Artwork by Juana Alicia (piece in “CARAVANA” exhibition, fiscally sponsored by SOMArts Feb 2021)
We Hear You Guatemala/Te Oimos Guatemala, 1984. Photograph by Nicole Emanuel, Image courtesy of the artist

Our Program

For over a decade, SOMArts has provided administrative support and financial oversight to a small, thoughtfully selected group of emerging not-for-profit organizations and projects ranging from a few thousand to more than one million dollars in annual activity. SOMArts’ fiscal sponsorship program ensures funding agencies and contributors that funds received on behalf of sponsored projects are well-managed and disbursed according to the grant proposal and guidelines.

SOMArts provides two models of fiscal sponsorship: Model A and Model C. For our Model C projects, we offer our services for a fee of 10%-11%. Because Model A services also include employee management and insurance coverage, our management fee is 12%.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Projects must be approved by SOMArts’ advisory board who meet quarterly, applicants should anticipate a waiting period. Grant submissions and fundraising can begin only after a project has been approved.

Eligibility

SOMArts will consider projects for fiscal sponsorship if they are:

  • Aligned with SOMArts’ mission to leverage the power of art as a tool for social change, including projects of all artistic disciplines as well as community-based art projects
  • Serious in intent and well-planned
  • Showing potential for future growth and development
  • Led by individuals with a history of successfully executing creative work and managing budgets effectively (mentoring is also provided to improve upon these skills)

If you have questions about our program before applying, please email [email protected] and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.

Fiscal sponsorship benefits:

  • Sponsorship of grant applications and administration of grant funds and individual donor contributions
  • Monitoring of expenditures to ensure they are in keeping with original funding proposals, contracts or funding letters
  • Staff consultation on writing of grants and final reports to funders
  • Discounts on rehearsal and meeting space in SOMArts’ classrooms

Current Projects Include: