Our fiscal sponsorship program serves individual artists and arts groups/collectives who are leading arts-focused public benefit projects. Arts Foundation Fiscal Sponsorship is a financial and administrative tool that helps these groups fundraise. Through our program, they can access some of the benefits typically reserved for 501c3 organizations (such as receiving grants restricted to 501c3s and offering donors a tax deduction) and receive feedback from Arts Foundation Fiscal Sponsorship staff.
Fiscal Sponsorship applications are now accepted on a rolling basis. We welcome proposals year-round and review applications as they are submitted.
Fiscal Sponsorship applications are now accepted on a rolling basis. We welcome proposals year-round and review applications as they are submitted.
Fiscal Sponsorship | Browse Sponsored Projects
program highlights
Build Relationships with Supporters
Grow your community of supporters by offering individual donors the benefit of a tax deduction for their gifts and acknowledgement of in-kind donations through AFCCFiscal Sponsorship.
Community Conversations
Virtual monthly meetings about fiscal sponsorship needs, trends, and fundraising. Exchange resources, learn new skills, and expand your network by meeting other artists.
Expanded Fundraising
Access to AFCC’s 501c3 tax-exempt status allows you to pursue large-scale funding opportunities such as grants from corporations and private foundations.
Online Donations
Create a project fundraising page on AFCC’s website to easily collect contributions. We offer custom online fundraising tools, as well as a partnership with the crowdfunding platform Seed&Spark.
Application Process
The program is open to all artists with an employer identification number (EIN) or social security number (SSN). At this point in time, we are only accepting applications from individuals and not emerging organizations.
Artist Projects: Artist Projects are specific projects led by individual artists or unincorporated arts groups. We sponsor on a project-by-project basis, rather than sponsoring an entire artist or group’s practice. AFCC only accepts and oversees contributed income for Artist Projects.
how to apply
Fiscal Sponsorship applications are now accepted on a rolling basis.
We welcome proposals year-round and review applications as they are submitted.
First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal. For technical questions regarding submittable, please contact Submittable support.
Application
Fiscal Sponsorship applications are now accepted on a rolling basis.
We welcome proposals year-round and review applications as they are submitted.
FAQ & Guidelines
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Fiscal sponsorship is a contractual relationship that allows a nonprofit organization to share its 501c3 tax-exempt status with a person or group whose activities serve the sponsoring organization’s mission.
This arrangement enables the sponsored project to receive some of the benefits of having its own 501c3 status, such as applying for grants and soliciting tax-deductible contributions.
There are several different models of fiscal sponsorship; AFCC’s Fiscal Sponsorship is a model C style program. To learn more about the field of fiscal sponsorship, check out Social Impact Commons’ Fiscal Sponsorship 101.
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501c3 is the tax determination given to a non-profit charitable organization at the federal level. This IRS designation allows donors to receive the benefit of a tax deduction for supporting a public charity.
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No, AFCC Fiscal Sponsorship is separate. If you wish to apply for a grant through the AFCC, you can find programs currently accepting applications through this link.
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No. Projects are responsible for fundraising and the day-to-day operations of their project.
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AFCC Fiscal Sponsorship is evaluating the best ways to serve our community. We are temporarily accepting projects on a limited basis. Applications will be reviewed by staff to determine.
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Artist projects can be individual artists, unincorporated artist collectives, or groups. Artist projects are specific projects, rather than an artist’s entire practice.
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The AFCC will sponsor projects across the United States but will prioritize our local area. A United States SSN or EIN is required for all projects. A project director does not need to be located in the counties listed or in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to apply.
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Artist Projects have a contract term, which may be extended as long as they are actively fundraising for and executing their projects. Artist Projects pay an annual renewal fee and submit an annual report to remain in the program.
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Through fiscal sponsorship, individuals receive some of the benefits of 501c3 tax exempt status. In order to receive this benefit, sponsored projects must add value to the public sphere and not only benefit someone’s private gain. Fiscally-sponsored projects benefit the public by engaging in activities such as film screenings, exhibitions, performances, or talks which explore their project, offering programming or services to the public, etc.
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All fiscally sponsored projects participate in an administrative cost allocation. This allocation is based on a percentage of funds raised:
8% for $0 – $500,000
6% for $501,000 – $2,000,000
4% for $2,000,001 and greater
Artist Projects pay a one-time contract fee of $150 to join and an annual renewal fee of $150 for the duration of the project. There is also a flat 3% fee on credit card processing.
Artist Projects receive access to staff for assistance with project management, fundraising strategy development, and grant application feedback. We are here to support you and are happy to connect via phone, email, or Zoom conversations.
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AFCC is an exclusive fiscal sponsor, and we do not allow you to use multiple fiscal sponsors for the same project.
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Yes, you can pay yourself as the project director and for being an artist on the project. We recommend up to 20% of your total project budget for this fee.
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Each project is evaluated based on its feasibility, public benefit, and fundraising plan. Successful applications address each application question in detail.
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No. Project directors retain creative control and ownership of their project.
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No. AFCC Fiscal Sponsorship does not raise funds or solicit donors on behalf of sponsored projects.
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No. The AFCC does not file taxes on behalf of any sponsored project. Projects that raise funds through AFCC’s Fiscal Sponsorship are legally responsible for reporting money they receive from their project as income to the IRS.
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No, projects are responsible for filing their own taxes and providing 1099’s to their own vendors.
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Donations via check, direct deposit/wire transfer, and stock are processed weekly and you will receive an email when the deposit is complete. Donations via credit card are processed every 7-10 business days, and you will receive an automatic email when a donation is made.
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We are in conversation with with a vendor Seed & Spark. This will be the only crowdfunding platform allowed.
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Payments are disbursed on a weekly basis.
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No, you are responsible for getting your own insurance.
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Yes, in some cases.
Projects involving film, publishing, performance, or other creative work may still be eligible for fiscal sponsorship when they demonstrate a clear charitable and public benefit purpose aligned with the Arts Foundation’s mission.
Projects that include both charitable fundraising and commercial or investment activity must clearly distinguish between the two. Charitable contributions made through fiscal sponsorship cannot provide ownership, profit participation, or financial return to donors.
We encourage projects to articulate:
their public benefit goals
community engagement plans
educational or outreach components
how charitable funds will support mission aligned activities
Each project is reviewed individually to ensure alignment with our organizational mission and nonprofit compliance requirements.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Here for the next era of arts and artists.
Kenard Smith Jr.
Fashion Designer