OVAC Fiscal Sponsorships
Do you have a large, public project you want to launch, but need some funds to make it happen? A fiscal sponsorship from OVAC allows you to use our 501(c)(3) status to solicit donations giving your donors the benefit of a tax receipt and allows you to apply for grants that require a 501(c)(3) status.
The Application
Before applying, review the Fiscal Sponsorship FAQs and email or schedule office hours with Executive Director, Rebecca Kinslow, at Director@Ovac-Ok.Org to determine if your project qualifies:
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship allows an individual or group to use OVAC’s 501(c)(3) status to solicit donations, giving the donors the benefit of receiving a tax receipt for their donation as it goes through OVAC. It also allows the individual or group to apply for some grants that require backing from a nonprofit organization.
What is the difference between a grant and fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship is not a funding program. Instead, it enables individual artists and artist-run organizations to use OVAC’s charitable 501(c)(3) status to raise tax-deductible money through grants and individual contributions. Grants, on the other hand, are monetary awards to individuals.
What kind of projects qualify?
All projects must align with OVAC’s mission of supporting Oklahoma’s visual arts and artists and their power to enrich communities. Fiscal sponsorship is only for a specific project and is not intended to last indefinitely to support an artist’s career. Fiscally sponsored projects must benefit the public in some way. That could include a subject screening, exhibition, performance or talk, exploring an issue, or otherwise offering an opportunity for an underrepresented group of people. Because donations to fiscally sponsored projects are tax-deductible, projects must add value to the public sphere and not only benefit the artist’s private gain.
Can I keep an artist’s fee from the amount fundraised?
Yes, we believe in paying artists for their work! We expect for you to include an artist’s fee in your budget. As a guideline, project managers generally don’t get paid more than 20% of the budget, yet it varies from project to project.
Is there a cost?
All applicants must be a current OVAC member. OVAC retains a 4% administration fee of the funds raised.
Will OVAC fundraise for me?
No, but we will promote your project on social media to help build awareness.
Does OVAC have any creative control over the project?
No. Projects that are fiscally sponsored by OVAC are considered independent contractors and retain their own identity. Project directors retain creative control and ownership of their project/organization.
Do I have to have a US Social Security number or be incorporated in the US to join OVAC Fiscal Sponsorship?
Yes. you must have a social security number or be incorporated as an LLC or corporation in the US.
Do I have to live in Oklahoma?
Yes, you must be a current Oklahoma resident and the public presentation of the project must take place in Oklahoma.
Who decides if my application is accepted?
A committee of OVAC board members carefully reviews each application for mission alignment, quality of the proposal and project, and feasibility of the project.
Okay, but where's the small print?
You can see a copy of the artist agreement here.
Can I talk to someone at OVAC before I apply?
Of course! Call us at 405-879-2400 or email our executive director at director@ovac-ok.org.
Current Projects
Joe's Bookcase
Tahlequah, OK
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Local businesses, Too Fond of Books and Still Fond and More , have joined forces to create Joe’s Bookcase, a nonprofit tackling literacy challenges in Cherokee County and nearby areas. Launched in June 2023, Joe’s Bookcase addresses book deserts by organizing affordable book fairs for schools, providing free books to K-12 students. The initiative also places curated bookshelves in unexpected locations like foster homes and senior centers. Named after Valerie Reese's grandfather, Joe’s Bookcase aims to make reading accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. The nonprofit also hosts writing workshops and shares recorded children’s bedtime stories on YouTube for adults struggling with reading. | Keep Film on Film Row
Oklahoma City, OK
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Oklahoma Film Exchange was formed to preserve cinema, celebrate culture, and build community. We are here to Keep Film on Film Row. The Film Row screening room, located on the first floor of the former Paramount Film Exchange, is the last of its kind. In the early days of cinema, these exchanges were opened up all over the United States to handle and distribute film reels. Oklahoma City was a key part in this film distribution leading to the creation of Film Row. Of 37 original film exchange networks in the country, we are the last one left. Over 100 years later, the screening room is being operated by members of Oklahoma Film Exchange due to the generous donations of the community. OFX needs your help to Keep Film on Film Row: an ongoing mission to preserve the screening room, create an accessible venue for the arts, and develop a community space for all. We count on and are incredibly grateful for the community’s help in preserving this vital piece of local history and industry. All donations to our campaign will go towards rent, equipment, and programming expenses. | You Don't Say
Muskogee, OK
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You Don't Say is a short film about an aging Vietnam War Widow invites her four estranged adult daughters home to personally share devastating news. As they show up for their mother, they are confronted with a choice to cling to their sacred cows or put their family first. A family dramedy about love, lasagna, and life. |
| CONTACT US Phone: (405)879-2400 Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9AM–5PM | ADDRESS Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition 1720 N. Shartel Ave. Suite B. Oklahoma City, OK 73103 |
© 2025 Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. All rights reserved. Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 73-1328072.