New partnership with Independent Arts & Media makes new benefits possible for The Lansing Journal and supporters
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 17, 2022) – “I am pleased to inform you that The Lansing Journal has been approved for fiscal sponsorship with Independent Arts & Media,” read the June 17 email from Executive Director Lisa Burger. The approval was the culmination of a process that began with an introduction by colleagues at New Brunswick Today, a New Jersey newspaper similar in mission to The Lansing Journal. With New Brunswick Today’s endorsement, The Lansing Journal was quickly invited by Burger to complete the application process with Independent Arts & Media (IAM).
Approval was prompt, and The Lansing Journal was accepted as an affiliate under the fiscal sponsorship of IAM. As a fiscally sponsored affiliate, we now receive the benefits of IAM’s 501(c)(3) status. Gifts to support our work can now be tax-deductible.
Clicking the new donation button (below) opens up a new donation form. Donors who use this form to make a donation will automatically receive the IRS-mandated donor acknowledgment documentation needed when they itemize their deductions:
Other potential benefits
The IAM website lists a range of other services available to their affiliates, including:
- Ability to receive in-kind donations, stock donations, and corporate matching gifts
- Online fundraising support
- Support with grant applications, administration, and reporting
- Access to IAM’s Coaching & Consulting Program
- Access to workshops for developing fundraising skills, financial management skills, and strategic communications
- Referrals for legal, accounting, insurance, and other professional services
IAM is not a donor or foundation, and The Lansing Journal will not receive funding from IAM. Instead, in the role of Fiscal Sponsor, IAM extends its nonprofit status to affiliates, opening up different sources of funding. The Lansing Journal will continue to be responsible for our own fundraising activities, but we can now apply for grants and charitable donations from governments and foundations that were not available to us before.
Compatible partners
“Democracy needs independent voices,” says IAM’s website. Their stated mission is “to steward and empower independent art and media projects that foster community and civic participation, and facilitate cultural engagement and free expression,” which aligns well with The Lansing Journal’s brand of “Building Community.”
Current Lansing Journal supporters who want their contributions to be tax-deductible can transfer to the new giving system. Clicking the button below opens the new form that is connected to IAM. Donors can choose the amount as well as the frequency of their gift:
Questions about the new giving form or about the new partnership with Independent Arts & Media can be directed to Melanie Jongsma, Publisher:
- Email [email protected]
- Call 708-921-4938
The Lansing Journal recognizes that we need to grow our funding in order to grow the services we provide for our community. We are excited about the new opportunities represented by our new partnership with Independent Arts & Media.
