Fiscal Sponsorship provides the legal benefits of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to artists and artistic projects, allowing them to access both formal granting systems and private philanthropic opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.
While the primary advantage of fiscal sponsorship is access to the legal benefits of a tax-exempt status, sponsorship may also include financial and administrative services from NPN.
How NPN fiscal sponsorship works
NPN offers different sponsorship models according to a project’s needs. A typical sponsorship entails the following:
- Schedule a meeting with our Fiscal Sponsorship & Data Associate, Brittany Dudley and/or complete our online application (links are at the end of this page)
- We review and recommend to our board of directors
- Board approval (typically takes one month)
- Sign an agreement for one year, which must be renewed annually
- During fiscal sponsorship, NPN receives donations and grants on behalf of your project, manages the funds, and distributes them according to your project’s budget and needs. Depending on your agreement, NPN may also offer additional financial and administrative services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application process
What types of artists and projects can qualify?
NPN provides fiscal sponsorship to artists, collectives and ensembles, and small organizations creating generative and new original work that aligns with our mission and values.
When can I apply?
We answer inquiries and review applications on an ongoing basis.
What can I expect during the application process?
Artists and project leads must meet with the NPN staff and complete the online application. The staff then reviews applications before recommending projects to the board of directors. Once the NPN board approves, the artist and NPN must sign a fiscal sponsorship agreement.
How long does the application process take?
From the initial meeting to board approval typically takes one month.
Do I have to renew every year?
Yes. Agreements run from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
Program details
What are the main benefits of fiscal sponsorship?
Tax-deductible donations for your supporters, access to foundation funding restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations, and administrative support.
What are NPN’s obligations during fiscal sponsorship?
As a fiscal sponsor, NPN’s responsibilities may include (depending on the level of sponsorship):
- Receiving charitable donations and grants on behalf of artistic projects, then making the funds available to the projects while maintaining discretion and ensuring compliance with IRS rules
- Sending acknowledgement letters to donors and funders
- Processing payment requests and paying vendors
- Providing financial statements
- Reviewing grant proposals and final reports submitted under NPN’s name
- Providing grant writing coaching when possible
What are my obligations during fiscal sponsorship?
As a fiscally sponsored project, an artist and project leader will be responsible for:
- Cultivating and managing relationships with donors
- Generating income for their respective project (NPN does not research or identify grants as part of its fiscal sponsorship)
- Submitting copies of grant proposals and final reports to NPN
- Following NPN’s accounting procedures
Note that during fiscal sponsorship, you will have 24-hour access to an online database that tracks project fundraising history and archived grant submission materials.
What is NPN's fiscal sponsor fee?
NPN charges a fiscal fee of 8 to 12% depending on the level of sponsorship. For sponsorships that include more hands-on support, the fiscal fee is higher.
How long does a fiscal sponsorship agreement last?
Sponsorship agreements last one year, from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. You must renew fiscal sponsorship annually.
Ready to get started?
Meet with our team: Schedule a Zoom call with Brittany Dudley
Apply online: Complete our Fiscal Sponsorship Application
Please note that we don’t currently manage crowdfunding campaigns or online platforms.
Lifetime Impact (since 2005)
”Since 2005, we have partnered with over 100 diverse, artist-led, community-driven projects and helped raise over 8.4 million to support artists.”
—Brittany Dudley
Fiscal Sponsorship & Data Associate
Our Approach
NPN’s fiscal sponsor relationships with artists are reciprocal rather than transactional. As fiscally sponsored artists work to secure new resources and contributions, we learn about the concerns they face, and identify new resources and approaches that will better support them.
”As our fiscal sponsor, NPN has provided a great deal of assistance with payroll and peace of mind each time we navigate tax season. This provides more space for me to focus on other aspects of the production process.”
—Leah Glenn
Artistic Director,
Leah Glenn Dance Theatre
”NPN has consistently demonstrated how much it is committed not only to my creative practice and my artistic vision but to who I am as a person and individual. Both I and my organization would not be where it is today without their support and advocacy.”
—Mendel Lee
Founder and Co-Director,
nienteForte