Nashville WIFT  ⟩ Fiscal Sponsorship

Nashville WIFT is pleased to offer a Fiscal Sponsorship Program to support the film and media projects of its members. Through this program, Nashville WIFT’s  501(c)(3) nonprofit status allows qualifying independent film productions to receive tax-deductible contributions and to solicit and receive grants available only to organizations with that IRS designation. To qualify, a project must be consistent with Nashville WIFT’s charitable mission, not produced solely for financial gain, and be women-led or women-focused.

Nashville WIFT is a known, experienced, and trusted fiscal sponsor.  Moreover, our program is differentiated from many other fiscal sponsorship opportunities available to filmmakers by offering a mentoring component through accomplished Nashville WIFT members and its PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT and bringing the power of its programming to address key education needs of our sponsored filmmakers.

Nashville WIFT’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program is just one of the ways that Nashville WIFT supports a vibrant Southern film community.  We look forward to the many successful film and television/media projects that Nashville WIFT will help usher into creation through this program.

More information about the program and how it works, along with instructions and forms for applying, are below.  If you don’t find the information you are looking for, feel free to give us a call at the Nashville WIFT  at (615) 517-5714.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT ANY OF OUR FISCALLY SPONSORED PROJECTS! 

To be considered for sponsorship funding submit your information in this form.  One of our representatives will follow up with all applicants.

REQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is fiscal sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is a financial and legal system by which a legally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity (such as Nashville WIFT) 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 NASHVILLE WIFT providing fiscal sponsorship?

The Nashville WIFT Board of Directors believes this initiative to be a tremendous benefit for Nashville WIFT and Affiliate members in that it furthers our mission to provide resources for filmmakers in the Southern region.

Do I have to be a woman to apply?

No.  Nashville WIFT does not discriminate based on gender.  Men and women can submit their projects for consideration as long as the project meets the sponsorship eligibility criteria.

What gets sponsored?

Nashville WIFT can serve as a fiscal sponsor for projects that are consistent with our IRS-approved charitable mission. Nashville WIFT will consider projects from all genders whose media project meets one or both of the following criteria for fiscal sponsorship:

• Film and Television/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 Nashville WIFT to apply?

Yes.  You need to be a member of Nashville WIFT to submit for our fiscal sponsorship program.  See the page on our website for further information about membership in Nashville WIFT.

When should I ask?

We like to help when you need us.  We generally like to help with your funding during a calendar year from June to June.

How much does it cost to submit?

For sponsored projects, Nashville WIFT will charge a 10% administrative fee for all grants and charitable donations.  This fee is competitive with other fiscal sponsorship programs.

What services does Nashville WIFT provide?

As a sponsoring organization, Nashville WIFT will provide administrative support and oversight on financial contributions made via Nashville WIFT to benefit your project.  Nashville WIFT maintains financial control over those portions of the film project being funded by a particular grant or grants that require Nashville WIFT to apply.   We will provide financial oversight as required for the distribution of funding and for reporting in order to comply with grant requirements.

Nashville WIFT 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 Nashville WIFT involved in the production of the film or media project?

No, Nashville WIFT will not be involved in the production of the film or Television/media content itself.

How long does it take to find out if Nashville WIFT will be my fiscal sponsor?

Each request is reviewed for eligibility. If approved, your request will be forwarded to the Board of Nashville WIFT.  The Board will call a special meeting within 10 days of submittal and notification of the results will be forwarded to you within one week of that meeting.  If selected, you can expect to be up and running within 1-2 weeks.

I am a Nashville WIFT member but my project does not fit the eligibility criteria.  Can Nashville WIFT still help me?

The Nashville WIFT is a constant resource to members.  Even if your project does not meet the eligibility criteria for fiscal sponsorship by WIFT, you should contact the president about what resources and fiscal sponsor organizations might be of help to you.  We have partnerships with many organizations on both the national and local level and are plugged into the network of valuable resources available to filmmakers and Television/media-makers.