Growing the power of our networks

We believe that uprooting oppressive systems and planting new liberatory ways of being is possible on a global scale through the strategic interconnection of many small-scale efforts.  

The Sponsored Projects Program makes this radical vision practical by providing fiscal sponsorship to people and projects making media for liberation. Fiscal sponsorship is a relationship through which one organization operates under the umbrella of another organization with a shared mission, in order to access administrative support and receive donations without having to become their own 501c3 non-profit.  Learn more about fiscal sponsorship here.

AMP’s Sponsored Projects Program has provided supportive services for more than 150 groups across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. They are community technologists, radio producers, chefs, fashion designers, dancers, and so much more. They are all actively creating the world we need.  More than half of our projects are rooted in our hometown of Detroit, MI. 

Our Team

Types of Support

AMP’s Sponsored Projects Program provides two types of fiscal sponsorship support to projects:

Comprehensive (Model A)

Through comprehensive fiscal sponsorship, the project essentially becomes a program of AMP and is integrated into our organization with AMP maintaining all legal and fiduciary responsibility for the project. 

Grant Specific or Grantor-Grantee (Model C)

With grantor-grantee fiscal sponsorship, the project remains independent from AMP and is responsible for managing its own tax reporting and liability issues. The fiscal sponsorship relationship is funding-specific. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Fiscal sponsorship

Nonprofit / 501(c)(3) status

  • AMP cannot provide advice on whether or not to pursue 501(c)(3) status, since this decision depends on your vision and long term goals for your project.

    Please seek legal counsel if you intend to set up a 501(c)(3). If you are located in Michigan, Michigan Community Resources or NEW may be able to assist you. The American Bar Association offers an online resource for legal advice and provides state-by-state directories for assistance: visit Free Legal Answers. You may also find helpful this “Should my project apply for 501(c)(3) status from the IRS?” questionnaire from Fractured Atlas.

  • Whether your project becomes a 501(c)(3) depends on the project vision and the organizational structure that will best support the realization of your mission.

    Fiscal sponsorship can be a good tool for growing your work as you pursue your own 501(c)(3) status, if that’s your goal. Our fiscal sponsorship relationship can evolve to meet your needs.

  • Whether your project becomes a 501(c)(3) depends on the project vision and the organizational structure that will best support the realization of your mission. Becoming a 501(c)(3) can sometimes be a lengthy process. AMP can serve as a fiscal sponsor and home for your work as you go through that process. We recommend you seek legal assistance in determining whether or not you should pursue 501(c)(3) status.

Grants

  • Most grant applications require applicants to have 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor. AMP provides fiscal sponsorship to our sponsored projects to support them in accessing grants. We work with them to identify potential grant prospects, review drafts of grant applications, and provide feedback on your fundraising strategy. Pursuing grants can be challenging and time consuming. While AMP provides support, you should be prepared to lead your fundraising efforts.

  • AMP is not a funder. Some of our sponsored projects have grantmaking programs. We do our best to share those opportunities with our network via our Sponsored Projects Program Slack.

  • Yes, for-profit businesses may apply for nonprofit funding via a fiscal sponsor. This is a common arrangement for what is often referred to as model C or grantor-grantee fiscal sponsorship. Your project’s activities must align with the mission and follow the conditions of your nonprofit fiscal sponsor. You can learn more about AMP’s grantor-grantor fiscal sponsorship here.