Become Fiscally Sponsored
Things to know before applying for fiscal sponsorship
All applicants must pay a non-refundable $25 application fee.
Upon approval, projects pay a one-time admin cost ($75) for account set-up and begin a cost share membership ($10/month)
Fresh Arts does not provide funding for projects, but we aim to connect projects with opportunities that will
Annual contract renewal cost share is $100 for continuing projects
Fresh Arts retains 8% of funds raised, which helps offset shared administrative costs
IMPORTANT DATES
Application date
New applications are typically accepted quarterly. Our program is currently at capacity and will not be accepting new applications through the remainder of 2026. Please check back regularly for new updates.
Appointment date before application
Interested applicants must schedule an appointment with Fresh Arts’ Fiscal Sponsorship Manager 15 days prior to application deadline to discuss the program guidelines and your project fit before applying.
Review process
Applications are reviewed quarterly by a committee. Applicants will be notified of their status within 30 days of application deadline.
After getting accepted
Projects must submit contracts and other paperwork upon given timelines before they are allowed to submit grants through the fiscal sponsorship program.
PLEASE NOTE: Fresh Arts is a small organization with limited capacity to support fiscally sponsored projects. When our program reaches capacity, we reserve the right to decline otherwise eligible applications or to temporarily close the application process.
FUNDING TIMELINE: Interested applicants should take the above timeline into consideration before applying to the program. Some grantors, such as Houston Arts Alliance, require applicants to have a fiscal sponsor. If you are seeking fiscal sponsorship from Fresh Arts in order to apply for a grant, you should apply for Fiscal Sponsorship no later than 45 business days before the grant deadline. Failure to do so could mean that your project may not be accepted into the Fiscal Sponsorship program in time to apply for the grant.
Getting Started
- Create a mission and budget for your project. Identify your audience and possible sources of support.
- Get to know our program; schedule an appointment with Fresh Arts’ Fiscal Sponsorship Manager before the 15th of the month! Email fiscalsponsorship@fresharts.org
- Once you have been approved to apply to the FS program, submit your application and pay your $25 application fee online.
- Upon acceptance, pay your one-time account set-up fee, begin your cost-share membership, sign your contract, and schedule an appointment with Fresh Arts so we can get to know you better!
- Start fundraising!
- Fresh Arts will provide you with resources (restricted to approved projects) to help you fundraise and market your project effectively.