Fiscal Sponsorship Incubator

SLO County Arts Council provides opportunities for fiscal sponsorship to individuals and groups for projects that are clearly charitable in nature, provide public benefit to the local community, and further the purposes of the Arts Council. Our Incubator Program is designed for arts groups and individual artist projects that have a nonprofit purpose and/or are looking at becoming their own tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

The projects and programs that we are currently proud to sponsor include: Equality Mural Project and the Mollie & Nathan (pictured) “Senior Dance” Program.

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which a 501(c)(3) public charity, like the Arts Council, sponsors a project or organization that lacks exempt status. This alternative to starting your own nonprofit allows you to seek grants and solicit tax-deductible donations under our exempt status.

Since most grantmakers give to organizations, not individuals, fiscal sponsorship may help you qualify for more funding opportunities, and be able start your project sooner. Meanwhile, you can work on getting your own nonprofit status, if that’s your ultimate goal.

While it's free to apply to fiscal sponsorship program, admitted projects and organizations are charged an annual fee along a sliding scale of $60.00 - $120.00. We ask projects to pay what they feel they’re able within this window. We also charge a 10% administrative fee on all funds we need to handle as your fiscal sponsor, like grants or donations.

What does a “charitable” mean? Learn about defining your mission through this link.

Application Process

We will consider sponsorship for activities that meet the following criteria:

  • Projects that are in line with the Arts Council’s mission and strategic priorities

  • Projects that are pursuing their own 501(c)(3) status and/or temporary with an end date.

We will not consider activities that:

  • Raise funds for other 501(c)(3) organizations

  • Could be sponsored more appropriately by another organization

  • Benefit private individuals, for-profit enterprises, or proprietary businesses

If you would like to apply, please carefully review our Fiscal Sponsorship Services document, available to download below. Our application process requires submission of a letter of intent (LOI) before a full application. The entire process takes approximately two months to complete.