Fiscal SponsorShip By IFISS

Fiscal Sponsorship allows a non-commercial project to apply for funding from organizations that require the sponsorship of a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization in order to apply for funds. IFISS collaborates with independent producers and can act as fiscal sponsor, manage project funds, provide creative and technical support, and can offer advice on fundraising and distribution. If you are an independent documentary filmmaker and you are trying to raise funds to produce your project you probably need a "fiscal sponsor." While we don't give direct cash support, we do evaluate and provide feedback on proposals for funding. In addition we will write a letter of support and indicate the type of market for your work.

To apply to IFISS for collaboration, an application is required. To be considered, your project must a) be considered a “non-commercial” work able to be financed by personal funds, donations, grants, corporate sponsorship, in-kind donations, etc. but NOT by offering investment for profit, and b) support our mission statement and values related to Sardinia and/or Italy. Projects can include:

1. Documentary films, other works of nonfiction, experimental films.
2. Films (any length) produced by first-time filmmakers (or students).
3. Fiction works with proposed budgets that can realistically be raised in a non-commercial manner.

Additional requirements are :

1.You must be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security or Federal ID number.

2. There is a $50.00 application fee for the proposal being submitted to IFISS.

3. Materials for proposals are not returned and we do not accept materials sent electronically.

To apply, send the ALL the following materials in one package to the address below:

1. Completed IFISS Fiscal Sponsorship cover sheet included in application download.

        Download fiscal sponsorship application [ PDF ]

2. Two page project description: The project proposal should reflect your ability to develop a quality project proposal and your expertise in identifying funding sources. The film must not reflect values that are racist or sexist. Please see total information to be included as indicated in the application download from above.

3. Project budget

4. CV's or bios of principle production personnel: Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor (1 paragraph to 1 page per person).

5. DVD copy of a previously completed work, preferably documentary, of the applicant. Send a copy you do not need returned.

6. DVD copy of an edited excerpt of the project that is being proposed in this application. Send a copy you do not need returned. Both items 4 & 5 can be included on one DVD if they fit.

7. Check for $50.00 made out to IFISS. Please indicate "fiscal sponsorship proposal fee" on memo line.

We accept proposals at any time. It typically takes up to a month to process an application. IFISS receives many more project proposals than we can accept, and the application process is competitive. Please address any questions to fiscal.sponsorship@ifiss.org.

IFISS charges a 8 to 10% administrative fee on any funds that it receive as fiscal sponsor. Sponsored projects will be listed in the IFISS web site and eligible to receive contributions through our online site.

Please send your materials to :
Fiscal Sponsorship
c/o Rebecca Hord
Institute For Italian & Sardinian Studies
2699 York Road
Columbus, Ohio 43221