Education & Resources
Learn to Give More Strategically
ECF’s education platform brings together live events, structured programs, expert webinars, video and podcast libraries, case studies, and in-depth written resources — everything you need to become a more effective and informed philanthropist.
Quarterly Events
Philanthropy Touch Event Series
Quarterly in-person gatherings bringing together fund holders, philanthropists, advisors, and industry leaders for focused conversation at the intersection of philanthropy and culture. Held at the Beverly Hills Tennis Club.
Programs
Accelerator & Coaching Programs
Developed by ECF Founder Kent Seton, the Accelerator series teaches the “Business of People” — a framework for scaling charitable enterprises through relationships, storytelling, and strategic social capital.
Webinar Series
Charitable Structures Deep Dive
Expert-led webinars for financial advisors and fund holders navigating donor advised funds, private foundations, and charitable giving structures.
Digital Library
Video & Podcast Resources
On-demand content covering fiscal sponsorship, DAF structures, philanthropy strategy, and written guides — built for newcomers and experienced fund holders alike.
Video Library
Educational Video Series
Short-form video guides covering fiscal sponsorship models, DAF structures, 501(c)(3) basics, and the differences between fund types.
7 Videos Available
Podcast
PhilanthropyTouch Podcast
Conversations on charitable giving, fund strategy, and the intersection of philanthropy with business, culture, and impact.
Episodes + Teasers
Blog
Written Articles & Guides
In-depth articles on fiscal sponsorship agreements, DAF limitations, charitable fund structures, and compliance.
10+ Articles
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers covering fund types, compliance, costs, earmarking rules, and the application process — organized by topic.
Organized by Topic
From the Blog
Recent Articles & Guides
Practical knowledge on charitable fund structures, fiscal sponsorship law, and philanthropic strategy — written by ECF Founder Kent Seton and the ECF team.
Showing 6 of 10+ articles — covering fiscal sponsorship, DAFs, compliance, and charitable strategy.
Case Studies
ECF Fund Success Stories
Real examples across fund types, industries, and client profiles — from Silicon Valley incubators and celebrity campaigns to international grant-making and NBA scholarship funds.
Showing 6 of 9 case studies — covering DAFs, fiscal sponsorships, international giving, and more.
ECF Projects
Innovative & Corporate Charitable Projects
A showcase of the nonprofits and corporations that have established charitable projects under the ECF umbrella — spanning tech, education, food, media, environment, and more.
Showcasing ECF’s innovative and corporate charitable project portfolio — across tech, education, environment, media, and more.
FAQ
Common Questions
The most frequently asked questions from fund holders and their advisors. The full FAQ goes deeper on fund types, compliance, and costs.
What is a fiscal sponsor fund?
ECF operates under Model A (comprehensive) and Model C (pre-approved grant) sponsorships. ECF is the recognized 501(c)(3) umbrella — receiving all funds, ensuring charitable disbursements, and filing the annual Form 990 on behalf of fund holders.
Can funds be earmarked for specific individuals?
No — earmarking for a specific individual is not permitted under charitable law for either DAFs or fiscal sponsorships. DAFs may support qualified charities that assist individuals, while fiscal sponsorships have slightly more flexibility, though the same core restriction applies.
Can one 501(c)(3) umbrella run both a DAF and a fiscal sponsor fund?
Yes. ECF allows fund holders to operate both a donor advised fund and a fiscally sponsored project simultaneously under its umbrella. Each structure has distinct rules, and ECF is structured to support both.
Whose income is it when the sponsor receives funds?
Per industry standards, all proceeds received by a fiscal sponsor on behalf of any charitable fund are treated as income of the sponsor at the time of receipt. This is consistent across virtually all fiscal sponsor agreements.
Ready to Put Your
Philanthropy to
Work?
Whether you’re opening a fund, enrolling in a program, or want to speak with an advisor — the next step starts here.