> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.opencollective.com/oceurope/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.opencollective.com/oceurope/what-is-open-collective-europe.md).

# Understand fiscal hosting

Your collective leads the work; OCE administers funds within its hosting framework.

Fiscal hosting lets a group manage money for a shared purpose without setting up its own legal organisation. Open Collective Europe Foundation (OCE) is the Belgian public utility foundation that provides this framework for its hosted collectives.

## Who does what?

| Who                       | Main role                                                                  |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Your collective           | Chooses its activities, plans its budget and keeps its community informed. |
| Collective administrators | Manage the collective page and review expense requests.                    |
| OCE                       | Administers funds and checks payments within the hosting framework.        |
| Open Collective platform  | Records contributions, expenses and balances.                              |

OCE and the Open Collective platform are distinct. A platform account alone does not mean that OCE has accepted your group.

## Collectives and funds

A **collective** is a group working towards a shared mission. A **fund** supports a programme or several initiatives through agreed grant arrangements. OCE also works with philanthropic institutions on these programmes.

Read about [OCE’s activities](/oceurope/what-we-offer.md) and our mission.

## Before you begin

Check eligibility. If your group already has a legal organisation, tell us: the appropriate arrangement may be different. For the formal responsibilities, read the hosting agreement.

## OCE Foundation or Open Source Europe?

Open Collective Europe Foundation and Open Source Europe are two distinct organisations with shared roots. The foundation supports philanthropic, humanitarian, environmental and civic initiatives. The association formerly known as Open Collective Europe is now Open Source Europe and focuses on open-source communities.

For the foundation, use [oceurope.org](https://www.oceurope.org/) and [our application page](https://www.oceurope.org/apply). Our Open Collective host profiles are [OCE Foundation EUR](https://opencollective.com/oce-foundation-eur) and [OCE Foundation USD](https://opencollective.com/oce-foundation-usd).

For open-source hosting, visit [Open Source Europe](https://opensourceeurope.org/). The historical profile at [opencollective.com/europe](https://opencollective.com/europe) belongs to Open Source Europe, not to the foundation.