Fiscal Sponsorship provides the legal benefits of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to artists and artistic projects, allowing them to access funders that would otherwise be unavailable.
How NPN fiscal sponsorship works
NPN offers Model C fiscal sponsorship to artists, collectives and ensembles, and small organizations that align with our mission and values.
We are currently in a renewal process for existing projects and not accepting any new applications at this time; we expect to open enrollment again in Fall 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application process
When can I apply?
Once enrollment opens again, we will 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 an online application. The staff then reviews applications before recommending projects to the board of directors. Once the NPN board approves, the artist(s) and NPN must sign a fiscal sponsorship agreement.
How long does the application process take?
Once an application has been completed, board approval typically takes 1 month.
Do I have to renew every year?
Yes. Agreements run from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
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.