Getting Your Film Made
FCSF provides low-cost fiscal sponsorship to independent media-makers seeking to align themselves with a non-profit partner in order to solicit donations from individuals, foundations, and other grant sources. We seek visual storytellers who have projects that align with our mission to create media that engages audiences in matters of social, cultural, and environmental significance for public benefit. All creative control lies with the filmmaker, who operates as a separate entity with responsibility for their own project development, fundraising, and financial administration.
FCSF sees itself as more than simply a fiscal “pass through,” but rather as a partner to help filmmakers get their project finished and distributed. We monitor progress, help ensure that grant funds are spent in accordance with funder requirements, and generally serve as a liaison between funders and filmmakers. We do our best to support filmmakers and connect them with the community of funders that are looking to support related impact media.
Benefits of fiscal sponsorship with FCSF membership include:
Sliding scale of sponsorship fees between 4% to 7% depending upon donation amount received. See FAQ for the detailed fee breakdown.
Individual project page on our website with dedicated donor button.
Access to funding databases.
Feedback on proposal and rough cut reviews.
Low cost consulting for fundraising strategies, proposal writing, film structure, and distribution by experienced filmmakers and specialists.
Free access to workshops and webinars.
Access to the screening room at our facility at the 9th Street film center in San Francisco (restrictions apply).
Low cost access to production gear.
To Apply
Optional informational call: If you are interested in setting up an informational call to learn about the fiscal sponsorship program, please contact us with a brief description of your project and your availability.
Sign up for a Filmmakers Collaborative SF membership (for information about membership benefits and to sign up, visit this page).
Log in to your membership and go to the Fiscal Sponsorship page on the member portal.
Submit the Fiscal Sponsorship Application via the Google Form provided.
You can preview the application prompts here: Fiscal Sponsorship Application Elements (PDF). These prompts have been adapted from the Documentary Core Application.
Have a meeting with us to discuss your project. Please email or call us to schedule a meeting time.
After you have submitted the application and connected with us, your application will be reviewed by the program committee in 1-2 weeks.
Eligibility
All projects must be original and not work for hire. The film/media - makers must have creative control. If required, story rights must be in place, or at least in process, prior to submitting an application.
CONTACT
Email: kevin at filmmakerscollaborative dot org
Phone: 415-546-0155
If you have questions about the program or would like to schedule an informational call, feel free to contact us!
We encourage you to ask questions before preparing your application or anytime during the application process.