Fiscal Sponsorship

BLKXCNCT is in the process of designing a fiscal sponsorship program focused on Black-led creative, cultural, and community-centered projects. We are not yet accepting formal applications, but we are actively shaping the model and exploring interest from potential collaborators and sponsored projects.

This page shares how we’re thinking about fiscal sponsorship, who it’s for, and what we expect to offer as the program comes online.

Fiscal sponsorship is a way for a project or initiative that does not have its own 501(c)(3) status to receive tax-deductible donations and certain types of funding under the umbrella of an existing nonprofit. The sponsoring organization provides administrative and financial oversight while the project leads the creative and programmatic work.

In practice, this can help Black artists, curators, and cultural organizers:

• Receive grants and donations that require a nonprofit entity.
• Stay focused on the work, instead of immediately forming a new organization.
• Build a track record, test ideas, and grow at a sustainable pace.

This information is for general educational purposes and is not legal or tax advice.

BLKXCNCT’s fiscal sponsorship program is being designed specifically for Black-led work rooted in music, culture, and community. While details are still being finalized, we anticipate focusing on:

• Artists and creative teams developing projects that center Black music, sound, or storytelling.
• Cultural programmers and curators organizing events, series, or residencies with a clear community impact.
• Community and grassroots initiatives using music and culture as tools for education, healing, or connection.

Our lens is global and diasporic, with a particular emphasis on the role of the U.S. music industry as both an opportunity and a point of leverage.

The exact process is still in development, but a typical fiscal sponsorship relationship with BLKXCNCT will likely include:

1. Initial Conversation: A values and fit check to understand your project, goals, timeline, and funding needs.
2. Proposal & Review: A concise written overview of your project, budget, and planned activities for internal review.
3. Agreement: A formal fiscal sponsorship agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, reporting, and fees.
4. Funds Management: BLKXCNCT receives and administers funds on behalf of your project, in alignment with the agreed budget and purpose.
5. Reporting & Support: Regular financial reporting, light-touch compliance support, and check-ins to keep the partnership healthy and accountable.

We are committed to clear communication, realistic expectations, and structures that center the sustainability of both the project and the people doing the work.

While our full criteria are still being drafted, BLKXCNCT expects to prioritize projects that:

• Are Black-led, with decision-making power held by Black artists, organizers, or cultural workers.
• Have a clear public benefit and are aligned with BLKXCNCT’s mission and values.
• Operate within a scope appropriate for fiscal sponsorship (e.g., project-based or time-bound initiatives).
• Have at least a basic plan for budget, timeline, and impact—even if it’s still emerging.

Projects whose activities do not align with BLKXCNCT’s mission or nonprofit requirements will not be a fit for this program.

We are still finalizing the exact fee structure for BLKXCNCT’s fiscal sponsorship program. In general, fiscal sponsors charge a percentage of funds raised to cover administrative time, accounting, reporting, and compliance.

Our goal is to set fees that are:

• Transparent: No hidden charges or surprise deductions.
• Fair: Reflective of the real work involved without becoming extractive.
• Sustainable: Supportive of the capacity BLKXCNCT needs to steward projects well.

If you are considering a partnership, we’re happy to talk through what this might look like as the program framework solidifies.

If you are working on a Black-led creative, cultural, or community-centered project and want to explore fiscal sponsorship with BLKXCNCT, we’d love to hear from you—even at the “early idea” stage.

To start a conversation, visit our Contact page or email us at info@blkxcnct.org with a brief description of:

• Who you are and who is involved.
• What your project is about.
• Where you are based and who you serve.
• How you imagine fiscal sponsorship supporting your work.

We’ll follow up as our program structure becomes ready for formal partnerships.

BLKXCNCT (pronounced “Black Connect”) was born from a simple truth: the music and cultures of the Black diaspora have shaped the world, yet their impact is too often disconnected from their roots. We’re building bridges—through music education, professional development, and cultural exchange—so creativity, equity, and opportunity can move freely between us.

• Learn More

• info@blkxcnct.org
• Facebook