Fiscal Agency

Give Donors Tax Breaks.

With the AGF's "fiscal agency" program, you don't have to depend on us for financial support -- you can get it yourself and offer donors the same tax breaks they get when they donate to us directly! Here's how it works: 

What is "fiscal agency"?

The AGF can act as "fiscal agent" for qualified individuals and programs. Donors and funders can fund your program through us. When we receive payment, the payer gains all the advantages of donating to a 501c3 tax-deductible charity, and we pass the funds along to you.

Why would I want to use the AGF as fiscal agent?

The AGF is tax-deductible, just like your favorite charities. Suppose someone in the 25% income tax bracket donates $100 to support your program. That donation actually costs only $75; it's like a 3 for 1 matching grant from Uncle Sam! If the contribution moves the donor down into a lower tax bracket, they may save even more. People with significant income often look for ways to reduce their tax burden in this way, especially during the last quarter of the year.

What about getting support from businesses and foundations?

Businesses can usually support what you're doing without needing a special tax break, because they can count it as a business expense. So for instance a local merchant can donate prizes or services (such as lunch) for your tournament or event and treat it as a promotional cost. But if 501c3 status would help with a business donation, we would process an application and provide fiscal agency if possible.

Foundations usually prefer to do business with a corporate entity rather than an individual. That's where we come in! When the AGf agrees to act as your Fiscal Agent, you can sending funding proposal to foundations just like any other non- profit.

How would I go about using the AGF as a fiscal agent?

First, the AGF has to agree to be your Fiscal Agent. Complete and return the application form with a one-time $50 application fee. (The fee is just to make sure you're serious; it will be credited back to you in full when you get your first grant.)

Once you are approved, you can apply for as many grants as you like. No additional fees are required to maintain your Fiscal Agent status. Just complete and submit a Grant Review Form for each specific project, at least 30 days before the funder's deadline, to give us time to review and approve it. We will do our best to help you develop a fundable proposal.

What happens if I get a contribution or grant?

The AGF will immediately release 75% of the principal to you. You will receive an additional 20% when you complete a Final/Interim Report. The AGF will retain 5% to cover expenses.

You mean the AGF makes money from my grant?

No. Non-profits always incur some costs managing each grant and maintaining the required records. Most organizations like ours insist on 10% or more; in fact, we may revisit the fee structure in the future, if actual costs are higher. But for now we think we are efficient enough to manage the Fiscal Agency program with just 5% of proceeds.

Are there any other charges?

Only reimbursement for special charges connected with that transaction. For instance, donors can make contributions using Paypal, but Paypal charges a 3% processing fee, so we would need to recover that cost. We prefer for donors to pay by check and avoid incurring such fees.

Can I use the funds for whatever I want?

Sorry, no yachts or sports cars. Everything you do must be consistent with our mission "for the purpose of generating and providing funds to further the play of Go, a board game, in the United States and for the promotion of the public good through support of activities that are themselves exclusively charitable." We will help you develop appropriate proposals. A few general guidelines:

Appropriate projects

• Educational activites in school classrooms

• After-school youth programs in schools, libraries and community centers

• Public demonstrations and lessons

• Funding for lessons, scholarships or travel, as long as no single individual is designated to benefit

Inappropriate projects

• Tournaments (because they are not educational or promotional in nature)

• Sale of books, equipment or other items to players

• Funding for lessons, scholarships, travel or other benefit to a specific individual

• Raising funds for a political candidate who plays Go

How can I get a foundation grant?

Big question. "Development," as it is called, is a profession where high-priced consultants help nonprofits compete for billions of dollars. At the same time, new programs created by people like you can also find funds and begin operations, especially from the many smaller specialized foundations out there. There are literally thousands of philanthropic groups, supporting every imaginable worthy cause. You just need to find one you like, and get them to like your program.

Isn't that like finding a needle in a haystack?

To find a needle in a haystack, use a magnet; to find a funder, use resources such as The Foundation Center, where you will find detailed information about 98,000 foundations and grant makers in the US, and how to approach them successfully. Find funders you like here, then learn more about them here.

The next step is a "deep dive" on the organizations that interest you. What are they all about? Proposal guidelines? Deadlines? Who is on their board? What have they funded in past, and how are you like them? Guidestar is another useful resource at this point, with a wealth of information on foundations and other nonprofits. This is when you start developing a more detailed proposal, one that might fit funding mandates you find. If your target foundation requires corporate status, this is also when you should ask the AGF to become your Fiscal Agent. To learn much more than we can tell you here, Google "nonprofit fundraising." You'll find more than 85,000 related web sites.

It's not so hard! Start small -- there are almost certainly several local foundations right there in town. AGF VP Paul Barchilon has raised more than $10,000 for his activities in Boulder, CO, much of it from the Youth Opportunity Advisory Board. Click here to see his successful proposal.

If you want to raise funds for Go in your community, we want to help you succeed. Contact us at mail@agfgo.org.