Do you need a way to fund a film production?  The Big Picture Film & Video Foundation is pleased to offer Fiscal Sponsorship to qualifying film-related organizations, and student and independent filmmakers seeking federal, local, or corporate funding for qualifying film, television, web and other productions. 

 

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship refers to the practice of non-profit organizations offering their legal tax-exempt status to groups or individuals engaged in activities related to the organization's missions.  It typically involves a fee-based contractual arrangement between a project and an established non-profit.

Through fiscal sponsorship, you may qualify for federal, local or corporate funding ~ or tax exempt donations for your film or project by applying for grants made to individuals through a fiscal agent.  The Big Picture Film & Video Foundation is a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization which qualifies for federal, local or corporate funding.  As an individual or entity seeking funding, applicants may be able to get funding for their project with the Foundation acting as their fiscal agent.

For additional general information about how Fiscal Sponsorship works, visit this link to read the Foundation Center’s tutorial on Fiscal Sponsorship: http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/fiscal/index.html .

 

What types of projects are supported by The Big Picture Foundation?

Fiscal sponsorship is available through the Big Picture Foundation to individuals or organizations whose project aligns with our goals and activities of film, television, web or other screen-based production in Georgia.  This will be determined during the application process.  Types of projects include documentary films, student films, educational or other projects which include a filmmaking or video production component, etc.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for fiscal sponsorship?

Individual applicants must reside in Georgia.  Organizations must be located in Georgia.  Student applicants must submit proof of current enrollment in a school located in Georgia, along with completed fiscal sponsor application to qualify for $10.00 discount of individual application fee (see fees below).

 

What is the application process?

• The applying organization or individual will submit an application, along with the appropriate fee (see fees below).

   

• The Big Picture Foundation will review the application per the application review deadlines below and reply typically within 7-14 days.

   

• Once accepted, The Big Picture Foundation will prepare a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement to be signed by The Foundation and the applicant.

   

• Once the agreement is signed, the applicant can begin searching for grants to apply for.  NOTE: The applicant is fully responsible for finding and completing all the grant applications, indicating THE BIG PICTURE FILM & VIDEO FDN as the tax exempt grantee or fiscal sponsor.

   

• The applicant must submit the completed grant paperwork including any supporting documentation, materials or application fees (if applicable) to The Big Picture Foundation at least two (2) weeks prior to the grant application deadline for which they're applying.  This is necessary for us to have time to review the materials and make sure the information is accurate and complete, and prepare any materials required of us.  We will then submit the grant paperwork to the funding organization (grantor).

   

• If and when the application is approved and funded by the grantor, the Foundation will receive the funds and retain a pre-determined administrative fee of the grant amount awarded (see fees below).

   

• The balance of the grant funds will then be forwarded to the applicant (typically within 10 days).  

   

• The applicant will submit quarterly reports to The Big Picture Foundation on the use of the funds and also complete any follow up reporting required by the grantor.

   

• Applicants for fiscal sponsorship must be renewed annually, particularly for grants which cover multiple years.

   

What fees are involved?

APPLICATION FEES

•  FOR ORGANIZATIONS:  A non-refundable $50.00 application fee submitted with the application, plus an administrative charge based on the grant amount, to be collected when the grant is funded.
   
• FOR INDIVDUALS:  A non-refundable $35.00 application fee submitted with the application, plus an administrative charge baased on the grant amount, to be collected when the grant is funded.
   
• FOR STUDENTS:  The individual application fee is discounted to $25.00 to be submitted with the application along with proof of enrollment (copy of student ID indicating valid dates), plus an administrative charge based on the grant amount, to be collected when the grant is funded.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES

As Fiscal Sponsor of applicant's project, The Big Picture Foundation withholds an administrative charge of up to eight percent (8%) of all funds received for the Project.  This charge is to cover our costs for administration and management of the restricted fund established for the Project.  The administrative charge is deducted by The Big Picture Foundation from the funds received prior to disbursement to the applicant.  The administrative charge is based on the grant or donation amount and will be tiered up to 8% as follows:

 

GRANT OR DONATION AMOUNT      ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE

• Up to $50,000                                                  8%
• From $50,001 to $100,000                             6.5%
• Over $100,000                                                 5%

 

*NOTE: A fully executed Fiscal Sponsor agreement is required to qualify for the administrative charge rates listed above. For donations received outside of a formal agreement, the administrative charge is ten percent (10%) for all received amounts.

 

When are the Fiscal Sponsorship application deadlines?

Fiscal Sponsor applications are received year round and reviewed monthly.  Applicants will typically be notified within 7 to 14 business days if their application was received and what additional information, if any, is needed.

 

When are the Grant application deadlines?

Grant deadlines are determined by the grant applied for.  The Big Picture Foundation will establish a grant review deadline of three (3) weeks prior to the federal, regional or corporate grant deadline to have time to review the application prior to submission.  For example, a grant with a deadline of October 31 should be submitted to the Foundation by October 10 for us to review and then submit to the grantor.

 

How long is the Fiscal Sponsorship agreement term?

The typical fiscal sponsorship term is for one (1) year.