We Raise Funds for Creative Projects

There is a passionate community of philanthropic individuals, charitable foundations, and government institutions devoted to funding the arts. The catch is that many independent artists and small companies lack the 501(c)(3) tax status that makes them eligible to apply for grants and incentivizes individual gifts. But MARN’s Fiscal Sponsorship gives you the tools you need to raise the money to make your artistic dreams a reality!

We want artists to spend time making art, not filing paperwork. With fiscal sponsorship, you can solicit tax-deductible donations and apply for grants without going through the onerous process of launching a non-profit. The sponsored "project" might be a one-time collaboration or an independent artist or even an arts organization that does not have its own 501(c)(3) status.

Our program is open and accessible to artists and arts organizations in every artistic discipline. We won't judge the artistic quality or merit of your work. That's not our job. Our job is to give you the tools you need to raise the money to make it happen.

Benefits of MARN fiscal sponsorship?

Once a project or organization is sponsored in this way, it is eligible to solicit and receive grants and tax-deductible contributions that are normally available only to 501(c)(3) organizations. MARN provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services to help build the capacity of charitable projects.

MARN takes on the responsibility of receiving and administering charitable contributions on behalf of the sponsored organization. We can also offer other services depending on the needs of the cause and the agreed upon administrative fee.

More benefits:

• Online profile and website link featured on our website
• Online credit card donations via ArtsInMilwaukee.org with no additional processing fee
• Checks can be sent to our office at 207 E. Buffalo Street, #600, Milwaukee, WI 53202
• Sliding scale administrative fee on donations
• Financial records available for project administrator as needed
• Guidance for grant proposals and budgets

Eligibility

To be considered for an Fiscal Sponsorship you must:

• be a MARNmember at the level of Innovator or above. Membership must be maintained throughout the life of the fiscal sponsorship account.
• submit the application.
• be pitching a creative/artistic project.
• be pitching a project that has some public benefit and is non-commercial in nature. “Non-commercial” work is considered work that is able to be financed by personal funds, donations, grants, corporate sponsorship, in-kind donations, etc. but NOT by offering investment for profit.
• be pitching a project that takes place in and/or benefits Wisconsin.

Application

The application consists of providing the following information:

• Project Title
• Elevator Pitch / Logline – a one- or two-sentence description that shows the value of the project
• Project Synopsis – a lengthier, thoughtful, clearly written description of what the project will encompass
• Artistic Statement
• Project Timeline
• Fundraising Strategy – include all avenues of funding that you will pursue, like specific grants and sponsorships along with a target amounts and timelines
• Budget – include all phases of the project that will need fiscal receivership like pre-production, post-production, and outreach
• Crew Bios – principle project developers and managers Include only the key creatives that are secured or contracted as of date of application

Are there any fees?

There is an administrative fee on all donations, with no additional fees for processing credit cards. If you receive donations above $150,000 there will be a minor addition to the base fee percentage.

Receiving your project funds?

All donations are held for seven days. After seven days, the project may request the funds be sent via check. Fund requests must be accompanied by proper paperwork. We process fund releases weekly.

JOIN TODAY

Join MARN today by registering online.

We also accept checks payable to MARN. Send them to MARN at 207 E. Buffalo St. Suite 600 Milwaukee, WI 53202. We will update your online profile for you and send you an e-mail confirmation. Be sure to include your full name, e-mail address and a memo (that reads Membership: Membership Level) along with your check.