This programme is designed for independent filmmakers who want to raise grant funding and tax-deductible donations for a film or video project without setting up their own nonprofit organisation. Instead, the project operates under the administrative and legal umbrella of an existing nonprofit whose mission aligns with the work.
It is open to independent narrative and documentary projects of any length and at any stage of development. It may also support certain related creative projects and mission-aligned organisations, but the core fit is independent visual storytelling.
The main benefit is that filmmakers can access charitable funding while avoiding the time, cost, and administration involved in forming and running a nonprofit entity themselves.
Support typically includes:
- The ability to apply for grants and receive tax-deductible donations
- Administrative oversight and fiscal management
- Access to staff with experience in fiscal sponsorship and independent film
- An individual donation page for the project
- Multiple donation methods, including online giving, checks, credit cards, crowdfunding, and employer matching gifts
- Ongoing support across the life of the project
Applicants are usually expected to submit materials such as:
- Project description, including logline, synopsis, artistic approach, stage, and timeline
- Audience and distribution strategy
- Bios for key creative team members
- Fundraising strategy and current financing status
- Budget
- A work sample from the director or the current project
- An application fee
Projects are assessed on both artistic and practical strength. Reviewers generally look at the originality of the project, the viability of the plan, the strength of the team, the clarity of the budget and written proposal, and whether the project clearly supports the organisation’s wider mission and values.
To be eligible, the project must be a single independent film or video production. It cannot be a slate of projects, an educational programme, or a production paid for or produced by a studio or streaming platform.
Projects must also be seeking to raise more than $10,000 USD through fiscal sponsorship. Non-US applicants may apply.
No fixed application deadline is included in the material provided here, so applicants should check the current programme page for the latest timing before preparing a submission.
