About Us
Build by Volunteers. Driven by Impact.
Our Mission:
To inspire and empower individuals and grassroots initiatives through support, trusted stewardship, and accessible giving solutions to turn these passions into impactful missions.
Our Vision:
A future where anyone with a meaningful cause can create lasting community impact, regardless of resources or experience.
Values
Empowerment
We support donors and volunteers to meet community needs, guiding impactful giving.
Sustainability
Every dollar and project is managed responsibly to maximize long-term community benefit.
Authenticity
We operate transparently and ethically, building trust with every interaction.
Volunteerism
Our volunteer-led model keeps overhead low and focuses resources directly on community impact.
The Anthony Spano Foundation operates with no paid staff. Every fund and sponsored project is personally supported by dedicated volunteers deeply invested in community impact.
This volunteer model allows us to remain flexible, responsive, and closely connected to the people and causes we serve.
Key Benefits of Our Model
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Direct involvement with every fund and sponsored project
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Personalized guidance and hands-on support
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Transparent and ethical management of all contributions
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Resources go toward impact, not salaries
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Why This Matters
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Every donor and project receives personal attention
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Decisions are made quickly and locally
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Volunteers bring lived experience and community insight
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More resources go directly to programs and people
How We Work
Simple, Supported, Strategic
Whether you’re starting a donor-advised fund, launching a fiscally sponsored project, or supporting an existing cause, we make the process straightforward. Our volunteer board works directly with you to understand your goals, navigate the requirements, and ensure your giving creates lasting impact.
Donor-Advised Funds
Create a lasting charitable legacy through a named fund that reflects your values and grows over time.
Who It’s For:
Individuals, families, and businesses wanting to establish long-term giving without the complexity of a private foundation.
Key Benefits:
- Immediate tax deduction for contributions
- Professional investment management
- Flexible grant recommendations
- Legacy planning and successor designation
- No startup costs or annual compliance burden
Fiscal Sponsorships
Launch your community initiative without the time, cost, and complexity of starting your own 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Who It’s For:
Grassroots leaders, community organizers, and groups with a mission to serve but limited resources to navigate nonprofit formation.
Key Benefits:
- Immediate 501(c)(3) status for your project
- Professional financial management
- IRS compliance and reporting handled
- Focus on your mission, not paperwork
- Start accepting tax-deductible donations immediately
Our Process
From Initial Conversation to Ongoing Support
Connect
Step 1
Reach out to discuss your charitable goals. We’ll schedule a conversation to understand your vision and answer questions.
Collaborate
Step 2
Our volunteer board works with you to determine the best structure for your giving and outline next steps.
Launch
Step 3
Your fund or project goes live. You can begin accepting tax-deductible contributions immediately.
Grow
Step 4
We provide continuous guidance, financial stewardship, and transparent reporting as your impact grows.
Making a lasting impact with every effort.
Our History
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Gandhi
We are called to serve, answering community needs with compassion, stewardship, and action.
How We Support Community Impact
Simple, Flexible Ways to Make a Difference
Donor-Advised Funds
Flexible, tax-efficient giving that allows you to create long-term impact in your community while maintaining advisory privileges.
Help us start something special.
Fiscal Sponsorships
Launch a project without forming a nonprofit. We provide compliance support, administration, and financial oversight, so you can focus on your mission
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Supporting Existing Funds
Contribute to established programs and help them expand their reach and impact. Your support strengthens ongoing initiatives and ensures resources go directly to the causes that matter.
Areas of Focus
Our funds and sponsored projects support a wide range of community needs, including:
Education
Community Empowerment
Health & Wellness
Arts & Culture
Public Safety
Our Board of Directors
The Anthony Spano Foundation is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to transparency, stewardship, and meaningful community impact.
Anthony Spano
Chair
Maria Stevens
Co-Chair
Laura Spano
Secretary
Matthew Onest, Esq
Treasurer
Chad Davis
Board Member
Tara Treharn Keating, Esq.
Board Member
Transparency
As a volunteer-led foundation, we take financial stewardship seriously. We partner with reputable accounting and investment firms to ensure professional management and our commitment to transparency in everything we do.
