Apply for Fiscal Sponsorship
Our intake process is designed to provide a solid foundation for an ongoing partnership. We learn about your project and assess your readiness for fiscal sponsorship. We also tell you more about our services and how we work, so you can determine if our approach is right for you.
We’re excited that you’re interested in joining our community!
Prospective partners are welcome to submit the form at any time. Our intake timeline depends on staff capacity and our ability to provide thoughtful support to both incoming and current projects. We typically aim to welcome new project cohorts in February, June, and October.
Whenever possible, we onboard projects together so they can learn alongside one another, build meaningful relationships, and create pathways for future collaboration.
How It Works
Preparation: Review our readiness criteria and gather the requested information.
Interest Form: Submit our brief online form. If your project appears aligned and ready, we’ll invite you to continue.
360 Application: Complete a more detailed application during the next intake window. Limited exceptions may be made for time-sensitive opportunities.
360 Interview: Meet with our team to discuss your project and needs.
Notification: We’ll let you know whether we can move forward, recommend additional preparation, or suggest another resource.
Readiness Criteria
The following set of criteria will be used to determine whether or not we are able to work with your entity:
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Your project has a clear mission statement, and your work falls within IRS parameters for charitable purposes (NOTE: arts & culture typically fits under the education umbrella).
Organizations’ who’s work aligns with our values will be prioritized. Learn more about our values here. -
Your project has begun the process of sourcing pledges and funds from various identified sources.
CultureTrust* currently requires $10,000 in cash or pledged funds to be considered for Model A (Comprehensive) fiscal sponsorship, and $5,000 for Model C (Contributed-Only).
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Your team understands and commits to an initial fiscal sponsorship term of 2 years as defined by the CultureTrust fiscal sponsorship agreement.
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Your project has identified more than one person to support the work, regardless of whether they serve in a volunteer or paid capacity, full or part-time, advisory or day-to-day.
You know exactly who will manage the partnership with CultureTrust* as a project director. -
Your project is either already running programming or has clear programming plans with a concrete timeline. If this is a new initiative, you must be able to clearly articulate the who/what/when/where of your anticipated programs.
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Your team has drafted a budget for your project that clearly details anticipated revenue and expenses. Your budget seems realistic and achievable for your scope of programming and team capacity. Feel free to use our budget template (Google sheet).
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Your team has drafted a clear, concrete plan for how you will raise funds to cover your project’s expenses. You have identified specific sources of funding and have concrete next steps.
Note that our fiscal sponsorship program is geared toward projects funded by philanthropic dollars or earned revenue (e.g. ticket sales, program service fees), rather than reimbursable government grants.
Which type of fiscal sponsorship?
We currently offer two types of fiscal sponsorship: Comprehensive (Model A) and Contributed-Only (Model C). Both types allow projects to accept donations and apply for grants under our nonprofit tax status. If you’re not certain which is best for you, we can help to advise you during the application process.
Fiscally sponsored projects are housed within our 501(c)(3) charitable trust, CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia. The two models each have a distinct relationship with the Trust.
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SERVICES:
Integrated into CultureTrust as part of our organization.
Full suite of administrative services provided, including financial management and bookkeeping, insurances, payroll/benefits, contracts, compliance, and maintaining 501(c)(3) tax status.
Close partnership with our staff team.
Complimentary access to our coworking space.
Free or discounted tickets to CultureWorks workshops and events.
Promotion of your events through our social media and newsletters.
FEES:
12% allocation fee on all revenues, plus $50/month membership fee.
Must have $10,000 in cash or pledges to be eligible. (12% service fee applies to the initial deposit.)
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SERVICES:
Arms-length relationship to CultureTrust; we recommend setting up an LLC or other business entity.**
Management of contributed revenue only, including receiving donations and grants on your project's behalf. Funds are then disbursed to your business entity. You are responsible for all other aspects of your business, including earned revenue, expenses, insurances, payroll, etc.
Staff team available for support around contributed revenue.
Complimentary access to our coworking space.
Free or discounted tickets to CultureWorks workshops and events.
Promotion of your events through our social media and newsletters.
FEES:
7% allocation fee on contributed revenue only, plus $50/month membership fee.
$1,000 in cash or pledges recommended to cover first year membership fee
**NOTE: We recommend setting up a business entity to separate your projects' activities from your personal finances. Please consult your tax advisor about the best option for your situation.
*Did you know? For most of our projects, the fiscal sponsorship allocation fees are less than out-of-pocket costs for equivalent tools, services, and staffing. Plus you get the friendly support and expertise of our team!
*What’s in a Name?
You might wonder why you see the name CultureWorks in some places and CultureTrust in others.
CultureWorks is our umbrella organization and public brand. We manage our fiscally sponsored projects under a separate business entity, CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia. The structure provides legal and financial protection for our projects.
If you join our fiscal sponsorship program, your project’s legal name will be “[Project Name] of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia.” Please be sure to use the CultureTrust name and EIN on all legal and financial documents.
Ready to get started?
This brief form will help the team at CultureWorks determine whether your project is ready to move forward in our fiscal sponsorship process. It should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
Additional Resources
Interested in learning about additional fiscal sponsors and general resources to support your capacity and organizational needs? Check out the page below for additional options.