Fiscal sponsorship gives resources to filmmakers

Fiscal Sponsorship

Behind the scenes shoot of a film with camera works supervised by Indeana Underhill

If you're part of a podcast community, production company, or creative organization interested in long-term fiscal sponsorship, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us to request an application package and learn how we can support your next project.

The Cinematography for Actors Institute (CFA Institute) Fiscal Sponsorship Program empowers underrepresented filmmakers and actors by providing comprehensive administrative and financial oversight. 

At CFA Institute, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape that celebrates unique storytelling and collaboration. Our mission is to support filmmakers who demonstrate innovation, creativity, and a commitment to producing meaningful and impactful work.

This program allows independent filmmakers to access tax-deductible donations and grants, enabling the funding and realization of their creative projects without the need to establish their own 501(c)(3) organizations.

As a smaller organization, we offer tailored support and a quicker application review process, project setup & fund disbursement.

Ready to get started? Apply for fiscal sponsorship below.

All about Fiscal Sponsorship

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is an arrangement where a nonprofit organization offers its legal and tax-exempt status to projects that align with its mission. This helps filmmakers receive grants and tax-deductible donations without forming their own nonprofit, simplifying fundraising so they can focus on their creative work.

Why Use Fiscal Sponsorship?

Benefits:

  • Access to Funding: Many foundations and donors only give to tax-exempt organizations. Instead of making out-of-pocket contributions, individuals can donate and receive a tax write-off.

  • Administrative Support: The fiscal sponsor handles limited legal, financial, and administrative tasks, reducing the burden on creators and producers.

  • Credibility: Association with a reputable nonprofit can enhance your project's legitimacy and trustworthiness.

With Fiscal Sponsorship, You Can:

  • Apply for grants and receive tax-deductible donations.

  • Fund your project through a customized online donation page with automated tax receipts.

  • Gain access to a network of industry professionals and resources through the CFA network.

CFA Institute Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Grant and Donation Access: Secure grants and solicit tax-deductible donations from foundations, individual donors, and government agencies, with a focus on projects that promote diversity, inclusion, and community impact.

Personalized Project Consultation: Receive one-on-one guidance tailored to your project’s needs—whether you’re producing a podcast, film, or community initiative—through the support of the CFA team and our extended network.

Comprehensive Support: Access sustained assistance throughout the life of your project, including development, production, post-production, distribution, and outreach.

Extensive Networking and Resources: Tap into CFA Institute’s network of local and international vendors, crew, rental houses, industry leaders, and educational opportunities—including workshops and podcast features.

Customized Online Donation Page: Promote your work through a branded online donation page that increases visibility and donor engagement. We accept multiple payment methods including credit card, online transfer, stocks, checks, and crowdfunding incentives.

Competitive Administrative Fee: Our 5% administrative fee supports the legal, financial, and operational infrastructure needed to manage and sustain your project successfully.

In addition to films, CFA Institute sponsors a range of mission-aligned projects and organizations—including podcasts, film festivals, creative communities, and more.

What We Are Looking For

Collaboration

A demonstration of collaboration and a cohesive singular vision.

Unique Storytelling

A willingness and curiosity to tell stories in a unique way.

Execution Plan

Projects that have a clear and executable distribution and marketing plan.

Diversity + Inclusion

Commitment to diversity and inclusion in storytelling.

Innovation

Innovative approaches to filmmaking that push the boundaries of the medium.

How to Apply

Important Note: Due to the substantial amount of work and resources involved, we only accept projects with a fundraising goal above $10,000 USD.

For Film Projects

This program is open to independent narrative and documentary film projects of any length and at any stage of development. We support bold, artist-driven stories that align with CFA Institute’s mission.

When applying, please include the following:

  1. Project Description: Include a logline, story summary, artistic approach, and project stage.

  2. Audience and Distribution Plan: Outline your strategy for reaching and engaging your audience.

  3. Budget and Fundraising Goals: Provide a detailed budget and fundraising plan, including anticipated sources of funding.

  4. Team Information: Introduce key team members and their relevant experience.

Note: Only a producer or director of the project may apply. If an actor-led project, that actor must assume the role of either to apply.

For Podcasts

We welcome applications from new and established podcasts, including narrative, interview, and hybrid formats. Whether you're producing a limited series or an ongoing show, your podcast should align with CFA Institute’s mission of community building and amplifying diverse voices.

When applying, please include the following:

  1. Project Overview: Include a show description, concept, tone, and the intended structure (episodes, seasons, etc.).

  2. Audience and Distribution Plan: Explain how you’ll reach your audience (e.g. podcast platforms, social media, live events).

  3. Budget and Fundraising Goals: Submit a breakdown of projected costs and how you plan to raise funds.

  4. Team Information: Introduce the host(s), producers, editors, and other contributors with relevant experience.

For Communities & Organizations

CFA Institute offers fiscal sponsorship to mission-aligned communities, production collectives, film festivals, and creative organizations that champion education, collaboration, and equity in media.

