Fulcrum Arts offers support to artists, independent arts organizations, and non-profit cultural organizations through fiscal sponsorship, professional development, consulting, and financial services.
Our Services
Fiscal Sponsorship
Emerge fiscal sponsorship program increases the capacity of independent artists, collectives, and small arts organizations by offering financial management, fundraising consulting, and the ability to seek funding through fiscal sponsorship. Our goal is to provide artists with the necessary tools to create sustainable practices, while allowing them to remain independent, dynamic, and responsive to the shifting social and economic contexts in which they live and work.
Click here to see our current roster of fiscally sponsored projects.
Fulcrum Arts is a member of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors, committed to raising the understanding of fiscal sponsorship among the public and funders, sharing a desire to build best practices, and working to enhance the sector by building capacity to advance public benefit.
Contract Services
We provide support to cultural organizations, foundations, and non-profit arts organizations through consulting and financial services. Recent clients include California Community Foundation, The Ford Theatres, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, and Pasadena City College Foundation.
What We Provide
Emerge provides resources and benefits for projects in several ways, including:
Fiscal sponsorship through Fulcrum Arts’ tax-exempt status as 501(c)(3)-classified organization
A suite of online fundraising tools provided by Flipcause.
Financial management and oversight
Donor acknowledgements
Assistance with crowdsourcing campaigns, including Kickstarter and Indiegogo
Fundraising consultation
Access to a database of thousands of local, national, and international foundations
Professional development workshops with nonprofit experts
FAQ
What kinds of projects are eligible for the program?
Emerge supports artist projects, collectives, and independent arts organizations with a demonstrable public benefit and objectives that fall within Fulcrum Arts’ mission to support art, science, and positive social change. Please refer to our directory of current projects for the types of projects we support.
What kind of fiscal sponsor (model) is Fulcrum Arts?
We are a hybrid Model A and Model C fiscal sponsor. Unlike a fully fledged Model A, individuals managing a fiscally sponsored project with Fulcrum Arts are independent contractors and not employees, and the project is considered to be a separate legal entity.
Where we differ from a typical Model C is that we hold your funds in a restricted account and only spend those funds at your discretion. We do not simply charge a fee and pass the funds along to you, where you would then be responsible for any associated income tax. We provide proper oversight for all charitable income, insuring that funds are used in accordance with regulations established by the California Registry of Charitable Trusts and the IRS, as well as honoring any donor restrictions.
What criteria do you use to evaluate applications?
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to programmatic excellence and community service, organizational and financial viability, and be based in the State of California.
There is also a required minimum project budget of $10,000 (for one-time projects such as events, festivals, exhibitions, etc), or a $15,000 annual budget for ongoing programs and organizations.
I just need a fiscal sponsor for an upcoming grant opportunity, will Fulcrum Arts sponsor a single grant application?
No.
Once I apply, how long until I am approved?
Applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process between submission and contract signing. After applying, you should receive a confirmation on next steps within 5 business days.
My project doesn’t meet the budget criteria listed in the FAQ. Can we still work together?
We understand that those artists projects that serve the most vulnerable or neglected communities often do so with the fewest resources. We may accept applications for projects that fall below the budget requirement but advance Fulcrum Arts’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals on a case by case basis. Please e-mail us at for more information.
What sources of income do you accept?
We accept both charitable (donations from individuals, governments, and foundations) and earned income (ticket sales, merchandise sales, etc.).
What do you charge?
We charge an administrative fee of 7% on all charitable and earned income, and a $100 annual program membership fee.
I have additional questions; can I make an appointment to discuss my application?
Please submit your questions via e-mail to . We do not respond to unsolicited phone calls.