Fiscal Sponsorship Program
Unlock Funding.
Fuel Your Vision.
We empower independent filmmakers by providing access to nonprofit grants, tax-deductible donations, and professional financial oversight—so you can focus on storytelling, not paperwork.
SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT
How it works.
Submit Your Project
Our team, along with a panel of experienced filmmakers, will review your submission to ensure eligibility and potential for success.
Application Review
Apply for fiscal sponsorship by providing details about your film, your fundraising plan, and how your project aligns with LFS’s mission.
Approval & Agreement
Once accepted, we establish a formal fiscal sponsorship agreement, allowing you to raise funds through LFS’s nonprofit status.
Start Fundraising
Begin receiving tax-deductible donations and grants for your project, with LFS managing compliance and fund distribution.
✅ Film, TV, or media with a Kentucky connection
✅ Independent filmmaker with full creative control
✅ Aligned with LFS’s nonprofit mission
✅ Nonprofit-focused, not for commercial profit
✅ Eligible for grants and tax-deductible donations
✅ Created for artistic, educational, or social impact
Ineligible Projects
🚫 Owned or controlled by a third party
🚫 Work-for-hire with no filmmaker rights
🚫 Primarily for commercial profit
🚫 Political campaigns or lobbying
🚫 Funded by investors, loans, or private equity
🚫 Lacks a nonprofit or artistic purpose
Featured Sponsored Projects
LFS proudly supports independent filmmakers bringing bold stories to life. Here are some of the projects currently in production or completed through our Fiscal Sponsorship Program.
Creative Independence
You retain full ownership and control—LFS does not claim rights or influence your creative vision, ensuring your project stays yours.
Access to Nonprofit Grants & Donations
With LFS’s 501(c)(3) status, you become eligible for grants and tax-deductible donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations—funding sources typically reserved for nonprofit-backed projects.
Financial Oversight & Credibility
LFS ensures funds are managed responsibly, meeting legal and tax requirements while maintaining transparency. This builds donor confidence and frees you to focus on filmmaking.
Fundraising Support & Visibility
LFS sponsorship builds credibility, making it easier to attract donors and secure grants, with expert guidance to enhance fundraising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship is a financial arrangement that allows filmmakers to raise funds through a nonprofit sponsor like LFS. This enables access to tax-deductible donations and grants while LFS ensures compliance with nonprofit funding regulations.
Do I still own my project?
Yes! You retain full ownership, copyright, and creative control over your film. LFS provides financial sponsorship but does not take any rights to your work.
What types of funding can I receive?
- Individual Donations (tax-deductible)
- Foundation & Corporate Grants (requires nonprofit status)
- Crowdfunding through LFS’s fiscal sponsorship
Are there any fees?
LFS takes a 7.5% administrative fee from all tax-deductible donations and grants to cover the costs of managing funds, reporting, and oversight. Additional credit card processing fees apply for online donations.
Who is eligible for fiscal sponsorship?
Projects must be:
- A film, TV, or media project with a Kentucky connection
- Led by an independent filmmaker who retains full creative control
- Aligned with LFS’s nonprofit mission (artistic, educational, or charitable)
- Backed by a clear fundraising plan
What kinds of projects are NOT eligible?
- Films owned or controlled by a third party (company, school, or studio)
- Work-for-hire projects where the filmmaker does not own rights
- Films primarily for commercial profit
- Projects involved in political lobbying or endorsements
How does LFS handle funds raised for my project?
All donations and grants go through LFS’s nonprofit account and are held specifically for your project. Funds are distributed upon request, following LFS’s financial oversight and reporting requirements.
How do I access my funds?
You submit a disbursement request to LFS, along with a W9 form. Approved requests are processed and typically paid out within 10-12 days.
Can I use my fiscal sponsorship for crowdfunding?
Yes! With LFS as your sponsor, you can run a fiscally sponsored crowdfunding campaign, allowing backers to make tax-deductible donations.
Can I apply for fiscal sponsorship if my film is still in development?
Yes! Fiscal sponsorship is available for projects in any stage—development, production, post-production, or distribution.
What reporting is required for my project?
You must provide:
- Annual financial reports tracking how funds were spent
- Project status updates detailing progress, milestones, and future plans
Can LFS help me secure grants?
While LFS does not apply for grants on your behalf, we provide guidance and credibility to help you apply for nonprofit-restricted funding opportunities.
What happens if my project becomes inactive?
If a project is inactive for an extended period or fails to provide required reports, LFS may place it on hold or terminate sponsorship. Remaining funds must be used for nonprofit purposes or returned to donors.
