Fiscal Sponsorship

SeriesFest’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program is a pathway to funding that will carry your project through every stage of its life cycle.

As part of our mission to support independent creators and elevate visionary storytelling, SeriesFest offers fiscal sponsorship for select television, episodic, digital shorts, film and media projects. While SeriesFest does not provide funding to fiscally-sponsored projects, this opportunity is designed to help creators secure funding from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies that give to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Rather than requiring creators to establish their own nonprofit, fiscal sponsorship allows SeriesFest to extend our tax-exempt status to qualifying projects. Through this partnership, SeriesFest acts as a fiscal sponsor—serving as a conduit for philanthropic support while providing financial oversight and administrative support.

SeriesFest utilizes the Grant Relationship model (Model C) – under this structure, projects remain fully independent and responsible for their own operations, tax filings, and creative outcomes. SeriesFest does not take ownership of the project but ensures that all funds raised are used in alignment with the proposal submitted.

What We Offer:

Tax deduction to US-based donors for all fully-deductible donations

Competitive terms for administrative fees: 7% on all donations 

Discretionary oversight to ensure compliant use of funds

Donation processing via credit card, check, ACH

Marketing page on SeriesFest website, newsletters & social media

What are the Affiliated Costs? 

SeriesFest charges a 7% administration fee that is collected as funds are received. This fee covers SeriesFest’s significant amount of administrative, legal, accounting and marketing work. 

Eligibility

• A variety of projects are eligible including, but not limited to, pilots, digital shorts, webseries, features, etc.
• Project must have a minimum budget of $10,000
• The project may be in any stage of development, production, post-production or distribution.
• Projects must be seeking funding from individual, foundation, government or corporate sources that give to nonprofit organizations with IRS tax-exempt status.
• Crowdfunding campaigns to be combined with fiscal sponsorship are also eligible.

Project Review Criteria

Elements we look for in a project we will sponsor:

• Project tells a compelling story that amplifies fresh perspectives and underrepresented voices.
• Project takes an innovative approach to the subject matter, showcasing creativity from emerging creators.
• A well-written proposal that follows the application instructions and clearly conveys the project’s unique perspective, story, and themes.
• Project director and/or team demonstrate strong potential and the capability to complete the project, with a focus on nurturing emerging talent.
• Audience is clearly identified, with a realistic release strategy 
• Project has a well-planned fundraising strategy 
• Thorough industry-standard formatted budget