NUKHU FOUNDATION / Funding services

Fiscal
Sponsorship.More ways to fund your work.

Access a charitable fundraising pathway for your independent film, artistic project, or community media organization. We help qualifying creators raise support through the NUKHU FOUNDATION's 501(c)(3) nonprofit framework.

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Independent ideas / Charitable fundraisingBuild • Fund • Share
What fiscal sponsorship means

Your vision.
More possibilities.

A charitable structure for independent work.

Fiscal Sponsorship lets eligible artists and organizations fundraise through the NUKHU FOUNDATION's tax-exempt status. It can create access to charitable gifts and funding opportunities that often require a 501(c)(3) organization.

The project remains yours. You bring its purpose, people, and fundraising strategy; the Foundation provides its sponsorship framework, administrative oversight, and guidance.

Find your sponsorship category
Two sponsorship categories

Choose the model
that fits your work.

Eligibility is different for a single film project and an ongoing community media organization. Both require a credible budget and fundraising strategy.

01 / For individual projects

Public Film Projects

A specific film or video project with a clear scope, start, and expected completion date. Open to individual artists, artist collectives, or creators operating through an LLC or corporation.

  • Minimum project budget of $15,000, not required to be raised before applying.
  • Detailed plan to raise funds and complete the proposed work.
  • U.S. Social Security number or U.S. LLC/corporation.
  • Contributed income only through sponsorship. A separate application is required for each project.
Review film project fees
02 / For mission-led organizations

Community Media Organizations

An arts-centered organization with an ongoing public-benefit mission. Applicants must be incorporated as a state-level nonprofit or actively incorporating.

  • Minimum $15,000 annual budget, not required to be committed before applying.
  • Three years of organizational budget information.
  • Fundraising plan tied to the organization's mission.
  • Both contributed and earned income may be administered through sponsorship.
Review organization fees

The program welcomes eligible artists regardless of location, including artists based abroad who have a U.S. taxpayer identification number. Sponsored activities must serve an identifiable public benefit.

What sponsorship offers

More than a place
to receive donations.

Support for the financial and administrative side of work, alongside the artist's own responsibility to raise funds and complete the project.

01 / GIVING

Charitable contributions

Receive eligible donations through the Foundation. Donors may qualify for tax deductions, subject to applicable rules.

02 / ACCESS

New funding doors

Pursue qualifying foundation, corporate, and other charitable funding opportunities that require nonprofit sponsorship.

03 / VISIBILITY

Dedicated project profile

Establish a presence on the Foundation website with a unique donation portal for your project or organization.

04 / GUIDANCE

Practical administration

Access staff feedback on fundraising strategies, project management, and grant applications, plus financial oversight.

An important distinction

The Foundation does not solicit donors or raise money for you. Each sponsored project is responsible for building and managing its own fundraising strategy, with the Foundation's services supporting that work.

Sponsorship fees

Know the terms
up front.

Applications are free. The following contract, renewal, maintenance, and fundraising administration fees reflect the Foundation's published program terms.

01 / Public Film Project

Project sponsorship

ApplicationFree
One-time contract$100
Annual renewal$50
Administrative fee on contributed funds
$0 to $500,0008%
$500,001 to $2,000,000$40,000 + 6%
Above $2,000,000$130,000 + 4%

The upper-tier amounts reproduce the currently published Public Film Project schedule. The signed agreement defines how the rate calculation applies.

02 / Community Media Organization

Organization sponsorship

ApplicationFree
One-time contract$100
Annual renewal$100
Quarterly account maintenance$45
Administrative fee on contributed funds
$0 to $500,0008%
$500,001 to $2,000,0006%
Above $2,000,0004%

The organization schedule is shown as published. Exact fee application is subject to the final sponsorship agreement.

Additional disclosed service fees: Optional pre-application phone review, $50 per hour. International wire transfer, $50. These services are separate from the free application.
Ready to apply?

Bring the idea.
Bring the plan.

We look for original, well-crafted work that communicates a clear point of view, serves a public benefit, and demonstrates a feasible plan for completion.

01Prepare your project materials and fundraising strategy.
02Apply online at any time. There is no application fee.
03The Foundation reviews your submission and follows up on an ongoing basis.
Apply now Contact sponsorship staff
01

Project summary and goals

Describe what you plan to create, why it matters, and what you hope to achieve.

02

Audience, timeline, and public benefit

Identify the community served, the project schedule, and its value beyond private benefit.

03

Income and expense budgets

Show anticipated funding sources and a corresponding expenditure plan.

04

Fundraising strategy

Explain how you will raise the funds and how fiscal sponsorship fits into that plan.

05

Experience and creative samples

Provide resumes for principal artists or administrators, plus relevant work samples.

06

At least one letter of support

Include a letter supporting the applicant or the proposed work.

Community Media Organization applicants also provide three years of budget information. The application asks for category-specific details.

