Fiscal Sponsorship
Join a dynamic, thriving arts community through fiscal sponsorship at Intersection for the Arts.Now accepting applications on a rolling basis!
What is Fiscal Sponsorship?
Fiscal Sponsorship is a partnership in which a 501(c)3 nonprofit (“the fiscal sponsor”) extends its charitable tax-exempt status to a project aligned with its mission and values. The fiscally sponsored project can then access grants and tax-deductible contributions.
If your project is at the Intersection of arts, culture, and community, our fiscal sponsorship program empowers you with resources and knowledge to actualize your vision. Meet our current members here.
Intersection’s Fiscal Sponsorship Offerings
Intersection for the Arts offers two models of fiscal sponsorship: Basic (Model C) and Comprehensive (Model C+).
With Basic (Model C) sponsorship, project directors are able to apply for foundation grants and receive tax-deductible individual donations. The project director can then use the funds to make their project a reality.
With Comprehensive (Model C+) sponsorship, project directors are also able to apply for government grants and have Intersection process their earned income (ticket sales, merch, etc). Comprehensive sponsorship also includes Bill Pay Support, in which Intersection pays all of a project’s vendors and contractors directly, holds the tax liability for all project expenses, and issues any necessary 1099s at the end of the year.
Please see the chart below for our membership offerings with a breakdown of our Basic and Comprehensive fiscal sponsorship models.
Fiscal Sponsorship Options
Artist Member With Fiscal Sponsorship: Basic (Model C) | Artist Member With Fiscal Sponsorship: Comprehensive (Model C+) |
| Everything included in Basic Sponsorship, plus:
|
| $100 yearly contribution 9% admin fee on sponsored income | $150 yearly contribution 11% admin fee on sponsored income |
Applications are OPEN!
We fiscally sponsor projects across many disciplines and backgrounds. Your project might be a good fit for fiscal sponsorship if:
- Your project relates to arts or culture
- Your project is community-based
- Your project is non-commercial in nature
- Your project takes place in the Bay Area
Important Dates
Once our applications are open, you are welcome to submit at any time. We onboard new fiscally sponsored projects in a cohort model in seasonal cycles. Please see the dates below for deadlines to be included in each cycle.
August 2nd, 2026: Deadline to submit application for consideration in the Fall Cohort.
-Late August: Applicants will be notified regarding next steps in late August.
October 4th, 2026: Deadline to submit application for consideration in the Winter Cohort.
-Late October: Applicants will be notified regarding next steps in late October.
January 31, 2027: Deadline to submit application for consideration in the Spring Cohort.
-Late February: Applicants will be notified regarding next steps in late February.
Please email fiscalsponsorship@theintersection.org for questions about the Fiscal Sponsorship Application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need fiscal sponsorship?
To fund your creative projects and art practice.
Most private and public funders only grant funds to projects that are a 501c3 nonprofit or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 nonprofit. With our fiscal sponsorship, you’re held under Intersection’s tax-exempt status.
Why should I get fiscal sponsorship instead of becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit?
501(c)3 nonprofit status comes with bureaucratic responsibilities that can be hard for individuals and organizations to manage. For many individuals and small teams, fiscal sponsorship is a better alternative. Whether you want to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit or not, we help you achieve your goals.
Do I have to run all of my project income through my Intersection account?
You must run donations and grants through your Intersection account. You’re not required to run earned income (such as ticket sales, merchandise sales, and contracted service fees) through Intersection. However, many members choose to run earned income through Intersection via Comprehensive sponsorship because it simplifies bookkeeping processes and often lowers their taxes.
Can I have multiple fiscal sponsors?
No. Intersection’s fiscal sponsorship contract is exclusive.
How does Intersection manage my project funds?
Intersection receives funds on behalf of your project and holds it in your project’s fund balance. You can then use funds in this account to pay yourself, others, and project expenses. We provide you with financial reports of your account activity. For Comprehensive fiscal sponsorships, Intersection helps you assign expenses to your grants to assist with grant reporting.
How do I pay myself and others?
For projects with Basic fiscal sponsorship, all funds are paid directly to the project director as taxable income. The project director has control over the disbursement schedule, and then uses the funds to pay for their project.
Projects with Comprehensive fiscal sponsorship have Bill Pay Support, in which Intersection pays vendors and contractors directly on behalf of your project. Intersection also processes reimbursements for the project directors and representatives for project-related expenses. With Bill Pay Support, Intersection holds the tax liability for all project expenses and issues any necessary 1099s at the end of the year.
Can I have multiple projects with Intersection?
Yes.
Should I set up a bank account for my Intersection project?
This is up to you. Some members find it beneficial to keep their project finances separate from their personal finances. For smaller-scale projects, it’s usually not necessary.
Do I pay taxes on money I receive from Intersection?
Yes. You will pay taxes on money you earn as an independent contractor (i.e. artist fees, administrative support, or other contracted services). Intersection issues 1099 forms to you every January.
Can I apply under my LLC, corporation, non-profit corporation or sole proprietorship?
No. Intersection for the Arts signs contracts with individual project directors only.
Members
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