What is Good Steward Partnerships?

Good Steward Partnerships (GSP) helps businesses strengthen their operations while supporting meaningful nonprofit work. We donate 50 percent of our earnings to verified nonprofits selected by the business.

 

Is GSP a nonprofit?

No. GSP is a for-profit business that donates half its earnings to nonprofits, allowing us to remain sustainable while maximizing generosity.

 

How does GSP make money?

We earn revenue through residual commissions from referred merchant processors and accreditation fees (once Accreditation With Purpose™ launches). Half of these earnings are donated.

 

Does GSP ever receive or handle business funds?

No. GSP never receives business revenue for donation purposes. We donate from our own earnings.

 

Is GSP available nationwide?

Yes. The Merchant Partner Path is national. The accreditation program is olanned to launch nationally in Q4 2026.

What merchant processors does GSP work with?

GSP collaborates with trusted merchant processing partners who meet our standards for transparency and ethical pricing. We are currently in discussions with a national wholesale merchant processor. Once the partnership is finalized, we will make a public announcement.

 

Do businesses pay extra to participate?

No. Businesses never pay GSP to participate and do not pay higher processing rates because of our program.

 

What pricing structure do your merchant partners use?

Different processors offer different models, but any processor partnering with GSP must offer Interchange-Plus pricing. This ensures transparent pricing by separating interchange fees from processor markup.

 

Do your merchant partners charge hidden fees?

No. All GSP-approved processors must offer transparent, ethical pricing with no junk fees or confusing tiered plans.

 

Does GSP handle customer payment data?

No. GSP never handles funds or card data. All processing is performed by PCI-compliant partners.

 

Do I need to switch processors?

Only if joining the Merchant Partner Path, Every Transaction With Purpose™. Our Accreditation Partner Path, Accreditation With Purpose™ does not require switching.

 

Are there contracts or early termination fees?

We do not partner with processors that require long-term commitments or charge termination fees.

 

How long does onboarding take?

Most businesses can switch within 24–48 hours, and many can keep existing hardware.

 

Will switching disrupt my business?

No. Our partners coordinate a smooth transition to avoid downtime.

 

Where do the donated funds come from?

From GSP’s earnings, never from business revenue.

 

Is this tax-deductible for the business?

No. GSP makes the donation, so the business cannot claim a deduction.

 

Can any business join the Merchant Partner Path?

Most can, but we verify each applicant. Some industries may be declined based on stewardship standards.

 

How soon does impact begin?

Impact begins as soon as the business starts processing through the referred partner.

How does the 50 percent giving model work?

GSP donates 50 percent of our gross earnings, the funds GSP receives from residual commissions and accreditation fees, to verified nonprofits connected to each business. The portion of earnings designated for nonprofit support is placed into the Good Steward Partnerships Trust, a dedicated account used solely for verified nonprofit distributions.

 

Does the business choose the nonprofit?

Yes. Businesses may request verification of any nonprofit they support.

 

How often does GSP donate?

Monthly or quarterly, depending on processing volume. Donations are issued directly from the Good Steward Partnerships Trust as part of our structured distribution cycle.

 

Can businesses track donations?

Yes. GSP provides transparent donation reporting and summaries. All distributions made through the Good Steward Partnerships Trust are recorded and included in your donation reporting.

 

Can businesses claim charitable tax deductions?

 

No. Donations are made by GSP from our own gross earnings, so the business cannot claim those donations as a charitable deduction.

 

However, merchant processing fees and accreditation fees paid by the business are typically treated as ordinary business expenses. This means the full amount of those fees may be deductible as an operating expense. Businesses should always consult their tax professional for guidance on their specific situation.

 

Every situation is different, so businesses should consult their CPA or tax professional to understand how these fees apply in their specific tax situation. 

 

Do nonprofits recognize the businesses that support them?

 

Yes. Good Steward Partnerships encourages all verified nonprofits to attribute the donations they receive to the business partners that generated those funds. Public recognition, acknowledgement, and awards help highlight the business's generocity, strengthen community trust, and inspire others to participate.

 

Each nonprofit may express this recognition differently, but we strongly promote transparent acknowledgement of the businesses driving the support. 

 

What is the Good Steward Partnerships Trust?

 

The Good Steward Partnerships Trust is a dedicated trust account created for the sole purpose of holding and distributing the donation portion of GSP’s earnings. When a business participates in our program, the funds designated for nonprofit giving are placed into this trust, separate from GSP’s operating funds.

 

Why do you use a trust?

 

Using a trust ensures:

Financial integrity — donated funds are safeguarded and cannot be used for operating expenses.

Transparency — trust transactions can be verified and tracked.

Accountability — funds remain designated specifically for nonprofit distribution.

Consistency — nonprofits can rely on predictable, ongoing support.

 

How does the trust distribute funds?

 

Each month or quarter (depending on volume), GSP directs the trust to send the donation portion to the verified nonprofit associated with that business.
Funds in the trust cannot be redirected to GSP for profit or used for any purpose other than nonprofit distribution.

 

Can businesses or nonprofits view trust activity?

 

GSP provides transparent reporting, donation summaries, and verifiable records of distributions made through the Good Steward Trust.

What is Accreditation With Purpose™?

A national certification that recognizes ethical, transparent businesses that demonstrate measurable nonprofit support.

 

What does the accreditation evaluate?

Ethical business conduct, transparency, and verified nonprofit support.
It does not evaluate political, social, or ideological positions.

 

Is accreditation available now?

A Colorado pilot is in development. National launch is planned for Q4 2026.

 

Does accreditation require switching processors?

No. Accreditation and the Merchant Partner Path are separate.

 

How much will accreditation cost?

Final pricing will be announced closer to launch. Half of all accreditation fees will be donated.

 

How long does accreditation last?

Expected to be an annual certification with renewal requirements (final details at launch).

 

How are businesses evaluated?

Through documentation review, transparency checks, and annual reporting.

 

What do accredited businesses receive?

Accreditation materials, recognition tools, directory placement, and marketing assets.

Can any type of business participate?

Most can, but some industries may be declined based on stewardship standards.

 

Is there a minimum processing volume?

No. Businesses of all sizes can participate.

 

How fast does GSP respond?

Typically within one business day.

 

How do I get started?

Complete the Contact form. Our team will reach out personally to begin the process.