When applying, please include the following:

  1. Organizational Overview: Share your mission, programming, and core values.

  2. Goals and Impact Plan: Explain how your group serves its community and your plans for growth or upcoming initiatives.

  3. Budget and Fundraising Strategy: Provide a financial overview and funding plan.

  4. Key Personnel: Introduce your leadership team and advisors, including relevant bios.

Application Process

  • Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $45 is required.

  • Submission: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please allow 2 weeks for assessment. Expedited reviews may be accommodated for projects with urgent deadlines for an additional $30 fee.

  • Review: Our team will review your materials and provide feedback or request additional information if needed.

  • Approval: Approved projects will receive a formal agreement outlining the terms of fiscal sponsorship.

Support Services

We offer a variety of partnerships with local and international vendors, crew, rental houses, and industry leaders. Connections are tailored to each individual filmmaker and project based on their specific needs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration both on and off set.

Marketing and Promotion

All projects will be showcased on our website and have the opportunity to be featured on one of our CFA Institute network podcasts, social media highlights, and potential write-ups with connected vendors. Additionally, we may facilitate introductions to festival strategists, programmers, and directors for projects that align with our festival partnerships.

Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance with the application process, please contact our team at institute@cinematographyforactors.com with the subject line "Fiscal Sponsorship."

Explanation for Administrative Fee

The 5% administrative fee is essential for covering the costs associated with providing fiscal sponsorship. This includes:

  1. Administrative Costs: Managing donations, grant applications, and financial reporting requires significant administrative work.

  2. Legal and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and managing legal aspects of fiscal sponsorship.

  3. Operational Costs: Supporting the infrastructure needed to run the program, including staff salaries, office space, and technology.

Charging an administrative fee is a common practice among fiscal sponsorship programs to ensure they can provide high-quality support and services. This fee helps sustain the program and allows CFA Institute to continue empowering underrepresented filmmakers and actors effectively.

FAQs

  • Yes, download our Fiscal Sponsorship Guide here.

  • Applications are reviewed within 2 weeks. Expedited reviews may be accommodated for projects with urgent deadlines for an additional $30 fee.

  • We welcome independent narrative and documentary projects at any stage of development. Projects must align with CFA Institute's mission and values.

  • Yes, non-US filmmakers are welcome to apply. Contact us at institute@cinematographyforactors.com for more information.

  • The $45 non-refundable application fee helps cover the initial costs of reviewing and processing your application.

  • We offer a range of support services, including personalized consultations, networking opportunities, marketing and promotional support, and access to educational resources.

  • CFA Institute charges a 5% administrative fee on contributions, which covers the costs of managing donations, legal compliance, and operational expenses.

  • All projects will be showcased on our website and have opportunities for features on our CFA Institute network podcasts, social media highlights, and potential write-ups with connected vendors. We may also facilitate introductions to festival strategists, programmers, and directors.

  • As a smaller organization, we offer personalized support and get to know everyone we work with intimately. While all fiscal sponsor programs provide tax-exempt status, choosing the right collaborator is about finding the one that best suits your needs. Just like in filmmaking, it's about finding the right partnership that aligns with your vision and goals.

  • Once approved, it takes 7-10 business days to set up the donation page, project page on the website, and be able to accept donations.

  • No, fiscal sponsorship allows independent filmmakers to accept grants and tax-deductible donations to help fund their films, but CFA Institute does not directly fund the projects.

  • No, having a nonprofit fiscal sponsor does not qualify an individual or project as a nonprofit or tax-exempt. Only the IRS can make a tax-exempt ruling.

  • Yes, upon approval, filmmakers must create a free membership account on our website to access key documents and necessary information for the entirety of their grantor/grantee relationship with us.

  • CFA Institute can accept donations on your project's behalf via check, wire transfer, stocks, and online credit card payment through a customized donation page created for your project.

  • A donor contributes money to your project and receives a tax receipt in return, without expecting any profit. An investor contributes money with the expectation of a return on investment and does not receive a tax receipt.

  • Yes, but only funds donated by donors can be accepted by CFA Institute, and only donors will receive a tax deduction for their donations.

  • Please fill out the W9 with your registered LLC where the funds will be deposited.

  • Any money raised does not have to be spent in the US.

  • In the submission form there is space for additional images which you are welcome to upload. If there are more, you're also welcome to send through this thread.

  • Yes, we can swap out your new trailer when it's ready!

  • Unfortunately, we do not control Google’s SEO for your project page. It may have been indexed or crawled differently by Google, as nothing has changed on our end. We recommend sharing the direct link to the page. With more traffic, it should gradually rank higher and become more visible in search results again.

  • Whichever name is entered in the fiscal sponsorship application form will be used in all fiscal sponsorship documents, including agreements. Please ensure the name is correct and represents the intended individual or organization.

Still have questions? Book a consultation here.