Do you have an idea for an artist-led, community-based project, but need support to bring it to life?

At DoPT, we believe in the power of artists and creative leaders to strengthen communities, spark civic engagement, and bring people together in meaningful ways. One of the tools we use to make this possible is fiscal sponsorship.

 

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Our fiscal sponsorship program gives artist-led and community-based projects access to the benefits of nonprofit status without the time, cost, and administrative responsibility of starting a standalone 501(c)(3).

By partnering with DoPT, you can:

  • Receive tax-deductible donations and grants

  • Build stronger fundraising campaigns

  • Ensure your project’s funds are managed with transparency and accountability

DoPT’s fiscal sponsorship program supports both organizations (like small arts or cultural nonprofits) and projects (like one-time events, collaborations, or pilot programs). Some projects we sponsor eventually grow into independent nonprofits, while others simply need support for a specific time or purpose.

Fiscal sponsorship is a partnership that helps mission-driven projects grow, stay accountable, and focus on community impact.

Benefits of Fiscal Sponsorship

  • Tax-deductible donations and grants: Your project can accept charitable contributions that may otherwise only be available to 501(c)(3) organizations.

  • Administrative and financial support: DoPT manages the behind-the-scenes details—such as processing donations and issuing official donor acknowledgments—so you can stay focused on your creative work. (Of course, we always encourage you to thank your donors personally, too!)

  • Increased credibility with funders: Fiscal sponsorship connects your project with an established nonprofit partner, helping open doors to new opportunities and funders.

In short: fiscal sponsorship is about collaboration. DoPT provides the infrastructure that supports your fundraising; you bring the vision, creativity, and leadership that drive your project forward.

For Prospective Projects

Our program is designed for a wide range of creative initiatives, including grassroots collectives, one-time events, time-bound collaborations, seedling nonprofits, and special projects of for-profit entities that operate for a nonprofit purpose. 

In short: if your work is artist-led and exists to serve the public good, you may be a strong fit for fiscal sponsorship with DoPT.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, projects must meet the following criteria:

  • Be artist-led. We define “artist” broadly: anyone who is creative, resourceful, inspired, and driven to collaborate across sectors of public, private, and civic life. This includes work in visual, performance, multimedia, literary, social/civic, culinary, land-based, traditional, folk, textile, and other mediums. It also includes culture bearers, craftspeople, artisans, hobbyists, contractors, and handypeople.

  • Serve rural people and places. By rural, we mean communities—including tribal communities and Native Nations—of 20,000 or fewer residents.

  • Have a nonprofit purpose. Your project must serve the public good, not generate private profit. All income should go back into the project to create positive change, build community, or support creativity, learning, and wellbeing. A nonprofit purpose keeps the focus on mission over profit.

  • Operate within nonprofit rules. Sponsored projects cannot engage in activities that would put DoPT’s tax-exempt status at risk. This includes distributing profits to individuals, supporting political candidates, or using funds outside of the stated mission. General advocacy is permitted within legal limits.

  • Align with DoPT’s mission and values. Sponsored projects must reflect the mission and values that guide DoPT’s work.