Application Guidelines
Fiscal Sponsorship allows you to fundraise for your project using NYFA’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, which opens access to foundation and corporate sponsor funding opportunities that require a 501(c)(3) designation to apply. It can also offer donors the benefit of a tax deduction.
There is no fee to apply, so use the chart below to see if your project meets our eligibility requirements.
APPLICATION PROCESS
NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship is evaluating the best ways to serve our community. We are temporarily accepting projects on a limited basis until July 2025.
If you are interested in pursuing NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship, complete the below inquiry form to see if your project is eligible to apply.
A list of additional fiscal sponsors can be found on the Fiscal Sponsor Directory.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Artist Project applicants will need:
- A minimum project budget of $15,000. This money does not need to be committed before applying or being accepted into our program.
- A plan of how you will raise funds to accomplish your project.
- NYFA sponsors specific projects with a clear scope, start, and projected end date. (You can have multiple projects in fiscal sponsorship, and each requires its own application.)
- A social security number, or be incorporated as an LLC or corporation in the US.
- Cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of any kind
Emerging Organizations applicants will need:
- A minimum annual budget of $15,000. This money does not need to be committed before applying or being accepted into our program. You will submit three years of your organizational budget.
- A plan of how the organization will raise funds to accomplish your mission.
- Incorporation as a nonprofit, or in the process of incorporating, at the state level (NYFA accepts applications from all states and US territories).
- To have the arts as their primary mission and focus.
- Cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of any kind
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications for both Artist Project and Emerging Organizations will need to answer questions related to the following topics. Select the “Apply Now” button below for specific application questions:
• Brief project summary.
• Overview of project goals.
• Details about your audience, project timeline, and public benefit.
• Budget including income (with specific sources of funding listed) and a budget for expenses.
• Fundraising strategy clearly stating how you intend to raise money listed in your income budget and how you will utilize NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship in this plan.
• Resume(s) for principle artist(s)/or administrator(s).
• Work samples (from this project or a past related project).
• Up to three letters of support.
FISCAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM SERVICES AND FEES
Artist Projects
- There is no fee to apply for quarterly deadlines.
- Will pay a one-time contract fee of $100 and an annual contract renewal fee of $50 for the duration of the project.
- Will pay an administrative fee for all contributed funds raised with NYFA. The percentage is based on funds raised:
– 8% for $0 – $500,000
– 6% for $500,001 – $2,000,000
– 4% for $2,000,001 and greater - Will be able to create a profile page on the NYFA website with a link to a donation portal unique to your project.
- NYFA will oversee contributed income.
- At no additional fee: 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 in person conversations.
Emerging Organizations
- There is no fee to apply for quarterly deadlines.
- Will pay a one-time contract fee of $100 and an Annual contract renewal fee of $100 for the duration of the partnership. There will also be a quarterly account maintenance fee of $45
- Will pay an administrative fee for all contributed funds raised with NYFA. The percentage is based on funds raised:
– 8% for $0 – $500,000
– 6% for $500,001 – $2,000,000
– 4% for $2,000,001 and greater - Will be able to create a profile page on the NYFA website with a link to a donation portal unique to your organization.
- NYFA will oversee contributed and earned income and provide basic accounting oversight.
- At no additional fee: access to staff for assistance with project management, fundraising strategy development, and grant application feedback for no additional fee. We are here to support you and are happy to connect via phone, email, or in person conversations.
The program is open to all artists with a U.S. Tax Identification Number, regardless of location. Artists who live in the U.S. but work overseas are welcome to apply.
For more information about fiscal sponsorship, NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship’s processes, and other benefits, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Image: Flavio Alves (Fiscally Sponsored Project ’16), The Garden Left Behind
