Operational Support
The Sunstone Foundation Operational Support Grant provides targeted funding to help North Carolina nonprofits access professional back-office services (specifically Finance, HR, and IT) delivered by Ascend Nonprofit Solutions, a trusted North Carolina-based nonprofit shared services provider.
WHY?
This initiative aims to remove common barriers to operational effectiveness for nonprofits under $5M in annual revenue by subsidizing the cost of high-quality, embedded administrative support.
Who is this for?
Nonprofits headquartered in North Carolina
Typically with budgets between $250K and $5M
In need of Finance, HR, or IT shared services but unable to fully afford them
Grant Process Overview
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Intitial Interest
Organizations can either reach out to Sunstone directly or to Ascend to express interest in receiving shared services support.
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Assessment
Ascend conducts a structured intake process to assess fit, service needs, and organizational readiness.
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Proposal & Cost
Based on the assessment, Ascend provides a detailed scope of work and projected service costs.
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Apply for Grant Assistance
The nonprofit applies for a restricted grant to cover a portion of those service costs.
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Grant Award & Onboarding
If approved, Sunstone issues a restricted grant to the nonprofit; Ascend invoices the full cost and the nonprofit applies the grant subsidy toward payment.
