Fiscal Sponsorship Preparation Checklist for Creative Projects

Fiscal sponsorship can help an eligible charitable project receive certain forms of contributed funding through an established nonprofit, but it is not simply access to another organization's tax-exempt status. The sponsor takes on administrative and legal responsibilities, so readiness matters.

Prepare before you approach a fiscal sponsor

• A clear project description and charitable or community purpose

• Project leadership and responsible parties

• Budget and fundraising plan

• Timeline

• Expected funders and revenue sources

• Contracts, insurance, permits, or risk considerations

• How funds will be spent

• How outcomes will be documented

• What administrative support you need from the sponsor

Ask about the operating terms

• Administrative fees

• Fund restrictions

• Reporting requirements

• Fundraising approval procedures

• Payment and reimbursement process

• Insurance and liability

• Ownership of intellectual property or assets where relevant

• Termination and transfer terms

Mission alignment is not enough by itself

A project can be meaningful and still be a poor fit for a particular fiscal sponsor because of timing, risk, capacity, geography, program scope, or administrative requirements. Treat the inquiry as a mutual due-diligence process.

This checklist is educational information, not legal or tax advice. Creative Currency is a free knowledge-sharing initiative from The Collaboration Corp.