WHAT IS FISCAL SPONSORSHIP?

 What is a Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship creates a legal partnership between a United States 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which is granted federal tax exemption, and a project or individual whose activities align with the nonprofit's mission. This collaboration grants the sponsored party the benefits of nonprofit status, eliminating the need for them to independently navigate the complex process of securing their own charitable tax exemption in the United States.

Such a model facilitates resource sharing and cooperation among mission-oriented groups, significantly reducing administrative expenses in relation to the size of each involved entity. In essence, Helix Impact takes on the administrative tasks and serves as a bridge, allowing both groups and individuals to allocate more of their time and finances towards making a tangible difference.

Applications for fiscal sponsorship are closed and will reopen on May 1, 2024.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please see the below common questions, or feel free to contact us.

  • Are we eligible for fiscal sponsorship?

    Helix Impact fiscally sponsors arts groups and projects working in all artistic disciplines that: 


    • Are aligned with Helix Impact’s mission
    • Assume a non-profit business /social enterprise model**

    * Because donations to fiscally sponsored groups and projects are tax-deductible, groups and projects must add value to the public or community in some way that doesn’t just benefit you as an artist or your group. Public benefit is broadly defined and public outcomes can include performances, exhibitions, workshops, screenings, artist talks, festivals, behind-the­ scenes tours, open rehearsals, or any other public offering.


    **Where all other eligibility criteria are met, Helix Impact can sponsor specific programs or projects of a registered company's work, as long as they are clearly non-profit in purpose and distinct from the organization’s other for-profit activities. Registered companies and social enterprises are not eligible for Comprehensive or Complete Fiscal Sponsorship. If you are an registered company who is interested in one of our programs, please contact us to discuss options.

  • How do we apply?

    If you think your group or project would benefit from Helix Impact’s fiscal sponsorship services, please contact us to discuss your eligibility. If eligible, fill in a Fiscal Sponsorship Application Form and submit it to Helix Impact by the required deadline. 


    The application asks for information on your project or group’s proposed activities, along with your financial and fundraising goals. For application questions, please contact us at sponsorship@heliximpact.org.


    If you are applying for Complete fiscal sponsorship, there will be an interview process in addition to the online application. Please complete the online application for Comprehensive services and let us know if you intend to apply for Complete by emailing sponsorship@heliximpact.org.

  • When can we apply and how long will it take to find out if we have been accepted?

    Helix Impact accepts applications to its fiscal sponsorship program four times a year on the first day of March, June, September, and December (or the first business day thereafter if any of these dates fall on a weekend). Applications must be submitted by midnight (Eastern Standard Time), using our online application. Generally, you hear about the status of your application by the end of the month in which you apply.

  • What happens when we are accepted?

    If your application is successful, you will be sent an agreement that must be signed no later than one month after the day it was sent to you by Helix Impact. If we do not receive your signed agreement within one month, we cannot move ahead with fiscal sponsorship of your group or project.


    After you have signed your contract, you will pay your establishment fee. Then your Program Manager will reach out to set up an orientation session to get you acquainted with Helix Impact’s fiscal sponsorship program and processes. 


    After this session, you will be asked to make the opening deposit into your Helix Impact account. The minimum deposit amount is $150, but there is no maximum amount for this first deposit. For up to $2,500 of the first deposit into your account, Helix Impact will waive the administrative cost share percentage. Please note that your initial deposit must be made in one transaction to take advantage of the one-time cost share waiver. 


    From here, your Program Manager will provide you with the tailored next steps for your group to get started fundraising.

  • What are Helix Impact's application, agreement, and renewal timelines?

    Successful applicants who apply by March 1st will generally be contracted by the end of April. They will be asked to submit their renewal application by March 1st annually as long as they are fiscally sponsored by Helix Impact.


    Successful applicants who apply by June 1st will generally be contracted by the end of July. They will be asked to submit their renewal application by June 1st annually as long as they are fiscally sponsored by Helix Impact.


    Successful applicants who apply by September 1st will generally be contracted by the end of October. They will be asked to submit their renewal application by September 1st annually as long as they are fiscally sponsored by Helix Impact.


    Successful applicants who apply by December 1st will generally be contracted by the end of January. They will be asked to submit their renewal application by December 1st annually as long as they are fiscally sponsored by Helix Impact.

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