Programs & Services
Fiscal Sponsorship
Start accepting tax-exempt donations for your arts group or project through our fiscal sponsorship program.
Arts Business Clinic
Learn strategies to take your project or organization to the next level.
Partner Artists
We help arts groups stay nimble with financial management and other administrative support.
Learn More
Storefronts
Our neighborhood activation program matches artists and creative enterprise with vacant retail space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve arts groups outside of Seattle?
Yes. Shunpike serves arts groups and projects across Washington state.
Do you serve individual artists?
Yes. Our Arts Business Clinic services are available to individual artists as well as individuals that lead arts groups. We also serve many individual artists through our Storefronts programs. Finally, we fiscally sponsor both arts groups and clearly articulated projects that may be driven by solo individuals.
Do you serve worthy projects outside of the arts?
Shunpike is driven by its mission, which is rooted in the arts. If you believe your project’s goals are in line with our mission but are not typically classified as “arts,” contact us to see if we can help.
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship – sometimes called a “non-profit umbrella” – provides community-minded projects with the benefits of tax exemption, without needing to apply for and maintain IRS 501(c)(3) status. At Shunpike, sponsored groups enter into a contract whereby they become an “Associated Program” of Shunpike. This allows the artist(s) to raise funds and otherwise act as if they were a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit. In exchange, Associated Programs are required to act in a manner consistent with such a non-profit and coordinate their activities with Shunpike.
If my group is accepted to the Fiscal Sponsorship program, does it become a 501(c)(3)?
No. Shunpike is a 501(c)(3) organization that enters a contractual relationship with its “Associated Programs.” Through its Arts Business Clinic, Shunpike also helps groups interested in pursuing their own 501(c)(3) status.
How long does it take to receive fiscal sponsorship?
Shunpike reviews applications monthly. Depending on when you submit an application, it can be 3-6 weeks before a successful applicant is up and running in our systems. If you are working on a quicker timeline, please contact us to find out if we can help.
How can I get a storefront for my arts project?
Artists and arts groups participating in Storefronts are approved through a formal application process. Sign up for our newsletter, where you’ll hear about the next open application cycle for the program as it’s announced.
I need help “getting my fundraising started” / “budgeting for my project” / “launching an advisory board” / “deciding if my project should be nonprofit or for-profit.” Can you help?
Yes, on all counts! The best place to start for these questions and more is in a 30-minute Clinic Consultation. Check out the next scheduled session, and contact us for an appointment. We’ll get you started on the right path.