Fiscal Sponsorship
For organizations, production companies or communities looking for long-term fiscal sponsorship, please email us for an application package.
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 fund your film? Apply for fiscal sponsorship today.
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 filmmaker's burden.
Credibility: Association with a reputable nonprofit can enhance a project's credibility.
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 and inclusion.
Personalized Project Consultation: Receive one-on-one guidance and consultations tailored to your project's needs from the CFA team and our extensive network.
Comprehensive Support: Benefit from sustained support throughout the project lifecycle, including development, production, post-production, and distribution.
Extensive Networking and Resources: Gain access to CFA Institute's extensive network of local and international vendors, crew, rental houses, and industry leaders, along with educational workshops and industry-leading podcasts.
Customized Online Donation Page: Promote your project with a personalized online donation page, enhancing visibility and engagement with potential donors. We accept a variety of payment options for donors including Credit Card, Online Transfer, Stocks, Check & Crowdfunding campaign incentives.
Competitive Administrative Fee: A competitive 5% administrative fee on contributions, ensuring sustainability and high-quality support. This fee helps cover administrative, legal, and operational costs associated with managing the program.
In addition to films, CFA Institute supports additional projects and like-minded organizations that further our mission including filmmaking communities, film festivals & 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
The program is open to both independent narrative and documentary projects of any length and at any stage of development. We will also consider communities and organizations that relate to our mission.
Important Note: Due to the substantial amount of work and resources involved, we only accept projects with a fundraising goal above $10,000 USD.
When applying, please include the following:
Project Description: Include a logline, story summary, artistic approach, and project stage.
Audience and Distribution Plan: Outline your strategy for reaching and engaging your audience.
Budget and Fundraising Goals: Provide a detailed budget and fundraising plan, including anticipated sources of funding.
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.
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:
Administrative Costs: Managing donations, grant applications, and financial reporting requires significant administrative work.
Legal and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and managing legal aspects of fiscal sponsorship.
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
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Yes, download our Fiscal Sponsorship Guide here.
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Applications are reviewed within 2 weeks. Expedited reviews may be accommodated for projects with urgent deadlines for an additional $30 fee.
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We welcome independent narrative and documentary projects at any stage of development. Projects must align with CFA Institute's mission and values.
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Yes, non-US filmmakers are welcome to apply. Contact us at institute@cinematographyforactors.com for more information.
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The $45 non-refundable application fee helps cover the initial costs of reviewing and processing your application.
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We offer a range of support services, including personalized consultations, networking opportunities, marketing and promotional support, and access to educational resources.
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CFA Institute charges a 5% administrative fee on contributions, which covers the costs of managing donations, legal compliance, and operational expenses.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, but only funds donated by donors can be accepted by CFA Institute, and only donors will receive a tax deduction for their donations.
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Please fill out the W9 with your registered LLC where the funds will be deposited.
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Any money raised does not have to be spent in the US.
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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.
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Yes, we can swap out your new trailer when it's ready!
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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.
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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.