Trust is earned through transparency. Every dollar donated to the Anthony Spano Foundation is managed with the highest standards of accountability. Our volunteer board oversees all financial activities, and we make our financial information publicly available so you can see exactly how your contributions create impact.
IRS Form 990
Our annual IRS tax filing showing all revenue, expenses, and activities
Financial Statements
Detailed breakdown of assets, liabilities, and fund balances
Grant Distributions
Complete record of grants made and funds distributed to causes
Investment Performance
Transparent reporting on how donor-advised funds are invested and grow
View Our Complete Financial Reports
All reports are available publicly through Candid (formerly GuideStar), the leading source of nonprofit transparency and accountability.
Professional Financial Management
We work with reputable local accounting and investment firms to ensure institutional-quality financial management and reporting, giving you confidence that your charitable dollars are handled professionally.
FAQs
General Questions
Q: What is the Anthony Spano Foundation?
A: The Anthony Spano Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit serving regional and other locations. We help individuals and groups create community impact through donor-advised funds and fiscal sponsorship, without the complexity and cost of starting their own nonprofit.
Q: Where does the ASF operate?
A. We serve projects and donors nationwide with no geographic restrictions. Unlike traditional community foundations that focus on specific regions, we’re built to support grassroots initiatives and charitable giving anywhere in the United States. While our roots are in the Northeast Ohio, your location doesn’t determine whether we can partner with you.
Q: How is the Anthony Spano Foundation different from community foundations?
A. While community foundations typically serve specific geographic regions and focus on broad community needs, the Anthony Spano Foundation has a different mission and approach:
We’re NOT geographic gatekeepers. We don’t limit our services based on where you live. If your project aligns with our mission, we’re here to support you, whether you’re local or across the country.
We specialize in grassroots & small projects. Our niche is serving individuals, small groups, and emerging initiatives. We focus on removing barriers for people who might not fit traditional other foundation models.
We’re 100% volunteer-led. Our entire board operates on a volunteer basis, which keeps administrative costs low and ensures a personal, hands-on approach.
We offer dual pathways. We provide both fiscal sponsorship for projects AND donor-advised funds for legacy giving, serving both sides of the philanthropic equation under one roof. Think of us as a foundation built specifically for people who want to create impact without navigating traditional nonprofits.
Q: Who can benefit from the foundation’s services?
A: We serve individuals, families, grassroots groups, and small community organizations throughout the United States. Whether you want to start a charitable fund, launch a community project, or support existing causes, we provide the infrastructure and guidance to help you succeed.
Q: How is the foundation funded?
A: We operate through administrative fees on funds and projects, as well as individual donations. Because we’re volunteer-led with no paid staff, our operational costs remain minimal.
Q: Can I volunteer with the Anthony Spano Foundation?
A: Yes! We welcome community members who want to contribute their time and expertise. Contact us to learn about current volunteer opportunities.
Donor Advised Funds
Q: What is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
A: A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to make tax-deductible contributions, recommend grants to qualified nonprofits, and build a lasting legacy, all without the complexity of a private foundation.
Q: What’s the minimum to start a fund?
A: We work with donors at various giving levels. Contact us to discuss your goals and we’ll help structure a fund that works for you.
Q: Can I name my fund?
A: Yes! You can create a named fund in your name, your family’s name, or in honor of someone special.
Q: How are donor-advised funds invested?
A: We partner with reputable national investment firms to professionally manage and grow fund assets. Investments are chosen to balance growth with appropriate risk management, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Q: Is there a difference between a donor-advised fund and a private foundation?
A: Yes. Donor-advised funds are simpler and less expensive to establish and maintain than private foundations. You get immediate tax deductions, no startup costs, no annual tax filings, and no minimum distribution requirements, while still maintaining advisory privileges over your charitable giving.
Fiscal Sponsorship
Q: What is fiscal sponsorship?
A: Fiscal sponsorship allows you to launch a charitable project under our 501(c)(3) status. We handle compliance, tax-exempt donations, financial management, and reporting, so you can focus entirely on your mission.
Q: What types of projects do you sponsor?
A: We support a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including education programs, food security projects, arts and culture initiatives, emergency assistance, and more. Not all projects get approved. If your project aligns with our mission, we’d love to discuss it.
Q: How long does it take to get started?
