No application fee · No membership fees · Rolling applications

Fiscal Sponsorship
for Independent
Artists

5%

Administrative Fee

Low end of the industry standard.

2

Week Response Time

Applicants generally receive a response within 14 days.

$0

Membership Fees

No ongoing membership cost.

$0

Credit Card Fees

For donations up to $5,000.

$0

Application Fee

Apply without paying a fee.

CCEA’s fiscal sponsorship program allows independent artists and creative teams to raise tax-deductible donations and seek grants for approved projects while retaining full ownership and creative control of their work. We support documentaries, narrative films, experimental media, and a wide range of artistic and cultural projects, including preservation initiatives, exhibitions, music, dance, and theater. CCEA offers a straightforward application process, no application or membership fees, a 5% administrative fee, rolling applications, and a typical two-week review period.

How CCEA Fiscal Sponsorship Works

  1. Submit an application. There is no application fee, and applications are accepted throughout the year.
  2. CCEA reviews your project. We evaluate each project for alignment with CCEA's charitable and educational mission. Projects may apply at any stage of development, and applicants generally receive a response within two weeks.
  3. Sign the fiscal sponsorship agreement. If your project is approved, both parties sign an agreement outlining the terms of the Model C fiscal sponsorship relationship.
  4. Begin fundraising. Once the agreement is complete, your project may begin seeking charitable donations and grants through CCEA. We will provide onboarding materials to help you set up your donation page and submit your banking information.
  5. Contributions and grants are made to CCEA. Funds are received by CCEA to support the approved charitable activities of your project. CCEA provides the appropriate acknowledgment to donors. We can accept contributions by ACH, wire transfer, check, credit card, and stock, as well as grants from foundations and donor-advised funds.
  6. Approved funds are granted to the grantee. CCEA disburses funds to the individual or legal entity responsible for carrying out the approved project, less the applicable administrative fee. The funds may be used only for approved project activities and expenses.
  7. Submit periodic reports. The grantee provides reports to CCEA describing the project's progress and documenting how the funds were used, as outlined in the fiscal sponsorship agreement.

Fiscal Sponsorship Frequently Asked Questions

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