Fiscal Sponsorship allows you to fundraise for your project using the NUKHU FOUNDATION’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 are two types of NUKHU FOUNDATION Fiscal Sponsorship.

• Public Film Projects are specific projects (as opposed to your entire practice) done by individual artists or unincorporated artist collectives. NUKHU FOUNDATION Fiscal Sponsorship can contract with individuals or artists who have an LLC or corporation. We only accept contributed income for Public Film Projects.

• Community Media Organizations must be incorporated as a nonprofit on the state level. They may also be their own 501(c)(3). We accept both earned and contributed income for Community Media Organizations.

There is no fee to apply, so use the guidelines below to see if your project meets our eligibility requirements.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES 

Public Film 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. 

• The NUKHU FOUNDATION 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.

Community Media Organization 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 (the NUKHU FOUNDATION accepts applications from all states and US territories). 

• To have the arts as their primary mission and focus.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications for both Public Film Projects and Community Media Organizations will need to answer questions related to the following topics. Select the “Apply” 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 the NUKHU FOUNDATION Fiscal Sponsorship in this plan.
• Resume(s) for principle artist(s)/or administrator(s).
• Work samples (from this project or a past related project).
• At least one letter of support.

Eligibility for all funding is determined based on our goal to select the strongest work possible. Markers for what constitutes “strong” include:

• A cohesive body of work

• Well-crafted work

• Well-presented work (with an understanding that artists have varying financial means and resources for presenting their work)

• Work that communicates its viewpoint, ideas, and concepts clearly, effectively, and creatively

• Work that is not derivative
  

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM SERVICES AND FEES

Public Film Project 

• 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 the NUKHU FOUNDATION. The percentage is based on funds raised:
  – 8% for $0 – $500,000
  – $40,000 + 6% for $500,001 – $2,000,000
  – $130,000 + 4% for $2,000,001 and greater

• Will be able to create a profile page on the NUKHU FOUNDATION website with a link to a donation portal unique to your project.

• The NUKHU FOUNDATION 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.

Community Media Organization 

• 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 the NUKHU FOUNDATION. 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 NUKHU FOUNDATION website with a link to a donation portal unique to your organization.

• The NUKHU FOUNDATION 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.

Deadlines to apply: 11:59 PM EST on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. The NUKHU FOUNDATION also accepts out-of-cycle applications; please email sponsorship@nukhufoundation.org for details.

For more information about fiscal sponsorship, the NUKHU FOUNDATION Fiscal Sponsorship’s processes, and other benefits, please review our Frequently Asked Questions below.