Fiscal Sponsorship Update

Fiscal Sponsorship Inquiries are currently closed.
Please check back at a later time or sign up for our mailing list to receive an email update for when our inquiry process re-opens.

Below you will find general information about fiscal sponsorship, the type of sponsorship Producer Hub provides specifically, and our inquiry guidelines. There is no cost to submit an inquiry.

About Fiscal Sponsorship

  • Fiscal sponsorship is a relationship between a 501c3 nonprofit organization (for ex. Producer Hub) and a producer or project (you) that provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services to help build the capacity of charitable projects. In exchange for these services, sponsored projects/producers pay an administrative fee, usually a percentage of all donations processed, to Producer Hub.

  • As fiscal sponsors, tax-exempt organizations can provide infrastructure and support for a start up project or new organization, as well as a home for that organization’s donations. Using a fiscal sponsorship offers a way to fundraise and build donor relationships even when your organization is not yet recognized as tax-exempt as a 501(c)(3).

    Fiscal sponsorship also relieves smaller, mission-driven organizations and projects from the often cumbersome administrative burdens associated with managing a non-profit organization.

  • Model C:
    “Model C” relies on a regranting relationship between the sponsor and a separate entity or person carrying out a charitable project, whereby the sponsor receives charitable contributions and re-grants funds to a third party for final expenditure & performance of the charitable activity. The sponsee then reports back to the sponsor on the uses of the funds. This model has a 2% administrative fee on gross donations processed through Producer Hub, Inc.

    Model A:
    Under a “Model A” relationship, the Project becomes a part of the fiscal sponsor for the duration of the relationship. Under this relationship, the fiscal sponsor furthers its mission by sharing its legal home and back office infrastructure with mission-aligned projects while retaining the discretion needed to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This model has a 3% administrative fee on gross donations processed through Producer Hub, Inc. Additionally general liability and workers compensation insurance will incur fees based on gross salary/fees processed through fiscal sponsor.

  • Producer Hub supports independent producing projects, programs, and initiatives, from individual artists, groups, or organizations in alignment with our Mission, Vision, & Values.

    • Producer Hub can accept donations in all 50 states and U.S. territories

    • Fiscally sponsored projects have access to a complete set of online tools for managing your sponsored fund

    • Donors can make automatic recurring donations

    • Funds are released on a weekly basis via ACH or check per project/organization's timely request

    • In kind donations are possible and will be evaluated on a case by case basis

    • The Producer Hub team is here to support you as your needs evolve

Please take a look at the following Fiscal Sponsorship 101 deck to provide a more in-depth look at fiscal sponsorship.

The Comet / Poppea, Photo by Austin Richey

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP 101

In order to be considered for fiscal sponsorship, each project must:

  • Begin fiscal sponsorship after our application deadline. Projects can start before that date, but Producer Hub’s work receiving and paying out funds cannot begin until then.

  • Be non-commercial in nature. If your project is destined for Broadway or other commercial aspirations, we aren’t your fiscal sponsor. If there is language around returning money to investors or capitalization, we will not be able to accept your application.

  • Include a budget document. We need to see the income and expense plans for the duration of the project period. We do not require a specific template and understand projects have stages and budgets can evolve.

Eligibility

How does it feel to look at nothing, Photo by Lindsay Morris

Producer Hub will assess fiscal sponsorship inquiries with the following criteria in mind:

  • Impact of the opportunity on the project/production: Clear articulation about why fiscal sponsorship is needed at this time and is the right avenue for this project

  • Alignment with our Mission, Vision, & Values: Clear articulation of the project’s alignment with Producer Hub

  • Clarity of project: Clear articulation in the application of information about both the creative and financial aspects of the project

Additionally, Producer Hub will be looking at how each project fits into the existing portfolio with a goal to take on a spectrum of projects (different operational budgets, disciplines, artistic mediums, communities served, etc.)

Criteria

The Royal Haus of Silk, Photo by Fernando Palafox

Fiscal Sponsorship Testimonials

  • "They have been so supportive of our institute as we raise funds to create a more equitable theatre industry through accessible and affordable ticketing, workplace support funding, and mental health resources."

    —Cate Benioff, The Lantern Fund & The Harriet Tubman Effect

  • "For the first time in Pomegranate’s 25 year history, we are able to engage with foundational and private funders directly, which has been game changing for us."

    —Rachel Katwan, Pomegranate Arts

  • "Since Day One (literally), Producer Hub has served as a pivotal thought partner to Breaking the Binary Theatre, helping provide an infrastructure for us to grow within, a bright and highly responsive staff, and one of the most competitive fee structures in the field."

    –George Strus, Breaking The Binary Theatre

  • "Producer Hub’s rates are unbeatable and far and away the wisest choice; they offer great advice for receiving grants of all sizes and they are engaging with best practices as theatrical producers and leaders in our industry. I’d yelp them infinity stars."

    —Winter Miller, Spare Rib

  • "Producer Hub was absolutely foundational to my success reaching my fundraising goals."

    –Samantha Williams, American Patriots