A: Once your project is approved, you can typically start accepting tax-deductible donations within days or weeks. We’ll work with you to set up everything you need.
Q: Who can apply for fiscal sponsorship?
A: Individuals or groups in with a charitable project idea that aligns with our mission are welcome to apply. Whether you’re a community organizer, grassroots activist, or solo changemaker, if your project serves the community, we want to hear from you.
Q: What are the benefits of fiscal sponsorship?
A: Fiscal sponsorship provides three key benefits:
Tax-Exempt Status: Accept tax-deductible donations immediately under our 501(c)(3) status
Administrative Support: We handle financial management, compliance, IRS reporting, and donor receipts
Focus on Impact: Spend your time serving your community, not managing paperwork and regulatory requirements
Q: How does fiscal sponsorship save time and money?
A: Starting a nonprofit typically costs $5,000+ in legal and filing fees and requires hundreds of hours to establish and maintain. With fiscal sponsorship, you skip the IRS application process, legal setup, annual compliance requirements, and ongoing administrative burden. You can launch your mission in days/weeks instead of months, and for a fraction of the cost.
Q: What does fiscal sponsorship cost?
A: We charge a modest administrative fee to cover operational costs, financial management, and compliance support. This fee is significantly lower than the cost of running your own nonprofit. Contact us to discuss your project and learn about our fee structure.
Q: Do I need to have funding already to apply?
A: No. You can apply for fiscal sponsorship before you have funding. Once approved, you can immediately start fundraising and accepting tax-deductible donations under our 501(c)(3) status.
Q: Can my sponsored project have its own bank account?
A: Our volunteer board provides guidance and ensures projects comply with IRS regulations and charitable best practices. We review expenditures, provide financial reporting, and work with you to maximize impact while maintaining accountability.
Q: What oversight does the foundation provide?
A: Our volunteer board provides guidance and ensures projects comply with IRS regulations and charitable best practices. We review expenditures, provide financial reporting, and work with you to maximize impact while maintaining accountability.
Q: Can a fiscally sponosored project hire employees or contractors?
A: Yes, your project can compensate individuals for services, but all payments must go through the foundation to ensure proper tax reporting and compliance, which may be additional costs. We’ll work with you to structure compensation appropriately.
Q: What if my project wants to become an independent nonprofit later?
A: That’s wonderful! We support projects that grow to the point where they’re ready to operate independently. We can guide you through the transition process when the time is right.
Donations
Getting Involved
Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
A: Yes! The Anthony Spano Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Q: How do I know my donation is being used properly?
A: We partner with reputable accounting and investment firms to ensure transparent financial management. Our Form 990 and financial reports are publicly available on Candid (formerly GuideStar). All donations go to the specific funds or project. However, their may be credit card processing fees, etc.
Q: Can I donate to a specific fund or project?
A: Absolutely! You can browse our active funds and choose which cause you’d like to support. Your donation will go directly to that fund.
Q: Can I donate stocks, real estate, or other assets?
A: Yes! We can accept various types of charitable contributions beyond cash, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. Contact us to discuss non-cash donations.
Q: Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
A: Yes. You’ll receive an acknowledgment letter for all donations done online, which serves as your tax receipt. For donations over $250, we provide detailed documentation as required by the IRS, if not done online.
Q: What if I want to support a cause that isn’t currently a fund or project?
A: Contact us! If you’re passionate about a specific cause or project, we can discuss starting a new fund or connecting you with existing projects that align with your interests.
Working With Us
Q: How do I get started?
A: The best first step is to contact us. We’ll schedule a conversation to learn about your goals, answer your questions, and help you determine which pathway (starting a fund, launching a project, or donating) is the best fit.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: For fiscal sponsorship, the review process typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on project complexity. For donor-advised funds, the process is often faster. We work to move as quickly as possible while ensuring proper due diligence. This is on a case by case basis.
Q: What information do I need to apply for a Fiscal Sponsorship?
A: We’ll need basic information about your charitable goals, budget (if applicable), timeline, and intended impact. Additionally, we’ll also need details about your project plan and how you intend to measure success.
Q: What if my question isn’t answered here?
A: We’re happy to help! Contact us directly and we’ll get you the information you need.