Fiscal Sponsorship Program
HOW DOES FISCAL SPONSORSHIP WORKS?
As your fiscal sponsor, French in Motion serves as a non-profit tax-exempt umbrella organization, accepting and managing donations and grants made to your project. We are legally responsible for the funds received on behalf of fiscally sponsored projects, ensuring they are used exclusively for the agreed-upon activities and that donor reporting requirements are fulfilled promptly.
It’s important to note that fiscal sponsorship does not make us your producers or fundraisers, nor are we involved in the vision, content, or production of your project be it film or anything else.. All proprietary rights, titles, and interests in the completed project remain solely with you.
Fiscal sponsorship does not provide grants or assist in researching funding opportunities for individual projects.
NOTE
French in Motion not only sponsors film and broadcast projects, but also any other kind of projects as well that need fiscal sponsorship.
Please contact fiscal@frenchinmotion.org for more information.
Minimum Fundraising Goal
The Minimum Fundraising Goal within the Fiscal Sponsorship Program is $25,000.
French in Motion not only sponsors film and broadcast projects, but also any other kind of projects as well that need fiscal sponsorship.
APPLICATION FEES: 50$
Administrative Fees
Regular Contributions and Grants: 5%
Credit Card Donations: 5% regular fee + 3% credit card processing fee
Annual Membership Fees
Once accepted into the Fiscal Sponsorship Program, you will be required to become a member of the French in Motion. https://www.frenchinmotion.org/membership
Benefits of the “FIM” Fiscal Sponsorship Program
Personalized Support:
Receive individualized fundraising guidance and ongoing consultations for your project.Online Presence:
Your project will be listed within a unique page on our website, providing donors with the option to make secure online donations directly through our platform.Networking Opportunities:
Connect with filmmakers and industry professionals at Woodstock Film Festival events throughout the year.Professional Feedback:
Gain invaluable insights on grant proposals and rough cuts to strengthen your project.International Point of View and Co-Production Advice
Gain invaluable insights on how to work with international co-production partners.
Eligibility Requirements
Projects are accepted into the Fiscal Sponsorship Program only after successfully completing an application and review process.
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
No Other Fiscal Sponsorship:
Your project must not currently be fiscally sponsored by another organization.Project Type:
The project can be a film, broadcast, or multimedia project. OR it can be something else entirely.Demonstrated Capability:
Your proposal should showcase your ability to develop a high-quality project and demonstrate expertise in identifying potential funding sources.Alignment with Values:
While your film may explore any topic, it must not promote values that are racist, sexist, French in Motion evaluates applications based on these essential criteria to ensure only high-quality and viable projects are selected:Likelihood of Project Completion
Projects must show a very high probability of being successfully completed.
Budget
A well-developed and realistic budget for the scope of the project is essential.
Fundraising Ability
Evidence of secured funds or a clear strategy to secure funds is required.
The director must identify and pursue appropriate funding sources that align with the project.
Demonstrated Ability of Key Personnel
The applicant and team must prove their capability to successfully complete the project, showcasing relevant experience and skills.
For Film and Broadcast projects only:
Strength of Storytelling
The quality of storytelling should be clearly defined, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
The treatment must creatively and concretely reflect the subject.
Distribution Potential
A realistic and appropriate distribution and outreach plan for the finished project is crucial.
Quality of the Sample (optional but recommended)
The visual sample must effectively support the project.
It should demonstrate the director's capability to fully execute the project vision.
By adhering to these comprehensive criteria, the Woodstock Film Festival ensures a high standard of creativity, feasibility, and professionalism in its selected projects.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning projects can be submitted at any time without specific deadlines. This allows for flexibility and ensures that filmmakers have ample opportunity to prepare and submit their work when ready.
Fundraising Guidelines
Fiscal sponsorship applies to charitable contributions and grants intended to support the public-interest aspects of your project.
Certain types of revenue — such as equity investment or purely commercial income — may fall outside the scope of nonprofit sponsorship. We encourage applicants to discuss their funding strategy with us early so we can ensure alignment and compliance.
WHAT IS FISCAL SPONSORSHIP?
Fiscal sponsorship is a partnership designed for persons actively fundraising for their projects and in need of 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt status. It establishes a relationship between your project and us—a 501(c)(3) organization—aligning your work with French In Motion’s mission.
This tax-exempt status is often required by foundations, corporations, and government agencies to qualify for funding, as many do not accept applications from individuals. Additionally, 501(c)(3) status enables you to receive tax-deductible contributions from individual donors, providing a significant incentive for supporters to contribute to your project.
NOTE
You will be asked to submit a yearly report regarding your project.
APPLY
For more information or questions, please send us an email at fiscal@frenchinmotion.org.