5 IT Challenges Every Fiscal Sponsor Faces (and How to Eliminate Them for Good)

Fiscal sponsorship is powerful. You provide the structure and support that allow nonprofits to do incredible work. But behind the scenes? It can feel like you’re juggling a hundred spinning plates—especially regarding IT.

At RoundTable Technology, we’ve worked with many fiscal sponsors and seen the same issues pop up again and again. The good news? These challenges don’t have to slow you down. With the right technology partner, they disappear—replaced by clarity, control, and confidence. Here are five common IT challenges and how RoundTable helps you eliminate them for good.

1. Managing Multiple Projects in One System

The Problem: Most systems aren't built for fiscal sponsorship. Tracking dozens or hundreds of projects in a single CRM or financial platform often leads to messy data, manual workarounds, and major frustration.

The Solution: Invest in a CRM and financial management system that supports multi-entity structures. Salesforce, for example, can be customized to reflect your fiscal sponsorship model—allowing you to track projects, budgets, donors, and reports under one umbrella. Bonus: centralizing data makes reporting and compliance easier too.

2. Protecting Sensitive Data (Without Overcomplicating Things)

The Problem: You’re handling sensitive data across multiple projects, often with varying levels of tech-savvy users. One misstep could put donor trust and compliance at risk.

The Solution: Adopt robust cybersecurity policies and tools. Implement user access controls, multi-factor authentication, and data encryption. Regular audits and cybersecurity training for staff and partners also go a long way. Consider a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that understands nonprofit compliance requirements and can help proactively manage your risk.

3. Supporting Projects with Diverse Tech Needs

The Problem: Each sponsored project comes with a unique set of tools, people, and tech know-how. Your team ends up playing part-time IT support whether they signed up for it, or not.

The Solution: You don’t have to do it all. We set up shared IT support models that scale with you, offering hands-on help, onboarding resources, and standardized tools to reduce chaos and increase efficiency. Your projects get the support they need—without draining your internal team.

4. Delivering the Reports Funders Demand

The Problem: Funders increasingly demand clear, timely, and accurate reporting. But with each project tracking data in its own way—or not at all—compiling reports becomes a nightmare.

The Solution: Create a shared services model for IT support. This could include a centralized help desk, basic training for common tools, and standardized tech stacks for new projects. Offering tiered support options (e.g., self-service resources vs. hands-on help) allows you to scale support without burning out your team.

5. Scaling Without Breaking What’s Working

The Problem: Growth is exciting until your systems buckle under the pressure. What once worked for 10 projects no longer works for 100. Without a solid foundation, growth can create more problems than opportunities.

The Solution: Treat IT like the strategic asset it is. Build a scalable IT roadmap that includes your systems, security, support, and staffing. Regularly evaluate tools and vendors, and don’t be afraid to bring in outside experts to guide major decisions. The right tech partner can help you grow smarter, not just bigger.

What If These Challenges Just…Weren’t Challenges Anymore?

That’s what happens when you work with RoundTable Technology. We don’t just give you tools—we give you solutions that work with your model, your team, and your goals.

Let’s make your tech support your mission!

👉 Schedule a brief chat to learn how we can help.

👉 Or join our upcoming webinar: Protecting Your Mission: Essential Cybersecurity for Fiscal Sponsors and Their Sponsored Projects on April 24th at 2 PM Eastern, and discover how to protect your organization—and the projects you support—from today’s most pressing cyber threats.