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and any individual or entity ("Sponsored Program" or "Program") that applies for and participates in a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with HelpLink.
By submitting an application through the HelpLink platform, the Sponsored Program agrees to these Terms. Acceptance of these Terms forms a binding agreement between the Sponsor and the Program.
HelpLink provides fiscal sponsorship to programs that align with its charitable mission. Through this arrangement, HelpLink receives and manages charitable contributions on behalf of the Program and may disburse funds for approved charitable activities.
HelpLink operates under a pre-approved grant relationship model of fiscal sponsorship. Under this model, HelpLink retains full legal and fiduciary control of all contributed funds and disburses them to the Sponsored Program exclusively through approved grants or reimbursements for charitable purposes aligned with HelpLink's mission. Sponsored Programs are not legal projects or affiliates of HelpLink and remain separately operated entities.
Programs must:
(a) Operate exclusively for charitable purposes aligned with HelpLink's mission.
(b) Submit a complete application through HelpLink's online platform.
(c) Agree to these Terms at the time of application.
All donations received on behalf of a Sponsored Program are contributions to HelpLink and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors will receive receipts from HelpLink. HelpLink retains legal and fiscal control over all contributed funds.
HelpLink allows disbursement of funds from Sponsored Program accounts through the following approved methods, all of which are subject to HelpLink's sole discretion and approval:
(a) Reimbursement. Sponsored Programs may submit reimbursement requests through HelpLink's software platform for expenses already incurred. Requests must include appropriate documentation (e.g., receipts, proof of payment) demonstrating that the expenses were made for charitable purposes and are aligned with the approved project scope and HelpLink's charitable mission.
(b) Payment for Services Rendered. If a Sponsored Program delivers goods or services as part of its approved charitable activities, it may submit an invoice to HelpLink for payment. HelpLink may disburse payment directly to the Program's designated business account, provided the services align with the approved program scope and mission and appropriate documentation is submitted.
(c) Direct Payment of Bills. Sponsored Programs may request that HelpLink pay vendors or service providers directly from their program fund. Requests must include sufficient documentation showing that the payment is for goods or services consistent with the Sponsored Program's charitable purpose.
In all cases, HelpLink retains sole discretion to approve or deny disbursement requests and may request additional documentation as needed to ensure proper stewardship of funds in compliance with IRS guidelines and applicable laws.
Programs must:
(a) Maintain accurate financial records.
(b) Submit reports through HelpLink's platform when requested.
(c) Cooperate with all compliance requests from HelpLink or regulatory authorities.
HelpLink will retain an administrative fee of 18% of all contributions designated for a Sponsored Program. This fee supports compliance, reporting, financial administration, payment processing, and platform maintenance.
Program funds may be held in a centralized pooled bank account managed by HelpLink for administrative efficiency. HelpLink uses internal accounting systems to track the balance and activity of each Sponsored Program individually. Any interest or earnings accrued from holding program funds will be retained by HelpLink to support its general operations, unless otherwise specified in writing. Sponsored Programs acknowledge that they are not entitled to any earned interest.
HelpLink or the Sponsored Program may terminate participation with 30 days' notice. Upon termination, any remaining unspent funds shall, at HelpLink's sole discretion, either be granted to a 501(c)(3) with a similar charitable purpose or retained by HelpLink for use in furtherance of its own charitable mission, provided such use aligns with original donor intent.
The Sponsored Program represents and warrants that neither it nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or affiliates is a person or entity that is, or is owned or controlled by persons or entities that are:
(a) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by OFAC or any other relevant sanctions authority; or
(b) located, organized, or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive sanctions.
The Sponsored Program agrees to comply with all applicable sanctions laws and regulations and shall not engage in any transactions that would cause HelpLink to be in violation of such laws and regulations.
Nothing in these Terms shall be interpreted to create an employer-employee, partnership, or agency relationship between HelpLink and the Sponsored Program.
HelpLink reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Continued participation after notice of changes constitutes agreement to the updated Terms.
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan.
For questions or concerns about this Agreement, please contact us at hello@helplink.org
