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FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
Raise tax-deductible donations and grants for your film through our 501(c)(3)
— we handle the administrative and financial oversight, you make the work.
Cinematography for Actors Institute (CFA), a Los Angeles 501(c)(3), fiscally sponsors independent narrative and documentary films, shorts, web series and podcasts, including international projects. 5% admin fee, $55 application, rolling admissions, a decision in about two weeks.
How It Works
Submit your project, budget, and application fee.
Review by the institute; sponsorship agreement signed.
Donors give tax-deductibly; grants become accessible.
We provide oversight and disbursement; you deliver the work.
Who It's For
Independent narrative and documentary projects at any stage, with a fundraising goal above $10,000. Only producers or directors may apply.
A 5% administrative fee covers oversight, and your donation page goes live 7–10 business days after approval.
Need crew, cast, location and vendor agreements? CFA's Standard Agreements are ready-to-fill contract packets for your production, with free plain-language guides to every form. Sponsored projects get 25% off: enter your project ID when you order.
FAQ
What does the application fee cover?
The $55 non-refundable fee covers the initial cost of reviewing and processing your application.
How does Cinematography for Actors Institute support funded projects?
Personalized consultations, networking opportunities, marketing support, and access to educational resources.
How long does approval take?
About 2 weeks for standard review, with expedited review available for an additional $40 ($95 in all): a decision in about 5 business days. This is not guaranteed, and the expedite fee is not refundable.
What types of projects are eligible?
Independent narrative and documentary projects at any stage of development that align with CFA's mission.
Can international filmmakers apply?
Yes — non-U.S. filmmakers are welcome; reach out to institute@cinematographyforactors.com for details.
Do you sponsor podcasts and web series?
Yes. Along with narrative and documentary films and shorts, CFA fiscally sponsors web series and podcasts.
Is there a minimum budget?
Yes. Your project needs a fundraising goal above $10,000.
How much does it cost?
A $55 application fee, then a 5% administrative fee on the donations and grants your project receives. Expedited review is $40 more ($95 in all) for a decision in about 5 business days. This is not guaranteed, and the expedite fee is not refundable.
Do I have to be a member of Cinematography for Actors Institute?
Yes — once approved, you'll create a free membership account to access your project's documents and resources.
Does having a fiscal sponsor make my project a nonprofit?
No — only the IRS can grant tax-exempt status. Fiscal sponsorship doesn't change your project's legal structure.
What's the difference between a donor and an investor?
A donor gives without expecting a return and receives a tax receipt; an investor expects a return and doesn't.
Can I finance with both investors and donors?
Yes, but only donor funds can be processed through CFA, and only donors receive a tax deduction.
Why choose Cinematography for Actors Institute as your fiscal sponsor?
We're a smaller organization that works closely with every project — it's about the right partnership fit, not just tax-exempt status.
How does CFA accept donations for my project?
By check, wire transfer, stocks, or credit card through your project's own customized donation page.
Would money raised need to be spent in the US?
No — funds raised don't have to be spent domestically.
Does Cinematography for Actors Institute accept in-kind donations?
No. CFA accepts monetary donations only. We cannot accept, value or receipt in-kind donations such as equipment, goods, services or the use of a location. Supporters who want to help can give money through any of the donation methods listed above. Discounts or free goods or services that a vendor gives your production directly are between you and that vendor, and CFA does not issue receipts or acknowledgment letters for them.
Who signs, who sends the W-9, and who gets paid?
Whoever is named as the Grantee on your Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement — you personally or your production company — stays the same party through every form and payment. They sign every ACH Authorization and Disbursement Request, submit their own matching W-9 (fully filled out, signed, and dated), and receive all disbursements into an account in their name. Want funds paid to a different name instead? Contact us first — the Grantee on your agreement has to be updated before we can pay that name.
