The Arts & Business Council offers Fiscal Sponsorship to qualified arts projects & organizations, independent films and documentary media projects that align with our mission and are in need of administrative and fundraising support. This support structure allows projects and organizations—not wanting or in the process of applying for nonprofit status—to receive tax-deductible donations and grants in order to foster growth through increased access to funding. Like an incubator for the creative sector, Fiscal Sponsorship has been instrumental in launching several noteworthy Tennessee-based initiatives such as Creatives’ Day, Kennie Playhouse Theatre, Kindling Arts, Nashville Design Week, and Nashville Industry Fund among many others.
We offer Fiscal Sponsorship for two project categories:
Arts Projects & Organizations
Eligibility requirements:
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- Projects must fall within the scope of the Arts & Business Council’s mission to create a thriving, sustainable creative culture in Nashville.
- Main project activities must be based in Tennessee.
- Sole proprietorships, nonprofit corporations, or single-member LLCs are eligible.
Independent Films & Documentaries
Eligibility requirements:
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- Projects must fall within the scope of the Arts & Business Council’s mission to create a thriving, sustainable creative culture in Nashville.
- Films & documentary projects must be made primarily in Tennessee with at least 51% of production occurring in the state.
- Must be independent or documentary media projects such as a short or feature film, television or docu-series, web series, podcast, or experimental and immersive media.
Want to learn more about fiscal sponsorship or see if you qualify? Read through our fiscal sponsorship FAQs.
All donations made to the Arts & Business Council in support of a fiscally sponsored project are tax-deductible as allowable by law. You can support any of these projects by mailing a check to the Arts & Business Council offices at Arts & Business Council, 99100, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212 with the project name in the memo line, or by donating online through any of the links below.
AfricaNashville promotes cross-cultural relationships between celebrated African and American artists and provides hands-on artistic and educational exchanges from their respective cultures through music and dance.
The Cold Fusion Play is a devised theatre piece with a cast comprised of Memphis youth, allowing them an opportunity to work through issues within today’s political climate.
Inspired by its Latin name meaning “to elevate”, the mission of Elevare is to explore the diverse depths of sacred choral repertoire in performances that exhibit the highest musical quality for audiences throughout the Mid-South region.
Equal Access is an initiative designed to empower artists and artist managers from underrepresented demographics in country music by providing financial resources, training, and networking opportunities.
The Gourd is creating a music & urban farm event celebrating synergies between making music & growing food in community.
“Living Music: Ra Kalam Bob Moses—A Story of Creativity, Resilience, and Rebirth” tells the story of an uncompromising artist’s journey from jazz legend to spiritual seeker, finding rebirth through music, mentorship, and resilience.
Melodia Studio Scholarship Program provides music lessons for all, regardless of ability to pay, through scholarship funds that pay teaching artists and administrators fairly for their work.
Supporting locally made goods, especially through urban manufacturing.
Igniting imagination, curiosity, empathy, and the creative process in all children and their families through art and play.
Aims to help the restaurant industry dig out of and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic by bringing awareness to and reviewing Nashville’s amazing eateries through a fun, engaging, and community-led television program.
The Sacral Project empowers and educates artists and audiences by providing opportunities to engage in historically taboo conversations around sexuality, intimacy, and connection.
Through curated exhibitions, interactive classes, and a marketplace, Scenic Stitches will inspire both seasoned artisans and newcomers alike, nurturing a deeper appreciation for the arts of weaving, knitting, spinning, quilting, felting, and more.
Every filmmaker has a unique story to tell. Southern Oasis Film Festival provides a platform where those stories can thrive and reach a broader audience while showcasing our region.
SpeakerBox empowers at-risk youth through hip-hop culture, fostering creativity, resilience, and strong community connections in Nashville, TN.
Who Speaks for Earth is a multi-media arts experience combining music videos, live performances, and hands-on workshops. Our goal is to inspire kids to express their love and concern for wildlife and the environment by creating their music and artwork. The program will be offered to schools, libraries, nature centers, camps and community arts programs.
A mural project to educate the public about the civil rights history of Nashville and honor the living participants of the Woolworth counter sit-ins with replicas of the original stools with their names on them.
Charging itself to be unashamed, audacious, fearless, rebellious, gritty, authentic, current, and queer, Woven Theater Company seeks to be a haven in which artists can creatively and boldly explore their unique voices and tell the stories that drive them.