CAI Project LA

Fiscal Sponsorship

Your Project. Our Umbrella.

CAI Project LA offers fiscal sponsorship to independent artists and cultural projects — providing the legal and financial infrastructure to pursue grants, accept tax-deductible donations, and grow your work.

What It Is

Fiscal Sponsorship Explained

Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which a nonprofit organization (the fiscal sponsor) extends its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to a project or individual that does not have its own nonprofit status. This allows the project to receive tax-deductible donations and apply for grants that require nonprofit status.

CAI Project LA acts as the fiscal sponsor, providing administrative oversight, financial management, and legal accountability for sponsored projects. In exchange, we charge a small administrative fee on funds received.

Why Apply

What You Gain

Tax-Deductible Donations

Your donors can deduct contributions to your project on their taxes — making it easier to raise funds from individuals.

Grant Eligibility

Access grants and funding opportunities that require 501(c)(3) status — without the cost and complexity of forming your own nonprofit.

Administrative Support

We handle financial reporting, compliance, and donor acknowledgment letters — so you can focus on your creative work.

Credibility & Trust

Being associated with an established nonprofit lends credibility to your project and builds donor confidence.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility

  • 01Independent artists and cultural workers
  • 02Unincorporated arts collectives and community groups
  • 03Projects focused on performing arts, visual art, film, or cultural education
  • 04Projects serving migrant, Latino, or underrepresented communities
  • 05Projects based in or serving the Los Angeles area
  • 06Projects aligned with CAI Project LA's mission and values

Administrative Fee

Our Fee Structure

8%

Administrative Fee

CAI Project LA charges an administrative fee of 8% on all funds received through fiscal sponsorship. This fee covers financial management, compliance, donor acknowledgment, and administrative support.

Fee waivers or reductions may be available for projects with demonstrated financial need. Please indicate this in your application.

FAQ

Common Questions

Apply Now

Fiscal Sponsorship Application

Tell us about your project. We review all applications and respond within 2–4 weeks.