The North Carolina Folklife Institute (NCFI) offers selective fiscal sponsorship for projects that align with our mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of North Carolina.
Fiscal sponsorship allows us to extend our nonprofit status to a limited number of aligned projects or initiatives that enable them to seek funding and accept tax-deductible contributions under our 501(c)(3) umbrella.
Please note: We are not a general-purpose fiscal sponsor. We carefully consider each request to ensure the proposed project is a strong fit with our organizational purpose and capacity. Sponsored projects must demonstrate a clear connection to North Carolina’s folklife and traditional arts, and must operate in a manner consistent with our nonprofit status and values.
This service is ideal for grassroots efforts, community collaborations, or short-term initiatives that reflect our core values and advance cultural equity, access, and preservation.
We welcome inquiries from individuals or organizations who believe their work may align with ours. To start the conversation:
- Call us at (336) 223-5956 and leave a message
- Email us at staff@ncfolk.org
- Or use the Contact page on our website to submit an inquiry
We’re always interested in supporting work that honors and uplifts North Carolina’s cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fiscal Sponsorship
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement through which a nonprofit organization (like NCFI) extends its tax-exempt status to a project or initiative that aligns with its mission. This allows the sponsored project to apply for grants and accept tax-deductible donations under the nonprofit’s umbrella, without needing to form a separate 501(c)(3) organization.
What is NCFI’s role as a fiscal sponsor?
NCFI serves as the organizational conduit for select projects. This means we accept and manage charitable funds on behalf of sponsored projects and ensure compliance with all relevant nonprofit and tax laws. We do not provide grant writing, fundraising, or administrative services beyond financial oversight and reporting.
Is fiscal sponsorship open to anyone?
No. We are selective in the projects we sponsor. We only consider opportunities that clearly align with our mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of North Carolina. Sponsored projects must reflect our values, demonstrate cultural integrity, and be manageable within our organizational capacity.
What is the fiscal sponsorship fee?
NCFI retains 10% of any awarded grant or contribution received on behalf of a fiscally sponsored project. This fee helps cover administrative costs associated with fund management, reporting, and compliance.
Can NCFI help me write a grant proposal?
No. While we may occasionally provide general guidance, NCFI does not offer grant writing services. Sponsored projects are responsible for developing their own proposals, budgets, and work plans.
How do I inquire about fiscal sponsorship?
If you believe your project may be a good fit, we’d love to start a conversation. Please leave a message at (336) 223-5956, email staff@ncfolk.org, or submit an inquiry through the Contact page on our website.