Questions worth asking

The details,
made clear.

Review eligibility, administration, funding responsibilities, and creative ownership before applying.

Still have a question?

sponsorship@nukhufoundation.org

Understanding sponsorship

What does 501(c)(3) mean?
501(c)(3) is a federal tax designation for a qualifying charitable organization. Eligible donations to public charities may be tax-deductible, subject to applicable law.
How is Fiscal Sponsorship different from a grant?
A direct grant is funding awarded by the Foundation. Fiscal Sponsorship is a charitable fundraising arrangement through which an eligible project raises its own support under the Foundation's oversight. Fiscal Sponsorship does not itself guarantee funding.
What is the difference between a Public Film Project and a Community Media Organization?
Public Film Projects are specific projects led by artists, collectives, or eligible businesses. The Foundation accepts contributed income for these projects. Community Media Organizations are state-level nonprofits, including those in the process of incorporation, and may administer earned and contributed income.
What counts as public benefit?
Sponsored activities must offer benefit beyond the artist's private gain. Examples include screenings, exhibitions, performances, public discussions, or programs creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Do I have to live in New York?
No. Artists outside New York, including those living abroad, may apply if they meet the program's U.S. taxpayer identification requirements.
Can I sponsor multiple projects at the same time?
Yes. Each project must apply separately, and funds cannot be moved between separately sponsored projects.
How long can I remain fiscally sponsored?
Public Film Projects may stay sponsored while the project is actively fundraising and in progress, until completion. Community Media Organizations can remain sponsored on an ongoing basis. Both must meet annual renewal payment and reporting requirements.

Applying and creative independence

How do I apply, and when will my application be reviewed?
Apply through the online form at any time. There is no fee to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis rather than through fixed quarterly deadlines. The Foundation will contact you regarding your application status.
Do I need to have raised money before applying?
No. Applicants should submit a realistic fundraising plan, but funds do not need to be committed before acceptance.
Can the Foundation review my materials before I apply?
Pre-application phone reviews are available for $50 per hour. Contact sponsorship@nukhufoundation.org. The Foundation does not provide copies of previous applications because each project is distinct.
How are applicants selected?
Projects are reviewed for feasibility, professionalism, public benefit, clarity of ideas, presentation, originality, and the strength of the work. The program does not set a limit on the number of qualifying projects accepted. Student school assignments and degree thesis projects are not eligible.
Who owns my work? Does the Foundation have creative control?
Project directors retain ownership, creative control, and their project's independent identity. The Foundation's role is sponsorship and fiscal administration under its program agreement.
Can I have another fiscal sponsor?
The NUKHU FOUNDATION generally acts as the project's exclusive fiscal sponsor. Exceptions may be considered case by case when its sponsorship does not meet the requirements of a specific grant.
Can I work internationally?
Yes, subject to eligibility and compliance requirements. The Foundation can accept incoming international wires and make international wire transfers for a $50 fee.

Fundraising and finances

Does the Foundation fundraise for me or introduce me to donors?
No. Sponsored projects are responsible for their own fundraising, donor relationships, and day-to-day operations. The Foundation offers administrative support and feedback, not guaranteed financial contributions or donor introductions.
Can I run a crowdfunding campaign?
Yes. The Foundation offers online fundraising options for sponsored projects and can help you consider a suitable campaign strategy. Contact the sponsorship team for available arrangements.
Can I include an artist fee in the budget?
Yes. Project directors and artists may budget compensation for their own work. The published guideline notes that project directors typically do not pay themselves more than 20% of the project budget, although artist fees depend on the project.
Can I accept private investment?
For qualified projects, the Foundation may offer a contractual addendum addressing private investment or equity. Contact sponsorship@nukhufoundation.org to discuss eligibility.
May I sell my work?
Yes. Fiscal sponsorship does not prohibit the sale of a project's work.
Does the Foundation file my project taxes?
No. Sponsored projects are responsible for meeting their own applicable income tax reporting requirements.
How quickly are contributions processed and payments made?

The published program schedule states that checks, direct deposits/wires, and stock contributions are processed weekly. Credit card contributions are processed every 7 to 10 business days.

Payments to fiscally sponsored projects and organizations are generally disbursed weekly.

Are donated services or space tax-deductible?
The Foundation's published guidance distinguishes donated goods from donated services and space. Tax treatment of noncash contributions depends on the facts and applicable law; consult a qualified tax adviser before representing any contribution as deductible. Values of donated services or space may be included for internal project budgeting purposes.

No matching questions. Try another keyword or email our sponsorship team.

Create something with public value

Your next chapter
can start here.

Rolling applications. No application fee. Your vision remains your own.

Apply for Sponsorship Contact the team
NUKHU FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Sponsorship eligibility and all fees are subject to approval and a signed agreement. The information on this page is a program overview, not tax or legal advice. Other funding pathways · Back to top ↑