Fiscal Sponsorship - Film Funding with Non-Profit Partners

In the evolving world of film production, filmmakers often face a critical challenge: securing funding to bring their creative visions to life. This is where fiscal sponsorship comes into play—an increasingly popular method that allows filmmakers to access funding sources that would otherwise be unavailable.

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

At its core, fiscal sponsorship is a partnership between a nonprofit organization and an individual or project that aligns with the nonprofit's mission. Through this partnership, the nonprofit acts as a “fiscal sponsor,” extending its tax-exempt status to the sponsored project.

For filmmakers, this means they can receive grants and tax-deductible donations typically reserved for nonprofits, even if their production company is not itself a 501(c)(3).

How It Works:

1. Choosing a Fiscal Sponsor: Filmmakers must apply to a fiscal sponsor, usually an established nonprofit that supports arts, media, or community-oriented initiatives. Examples include Fractured Atlas, Film Independent, and Women Make Movies.