At its core, fiscal sponsorship allows independent arts groups the ability to raise funds for their artistic projects using Shunpike’s tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization. 501(c)(3) is the tax determination given by the IRS to a non-profit charitable organization, which allows donors to receive a tax deduction for supporting a public charity. Under Shunpike’s fiscal sponsorship, arts groups and organizations can offer tax-deductible receipts to donors and may be eligible to apply for government and foundation grant programs usually only available to organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
Service Provided |
Basic |
Comprehensive |
Secure online donations page (Click&Pledge) |
✔ |
✔ |
Donation Processing |
✔ |
✔ |
Donor tax receipts issued |
✔ |
✔ |
Monthly contributed income & P&L reports |
✔ |
✔ |
Basic grants administration and record-keeping |
✔ |
✔ |
Special event compliance review |
✔ |
✔ |
Review of fundraising materials/online campaigns |
✔ |
✔ |
Access to online templates and resource library |
✔ |
✔ |
Regular email updates with relevant opportunities and information |
✔ |
✔ |
Detailed assessment of grant applications |
✖ |
✔ |
Full cycle bookkeeping (on a cash basis only) |
✖ |
✔ |
Detailed monthly transaction reports |
✖ |
✔ |
Sales and use tax records and filing |
✖ |
✔ |
Annual IRS tax filing and distribution of 1099-MISC as required |
✖ |
✔ |
Annual and/or quarterly local business filings (if required) |
✖ |
✔ |
Maintain and administer city business license* (submission & renewal) |
✖ |
✔ |
Maintain WA state nonprofit incorporation status (filing of articles of incorporation, annual renewal, and serve as the registered agent) |
✖ |
✔ |
Non-legal review of contracts and agreements (to offer feedback and support with contract negotiations) |
✖ |
✔ |
Research and coordinate insurance coverage |
✖ |
✔ |
Run state background checks for volunteers and associated personnel |
✖ |
✔ |
Fee |
Basic |
Comprehensive |
Establishment Fee – due at time of initial establishment of fiscal sponsorship agreement |
$100 |
$150 |
Service Fee – percentage taken on revenue received by Shunpike on behalf of client |
7% of contributed income* received |
10% of all revenue# |
Annual Maintenance Fee – Due on yearly renewal of fiscal sponsorship agreement |
$100 |
$150 |
Minimum Opening Deposit – required at time initial fund is established with Shunpike. No fee is taken on initial deposit. |
$100 |
$100 |
Maximum Opening Deposit – maximum amount of initial fund deposit that is free of fees. Additional funds over $2500 are accepted but are subject to Service Fee. |
$2500 |
$2500 |
Fiscal sponsorship is a great choice for many emerging arts organizations and projects.
As an artist and owner of Seattle Women in Jazz, a business that has been fiscally sponsored by Shunpike since 2012, I can tell you firsthand that they’re awesome! I feel very fortunate to be a client of theirs. They’ve helped me to keep my business organized and they have given me ideas on how to make it grow, in addition to assisting me in securing grants. Shunpike has been an essential part of the success of my business.
~ Jessica Davis, Seattle Women in Jazz