FISCAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
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, pleas review the Fiscal Sponsorship FAQs and email or schedule office hours with Executive Director, Rebecca Kinslow, to determine if your project qualifies:
FISCAL SPONSORSHIP FAQs
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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 PROJECT Daniel Tye
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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 plans to place 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 plans to host writing workshops and share recorded children’s bedtime stories on YouTube for adults struggling with reading. |
PAST FISCAL SPONSORSHIP PROJECTS |
Sarah Ahmad
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The American Dream is built around the form of a refugee tent, such as the ones used by families rendered homeless during the Tulsa Race Massacre. It will be placed in a wooded setting and covered with orange and yellow marigold flowers, which recall the fiery destruction of people’s homes. Yet even as they memorialize an act of violence, the marigolds suggest renewal and rebirth. The American Dream by Sarah Ahmad is a series of six artworks installed at the Oxley Nature Center. Maps for the artwork will be posted onsite at the Oxley Nature Center. The walk to see each artwork is two miles round trip, approximately 45 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with drinking water. Parking is available at the center. | Sarah Agee, Melissa Scaramucci
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In 2018, Oklahoma found itself ranked 47th nationally in overall educational funding. The project, The American Dream, initiated by Sarah Agee symbolizes the plight of hundreds of thousands of students who have been overlooked due to a decade of legislative inaction. The aim is to use the compelling medium of visual art to serve as a poignant reminder, urging voters to take a stand for the future of Oklahoma by pledging to support pro-education initiatives. | romy owens
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Under Her Wingvwas the Universe, by romy owens creates a 2.5 acre native prairie landscape comprised of grasses, flowers, and trees. Within the habitat lies a large-scale sculptural pavilion that shelters visitors and invites them to escape into daydreams and possibility. During the day, viewers can experience the work as a sculpture large enough to envelope us whole. During the night, viewers will delight in a thousand stars overhead. |
| 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 |
© 2024 Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. All rights reserved. Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 73-1328072.