What is a Fiscal Intermediary?
Metro Solutions is a non-profit Fiscal Intermediary – an extension of both funder and recipient, built on accountability, collaboration, and shared success. Established in 2003, we exist to link funds to the community: providing the organizational and operational support that lets innovative projects and passionate programs thrive. We tailor our role to fit each client and funder we work with, going beyond a simple pass-through to become a true partner in your mission.
We welcome the chance to talk about how we can complement the work you’re already doing – and help take it further.
A Fiscal Intermediary (FI) supports organizations and individuals in administering funds received from a funding source while overseeing financial accountability and employer-related responsibilities. For organizations, this means that Metro Solutions handles the financial operations necessary to fulfill the standards and guidelines of a grant or other funding program.
For self-directed individual employers, Metro Solutions provides financial and administrative services. FIs are administrative and fiscal agents, not service providers. Fiscal intermediaries are not able to make decisions about the amount or type of services individuals receive or how organizations implement their programs. The FI helps to manage the supports that have already been identified in the plan and budget. FIs help ensure that funds are well spent and effectively managed.
Fiscal intermediaries work with service providers chosen by the client. An FI helps to manage the paperwork responsibilities that come with being an employer. The FI will assist individuals in self-directed programs to complete employment forms, pay staff, and ensure tax compliance according to the budget that is approved by the program. The FI pays providers and vendors on behalf of organizations according to the budget approved by the funding source, prepare year-end reports for funders and will supply monthly financial reports to let organizations know if they are staying within the budget or need to make adjustments.
For organizational clients, Metro Solutions establishes separate accounting records for each client or award. All transactions and financial activity are conducted exclusively from each account, which ensures transparency and accuracy. Hard copy records are securely maintained for a minimum of seven years and are then archived. All documentation and accounting records are backed-up electronically daily. Clients are provided access to their records upon request and receive periodic financial records as requested. The accounting team tracks invoices to ensure accurate reporting.
Metro Solutions contracts a third-party firm to conduct annual financial audits. Clients are welcome to request audit results and attend Metro Solutions’ Board of Directors meetings. Additionally, Metro Solutions’ leadership is available to attend client Board meetings, further cultivating mutual understanding and support. These commitments provide leadership with a unique understanding of the client’s mission, their needs, and opportunities for growth. Metro Solutions strives to foster a working environment that leads clients to potential partners, collaborators, and funders. Metro is then able to expand its role with clients to play a part in any expansion.
Metro Solutions establishes separate accounting records and maintains extensive employment, payment, and tax records to ensure that payments are accurate. We also commit to adhering to appropriate programmatic, local, state and federal guidelines. Metro Solutions is committed to excellent customer service and is accessible with dedicated accounting and program staff to answer client calls and respond to questions.
Project Management Services
In addition to Fiscal Intermediary services, Metro offers comprehensive project management support designed to strengthen initiatives, improve coordination, and move projects from planning through successful implementation. Metro works alongside partners to establish clear goals, develop effective processes, coordinate stakeholders, manage timelines and deliverables, and support ongoing problem-solving and accountability.
Examples of Metro’s project management services include:
- Providing technical assistance to partner organizations around financial processes, documentation, reporting, and administrative systems;
- Coordinating communication between funders, partners, and participating organizations;
- Supporting project planning, implementation timelines, deliverables, and reporting;
- Helping partners strengthen internal processes so they are better positioned for long-term sustainability and independence.
Our Client and Partner Cases
Leadership
for Mental Health
(LMH)
LMH is a Detroit-based collaborative reimagining how vulnerable populations are screened, referred, and supported for mental health needs. This initiative includes nine philanthropic funders who have engaged six community-based organizations to screen clients, coordinate care with licensed providers, and crucially, close the referral loop. The project’s goal is to reduce stigma and eliminate barriers that prevent vulnerable residents from accessing care. Metro currently serves as both the FI and project management team for this important work, directly supporting grantees with technical assistance to help them reach their project goals.
Detroit Youth Organizing for
Power
(DYOP)
DYOP is a Detroit-based collaborative of six funders aiming to support the youth organizing field by strengthening relationships, strategic alignment and the field’s ability to transform systems and create a just community for all. The initiative currently has ten unique youth serving grantees. Metro serves as the FI for this initiative and provides project management support with the support of a dedicated project manager.
Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition (SEMPQIC)
SEMPQIC is a Perinatal Quality Collaborative spanning Southeast Michigan. Initiated in 2015, SEMPQIC works to reduce adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes across Wayne (including City of Detroit), Oakland, and Macomb counties. The initiative creates a coordinated and sustainable network for perinatal care based on best practices, evidence-based, and innovative community solutions that result in system changes and improved birth outcomes for all babies born in the Region. Metro serves as the FI for this initiative and directs programming alongside lead consultants to advance regional collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and drive progress.
Support that meets you at home!