FISCAL SPONSORSHIP

WHAT IS FISCAL SPONSORSHIP?

Fiscal sponsorship means we share our nonprofit umbrella with you so your creative project can raise tax-deductible donations and apply for grants without starting your own nonprofit organization.

We only take a 3% fee from all funds raised, and that goes right back into supporting the Lower East Side Film Festival and the artists we champion. No catch. No inflated admin costs. We’re here to help your film. (FYI, most other orgs take 5% to 15%).

Many individual donors, foundations, and funders will only give to established 501(c)(3) organizations, and donors are often more inclined to give, and give more, when their contribution is tax-deductible.

We’re looking for:

• Films that are truly independent — not backed by studios, streamers, or large-scale production companies

• Projects with a clear artistic vision and a passionate team

• Stories that are bold, authentic, and impossible to ignore

• Features and shorts - narratives, documentaries, hybrids— we’re format-agnostic

Eligibility:

To be considered, your project must:

• Be a single film (no slates or series)

• Be independently produced

• Be seeking to raise at least $10,000 via fiscal sponsorship

• Have a clear fundraising plan, creative team, and timeline

How to Apply:

To get started, submit the following:

• Project description (logline, synopsis, artistic approach, current stage & timeline)

• Audience + distribution plan

• Bios of key creative team members

• Fundraising strategy and any funding secured to date

• Project budget

• Work sample (previous work or a rough cut/trailer)