We are not currently accepting new projects, but will be in the coming months. Stay tuned to this page for updates.

Fiscal sponsorship is a relationship in which a nonprofit organization, the fiscal sponsor, provides administrative support to an individual or group working on a project that aligns with the sponsor’s mission. The individual or group, the sponsored project, is able to use the fiscal sponsor’s tax-exempt status and other benefits to raise funds and conduct their project, while the sponsor provides oversight and management of the project’s finances. Fiscal sponsorship can take several forms, but typically the sponsored project is responsible for raising its own funds and the sponsor provides the following services:

  • Tax-exempt status: The sponsor’s tax-exempt status allows the sponsored project to receive tax-deductible donations and grants.
  • Financial management: The sponsor manages the project’s finances, including accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Legal and compliance: The sponsor ensures that the project complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to fundraising, tax, and other compliance issues.
  • Administrative support: The sponsor may provide administrative support in different forms to the sponsored project.

Fiscal sponsorship is often used by individuals or groups that are not yet ready to form their own nonprofit organization, or those who do not wish to go through the expense and effort of starting their own. It is also a way for nonprofit organizations to support and incubate new projects and programs that align with their mission.

Fiscal sponsorship is a part of the producing partnership that CID encourages and supports. Our collaboration with your project extends well beyond the use of our tax-exempt status. While sponsored projects still maintain creative and editorial autonomy, we are here to support you in a variety of unique ways.

What makes us different from other fiscal sponsors?

On the financial side:

We do the bookkeeping for you. This means when bills come in, we pay them on your behalf. We take care of any reporting for grant purposes and when the time comes, we send 1099 forms to your vendors. You’ll receive weekly reports on your accounts so that you can keep an eye on any incoming or outgoing funds. This frees you up to focus on making the film instead of crunching the numbers.

On the creative side:

We see ourselves as a part of your team. This means that we’re there for you during every step of the filmmaking process. We’ll help you brainstorm around funding, organize rough cut screenings, provide references to vendors, and will offer as much support as we’re able.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees?

We have a 5% sponsorship fee on all funds that come through our organization. The only other fee is a 3.5% bank processing on any donations made via credit card. Because of this, we recommend that any major contributions are made via check or bank transfer. There are no application or annual membership fees.

How do I know when donations arrive?

We’ll send you an email right away when a donation arrives. You’ll also be able to track all incoming donations on the financial reports that are sent to you weekly.

How long will it take for my invoice or reimbursement request to be paid?

We pay invoices and reimbursement requests on a daily basis. Payments will be made within seven business days. We can issue payments via check or direct deposit.

Will I have a record of all payments that have been made? How do I keep track of my account balance?

You’ll be able to track all of this information by viewing the financial reports that are sent to you weekly. The reports will reflect every payment that has been made, as well as every donation that has come in. You’ll also be able to see your current account balance.