Fiscal Sponsorship FAQ
Women in Film & Video DC ⟩ Fiscal Sponsorship FAQ
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship is a financial and legal system by which a legally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity (such as WIFV) provides limited financial and legal oversight for a project initiated independently by a filmmaker. That project must be non-commercial in nature, i.e. not produced solely for financial gain. Once sponsored in this way, the project is eligible to solicit and receive grants and tax-deductible contributions that are available only to 501(c)(3) organizations.
Why is WIFV providing fiscal sponsorship?
The WIFV Board of Directors believe this initiative to be a tremendous benefit for WIFV members and that it furthers our mission to provide resources for filmmakers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Do I have to be a woman to apply?
No. WIFV does not discriminate based on gender. Men and women can submit their project applications for consideration as long as the project meets the sponsorship eligibility criteria.
What gets sponsored?
WIFV can serve as a fiscal sponsor for projects that are consistent with our IRS-approved charitable mission. WIFV will consider applications from all genders whose media project meets one or both of the following criteria for fiscal sponsorship:
• Film and media projects that feature women in key, above-the-line roles (specifically: producer, director, writer, editor or director of photography); or
• Film and media projects whose subject matter informs and features women’s experiences or points of view.
Do I have to be a member of WIFV to apply?
Yes. You need to be a member of WIFV to apply for our fiscal sponsorship program. See the Join page on the WIFV website for further information about membership in WIFV.
When should I apply?
There are two calls for Fiscal Sponsorship Applications per calendar year; one in the spring and one in autumn. For 2023, the application deadline dates are:
• April 24, 2023 – for the spring round; and
• October 23, 2023 – for the fall round.
How do I apply?
Go to the Fiscal Sponsorship Application Guidelines for an application and information about what documentation is required about your project at the time of application.
How much does it cost to apply?
There is a non-refundable Application Fee of $50. This fee must be submitted with your application on or before the application deadline date.
For sponsored projects, WIFV will charge a 7% administrative fee for all grants and charitable donations. This fee is competitive with other fiscal sponsorship programs.
What services does WIFV provide?
As a sponsoring organization, WIFV will provide administrative support and oversight on financial contributions made via WIFV to benefit your project. WIFV maintains financial control over those portions of the film project being funded by a particular grant or grants that requires WIFV to apply. We will provide financial oversight as required for distribution of funding and for reporting in order to comply with grant requirements.
WIFV also brings some benefits to its fiscal project directors by providing mentoring opportunities with some of our accomplished members, developing workshops around questions and issues that are common across supported projects, finding the right resources to provide technical information and providing insights into current industry trends.
Is WIFV involved in the production of the film or media project?
No, WIFV will not be involved in the production of the film or media content itself.
How long does it take to find out if WIFV will be my fiscal sponsor?
You will be notified if your project is selected or denied on or within 9 weeks after the application deadline.
Upon the application deadline, new applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Following approval of your application, it will be forwarded to the WIFV Fiscal Sponsorship Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will meet within 60 days of the application deadline and notification of the results will be forwarded to you within one week of that meeting. Once selected, you can expect to be up-and-running within 2-3 weeks.
I am a WIFV member but my project does not fit the eligibility criteria. Can WIFV still help me?
The WIFV staff is a constant resource to members. Even if your project does not meet the eligibility criteria for fiscal sponsorship by WIFV, you should contact the office about what resources and fiscal sponsor organizations might be of help you. We have partnerships with many organizations on both the national and local level and are plugged-in to the network of valuable resources available to filmmakers and media-makers.
Click here to Apply for WIFV Fiscal Sponsorship
