FISCAL SPONSORSHIP

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County can serve as a 501(c)3 Fiscal Sponsor for Newport County artists soliciting tax-deductible donations and grant funding for arts projects that benefit our community.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be a member of ACA.

  • Applicants (Artists, Organizations) must reside in Newport County.

  • Projects can fall into any artistic genre category: fine arts, visual arts (illustration, graphic design, multimedia), performing arts, the literary arts (creative writing, poetry), music (performance, composing), theatre. Other artistic “sub-genres” may also be considered.

ACA will not serve as the fiscal sponsor for projects such as:

  • Bricks and mortar activities and capital improvements, or for the purchase of permanent equipment.

  • Eliminating or reducing existing debt, or for contributions to an endowment fund.

  • Fundraising efforts, such as social events or benefits.

  • Prizes and awards.

  • Hospitality expenses, such as food and beverages for openings or receptions.
    Under no circumstances will the purchase of alcoholic beverages be supported.

  • Activities which are part of a graduate or undergraduate degree program, or for which academic credit is received.

  • Applications for projects that proselytize or promote religious activities, or which take place as part of a religious service.

  • Performances and exhibitions not available to the general public, or which are inaccessible to people with disabilities.

Requirements

  • A report documenting how the grant or donated money was spent is due 30 days after the project end date.

  • A charge of 5% of the total monies received will be deducted to cover the ACA’s administrative costs. 25% of the funds will be held until the final report is received.

Application Details

  • Complete the Fiscal Sponsor Project Donation Application and include a project budget and timeline with fixed end date. ACA will not receive individual donations after the project has concluded.

  • Materials should be submitted electronically to: newportarts@gmail.com (subject: ACA Fiscal Sponsor Application).

More Information

  • Application status will be informed via e-mail.

  • For more information e-mail: newportarts@gmail.com (subject: ACA Fiscal Sponsor)

Timeline for Grant Applicants

  • 6 weeks prior to grant deadline: submit ACA Fiscal Sponsor Application to ACA

  • No later than 4 weeks prior to grant deadline: notification of ACA fiscal sponsor status

  • 10–14 days prior to grant deadline: final grant proposal submitted for ACA review

  • 30 days after project concludes: report due to ACA

Timeline for Project Specific Applicants

  • 6 weeks prior to project start date: ACA Fiscal Sponsor Application due

  • No later than 4 weeks prior to project start date: notification of ACA fiscal sponsor status

  • 30 days after project concludes: report due to ACA

Artists of all backgrounds, identities, and artistic means of expression from all Newport County communities (Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Any and all grant funds or fundraising funds passed through the ACA as a Fiscal Agent are charged an administrative fee.

If you are a group who has not yet applied as a non-profit, you may apply to the RI Division of Corporations. Click here for more information on becoming a non-profit corporation.