How to Partner with Catalyst for Youth

Part of Catalyst for Youth's guiding philosophy is that the most effective and innovative projects are often initiated at the grassroots community level. Many of these projects are catalyzed by volunteer activists or neighborhood organizations, and are too small or too new to have their charitable status recognized by the IRS. Often temporary in nature, undertaking the burden of developing a full-fledged non-profit corporation would constitute a severe strain on scarce community resources and divert focus from achieving program objectives.

In a fiscal sponsorship relationship, Catalyst for Youth extends its charitable umbrella over select California projects whose missions closely match its own. Catalyst for Youth tailors an individualized package of management, fundraising and strategic planning assistance for each start-up or temporary project, while enabling the project to raise or accept tax-deductible donations.

As the fiscal sponsor, Catalyst serves as the go between for the grantee and the grantor. In essence, Catalyst is extending its exempt status in order to help the grantee reach its fundraising goals. The project remains property of the grantee. Catalyst monitors the project’s financial and grant reporting behaviors to ensure that the project abides by the conditions set forth by the grantor.

As a fiscal sponsor we offer:

    •       Catalyst’s 501(c)3 (proof of tax-exempt status)

    •       Our annual operating budget (if requested by a funder)

    •       Receipt and distribution of all funds

    •       A maintenance record of all fiscal activity

    •       A separate allocation for grantees’ monies

    •       Formal acknowledgement to funders in the form of a Thank You letter

    •       General guidance from our staff on grant proposals and year-end reports

The sponsored project or artist is a separate legal entity that at no point becomes a part of the sponsoring organization, Catalyst for Youth. The project is responsible for its own taxes, financial audit, general property, liability and workers compensation insurance.

General Guidelines

1. Projects in all artistic disciplines and those who benefit young people are encouraged to apply.

2. All projects must be well thought out with a clear plan of action, and all projects must submit a realistic budget.

3. Catalyst charges a 10% fee on all of the money coming through our books to cover the costs of administration and bookkeeping. This fee will be automatically drawn with every transaction. Catalyst does not take the 10% fee on tax-deductible in-kind donations to the project.

4. Catalyst accepts fiscal sponsorship applications on a rolling basis.

Application Procedures

All Applicants click here to download an application form.

Three copies of the Application should be printed (recycled or reused paper is accepted) and mailed to:

Catalyst for Youth: Fiscal Sponsorship

1724 Alberta Ave.

San Jose, CA 95125

Guidelines for Artists and Youth Oriented Groups:

Please submit the following:

1. Application form

2. Documentation of work (slides, video, etc.)

3. Written proposal detailing your project. Address what you will be doing and who will be involved. Describe your potential funders, intended audience(s), outreach, etc.

4. Timeline for completion (is the project ongoing or a one-time event?)

5. Include resumes and brief bio(s) of artist(s)

6. Realistic budget for the project (costs to consider including in the budget: pre and post production costs, advertising and distribution costs, salaries, fees, rental costs, insurance, travel)

Guidelines for Arts Organizations:

Please submit the following:

1. Application form

2. Written proposal detailing your project. Address what you will be doing, how long it will take, and who will be involved. Describe your potential funders, intended audience(s), outreach, etc.

3. Realistic budget for the organization or project (costs to consider including in the budget: pre and post production costs, advertising and distribution costs, salaries, fees, rental costs, insurance, travel)

You will be notified of our decision by mail in approximately three to four weeks.

Please note that many of the grantors you will be working with also have an independent relationship with us. In order for Catalyst to remain on good terms with these grantors and not risk potential loss of support it is important that as a fiscal sponsor we:

• Be informed in advance of your intent to apply to a particular funder (individual, corporation, or foundation) and of the funder's expectations before we agree to act as your fiscal sponsor. Catalyst staff may need to contact the potential grantor to be sure there are no conflicts with our own current proposals. Catalyst reserves the right to refuse fiscal sponsorship to projects that would conflict with our fundraising activities.

• Be copied on all your communications with potential donors, including copies of proposals and final reports as well as all project expense documentation, in order to fulfill our obligations.

All applicants receiving fiscal sponsorship from Catalyst are required to:

1. Set up a meeting with us to sign a contract outlining the terms of the relationship.

2. Keep track of all expenses associated with the project.

3. Recognize Catalyst for Youth as a sponsor on all announcements, applications to funders, programs, etc. All printed materials should say "presented by (artist or organization name), a Catalyst for Youth fiscally sponsored project".

4. Keep Catalyst updated on the progress of the proposed project including any problems or successes encountered. Any changes to the dates, budget, or project description must be submitted in writing.

5. Submit reimbursement requests in a timely manner. Please note that there is a two-week turnaround for funds distribution.

6. Forward a copy of all proposals, letters of intent, applications, and final reports to Catalyst.

7. Grantees are responsible for tax reporting and liability issues.

Contact Information

For further information and questions please contact Joanne Lauck Hobbs at:

Catalyst for Youth, Inc.
1724 Alberta Ave.
CA 95125
408 269-3356 Joanne@catalystforyouth.org

Fiscal Agent Programs
Catalyst for Youth, a community-based public charity and educational non profit organization offers fiscal sponsorship for emerging artists in all visual and performing mediums and projects that target a youth and young adult population. Having a fiscal sponsor allows you to approach grantors who require applicants to be an IRS recognized tax-exempt, charitable operating organization. The program also benefits individuals who can fund your project by making their contribution(s) tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

© Copyright 2009 Catalyst for Youth, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. All rights reserved.