Welcome

Many community leaders and grassroots activists have powerful ideas but need structural support to grow into independent organizations. Upstream Works Collaborative bridges this gap by offering fiscal sponsorship, administrative services, and capacity-building to ensure these efforts can thrive. Whether you need financial management, HR support, or a secure and accessible platform to sustain your work, we’re here to help.

 

Mission

Upstream Works Collaborative provides creative, accessible service solutions to help changemakers navigate complex challenges. We support grassroots leaders, community initiatives, and early-stage nonprofits by offering the critical infrastructure they need to focus on their mission and create lasting impact.

What we do

We provide essential backbone support so that changemakers can focus on their communities, not administrative burdens. Our services include:

  • Fiscal Sponsorship – Helping organizations access funds and maintain financial accountability without the complexity of independent nonprofit status.

  • Capacity Building – Supporting leaders with the tools, training, and resources needed to scale their impact.

  • Administrative Services – Handling HR, payroll, accounting, and legal compliance so organizations can focus on their mission.

Our impact

Upstream Works Collaborative has supported a variety of emerging and transformative initiatives, including:

  • Durham Mutual Aid – Providing rapid-response resources and community care.

  • Queer Family Support Collectives – Strengthening networks of care for LGBTQ+ children and families.

  • Community Food Strategies – Helping food justice organizations grow and sustain their work.

With a sliding-scale model, we meet communities where they are, ensuring accessibility and equity in every service we provide. We believe no great idea should be held back by financial or bureaucratic barriers.

Check out our Network and Projects page to learn more.

Let’s build together

If you’re a changemaker with a vision, Upstream Works Collaborative can help bring it to life. Learn more about our services and how we can support your mission by connecting with us today.