Onboarding Session and Slides

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Welcome to NOPI Onboarding!

Every quarter, NOPI invites new programs to a live onboarding call via Google Meet. This is your opportunity to get oriented with our fiscal sponsorship practice and set your program up for success.

On the call, you’ll learn how to use our platforms, understand the policies and procedures that shape your partnership with NOPI, and pick up best practices for managing your program day-to-day. You’ll also meet the team members who will be supporting you along the way.

Most programs complete onboarding in 15–30 days, but we adapt the timeline to fit your pace when it comes to review and paperwork.

Want a preview? The article below gives a quick snapshot of what you can expect from the onboarding call.

 

How does NOPI provide support?

NOPI offers several avenues for support:

• Knowledge Base
  An online library of FAQs, forms, and grant/operations resources.

• Toolkit
  Blog-style articles on nuanced topics (e.g., legal aid referrals, political activity vs. advocacy, merchandise fundraising).

• Weekly Office Hours
  Every Thursday, 11 AM–1 PM Eastern via Google Meet. Open for networking, Q&A, or one-on-one time.

• Email Communication:

  • accounting@thenopi.org → Finance (payroll, bookkeeping, bill pay).

  • support@thenopi.org → General inquiries.

  • Please avoid CC’ing multiple people.

  • Add “urgent” in the subject line for priority matters and explain in the body of the email.

What’s the difference between an urgency and an emergency?

• Emergency: Immediate, life/safety situations (e.g., injuries at events). Call 911 first, then notify NOPI via text.

• Urgency: Time-sensitive but not life-threatening (e.g., debit card with insufficient funds). NOPI will assist if available, otherwise projects may pay out-of-pocket and request reimbursement.

How do I give feedback?

NOPI runs quarterly to biannual feedback surveys to assess services and fiscal sponsorship impact. Your input also strengthens NOPI’s grant applications and helps projects build their own impact measurement strategies. Email us anytime for feedback or support!

What are the benefits and responsibilities of fiscal sponsorship?

Benefits: Compliance, risk management, HR, and admin support so you can focus on your mission, plus cost savings from shared resources.

Responsibilities:

• Stay compliant with laws/regulations.

• Review financials in Maslow.

• Keep records audit-ready.

• Submit receipts promptly (5+ missing = frozen card).

• Submit grant reports on time (NOPI helps with financials and wording).

What sponsorship models does NOPI offer?

• Model A (Direct/Comprehensive) – Most common. Projects operate under NOPI’s EIN, insurance, and Board. Employees/contractors are NOPI’s. 90% of contributions go to the project; 10% to admin.

• Model C (Pre-Approved Grant Relationship) – More independent. Projects incorporated with their own EIN and Board. Can still access NOPI’s services (C+ model includes payroll/bookkeeping, but not insurance).

• Model F (Technical Assistance) – Fully independent organizations. NOPI provides technical assistance only. Projects keep all donations and pay NOPI a sliding-scale monthly fee.

What tools and tech resources are available?

• TechSoup – Free/discounted software & hardware.

• Zoom – 50% nonprofit discount.

• Canva Pro – Free access.

• Google Workspace – Available under NOPI (not recommended if you’ll apply for your own Google grant within 3 years).

• Microsoft Teams – Also available.

How does accounting and finance work?

• Mazlo: NOPI’s banking platform. Each program has its own account and debit card. Features include 24/7 access, receipt uploads, bill pay, fund transfers, donation processing, and mobile check deposits.

• GiveButter: NOPI’s preferred online fundraising tool, with robust donor CRM. Integrated with Double the Donation and Chariot (DAF support).

• Grants: Discounted access to Instrumentl for research.

• Other Revenue: Service/event fees, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions are encouraged.

How are HR and payroll managed?

For Models A, some C, and F:

• NOPI is the employer of record.

• Employees (W2): Paid through Gusto. Benefits, PTO, and compliance handled by NOPI. $50/month fee per team member.

• Independent Contractors (1099): Paid through Mazlow with invoices. Contracts must be reviewed/approved by NOPI.

What insurance coverage is available?

• Model A: Covered under NOPI’s umbrella (D&O, general liability, professional liability, property, crime). Some events (alcohol, water, horses) require extra coverage.

• Model C/F: Projects must carry their own insurance. Nikki can advise.

What additional technical assistance is offered?

• Catchafire/Taproot: Pro bono skilled volunteers for projects (e.g., websites, marketing, budgets).

• Benevity: Corporate donations and volunteer hour matching.

• Unlimited support: NOPI no longer tracks TA hours—you can reach out whenever you need help!

Questions or Concerns?

For any questions or additional guidance, programs are encouraged to come by our weekly open office hours (OOH), email us, and utilize the NOPI Knowledge Base for support.