Film Grants Through Fiscal Sponsorship
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Use New Hollywood’s 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship to accept tax-deductible donations and become eligible for more film grants.
New Hollywood
What Fiscal Sponsorship Is
Fiscal sponsorship for film gives your project legal access to nonprofit funding infrastructure. Under a fiscal sponsor, your film can accept tax-deductible donations, apply for grants restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations, and present to donors and funders with the legitimacy that independent projects can't access on their own.
Without it, you're locked out of a significant portion of available film funding including foundation grants, institutional donors, and individual donors who require a tax deduction before they commit.
Most filmmakers don't lack a compelling project. They lack the structure to receive what funders are willing to give.
Film fiscal sponsorship through New Hollywood changes that. Short film grants have never been more accessible!
Why New Hollywood
and why your film may need it!
What Fiscal Sponsorship Through New Hollywood Provides
Tax-Deductible Donation Eligibility
Donors to your film can deduct 100% of their contributions, removing one of the most common barriers to individual giving.
Access To Independent Film Grants
Many of the most competitive film grants require nonprofit status. Fiscal sponsorship makes your project eligible for these resources.
Nonprofit sponsorship for film that doesn't require you to form or run your own organization. No incorporation. No IRS filings. All without effecting back-end monetization of your project.
Fiscal Sponsorship for Film Projects
Sponsorship Access
Apply for Film Grants Through New Hollywood
We help you identify opportunities your project qualifies for and how to approach them. We match by stage, subject, and budget.
Legitimacy With Funders
Fiscal sponsorship signals to grantmakers, corporations, foundations, and individual donors that your project operates within a structured, accountable framework.
Ongoing Support
As your project moves through development and production, sponsorship allows you to continue accepting fiscal and in-kind contributions every step of the way.
Projects Operating Within Our Network
These are film projects completed with support through New Hollywood:
Narrative Drama · Festival-Credentialed Filmmaker
Pittsburgh
Debut short film of, writer, director, producer, Nhu Than. This short film was made using product placement, a seed and spark campaign, grant funding, and fiscal sponsorship support.
Producer Valerie Garcia: "This [was] my first time producing a short film outside of school, and having a fiscal sponsorship has been incredibly helpful. It's allowed us to receive donations from people who might not have contributed otherwise, which has made a real difference. It's also been reassuring to have a supportive group to lean on, especially as I navigate many of these responsibilities on my own for the first time. Whenever I have a question, there's always someone available to help or connect me with the right people.
Debut Short Utilizing a Variety of Funding Options
Psychological Thriller · International Cultural Appeal
A four character coming of age short film shot as a proof-of-concept for a feature.
Director Ali Marsh says, "Working with New Hollywood was amazing! It made the fundraising aspect of the journey very streamlined and simple and accessible. I will definitely work with New Hollywood again in the future."
Sleeping On Water
Inheritor
Active Network
Three Steps to Access Film Funding
The Process
Submit a short interest form about your project: where it is in development, what you're making, and what level of funding you're looking for.
01
Reach out
Our team reviews every application. We look at project stage, storytelling intent, and realistic funding fit. This isn't automated.
02
We Review
If your project qualifies, you get direct access to curated film grants, funding guidance, and a clear path forward. No vague next steps.
03
Access + Next Steps
This Is Built for Independent Filmmakers
New Hollywood works with:
Eligibility
Independent narrative filmmakers: shorts, features, mid-length, experimental, whatever you want to make.
xDocumentary creators: personal, investigative, social impact, news reports, online series
xFirst-time and experienced directors: what matters is your commitment to seeing the project through.
Frequently asked questions
What is fiscal sponsorship for film?
Fiscal sponsorship gives a film project access to nonprofit funding infrastructure through a 501(c)(3) sponsor. This can allow the project to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for grants that require nonprofit eligibility.
Can fiscal sponsorship help me apply for film grants?
Yes. Many film grants require nonprofit status or a fiscal sponsor. With fiscal sponsorship, independent filmmakers can qualify for more grant opportunities without creating and managing their own nonprofit.
Can short films use fiscal sponsorship?
Yes. Short films, documentaries, narrative features, and other qualifying independent film projects may use fiscal sponsorship if they meet the sponsor’s requirements.
Do donors get a tax deduction?
A: Donations made through a qualified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are generally tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors should consult their own tax advisor for individual guidance.