Fiscal Sponsorship
ITWIFF Film Fund
Empowering Filmmakers and Organizations to Fund Their Vision
Bringing a film to life takes more than vision — it takes funding. The ITWIFF Film Fund provides independent filmmakers with access to fiscal sponsorship, enabling them to raise tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, and grants that require 501(c)(3) status.
Beyond fundraising, we also extend our 501(c)(3) status to filmmakers who need it for other purposes — such as grant eligibility, organizational credibility, or institutional partnerships — for a small administrative fee.
This program is open to filmmakers whose work aligns with ITWIFF's mission — projects that amplify underrepresented voices and push the boundaries of diverse storytelling.
What Fiscal Sponsorship Offers
Fundraising Power: Raise tax-deductible donations from individuals and institutions that require 501(c)(3) status — opening doors to funding that would otherwise be out of reach.
Credibility & Access: Operate under the umbrella of a recognized nonprofit with a decade of impact in women's film. Use ITWIFF's status for grant applications, partnerships, and institutional outreach.
Community: Join a network of mission-aligned filmmakers, industry professionals, and advocates who are actively working to change the face of film.
How It Works
Fiscal sponsorship can feel complicated — we've made it simple. Here's what the process looks like from application to fundraising:
1. Apply: Submit your application with a brief project description, your bio or organization overview, production stage or program goals, and fundraising objectives. Our team reviews every submission to ensure alignment with ITWIFF's mission.
2. Get Approved: Once accepted, you'll receive a formal agreement outlining the terms of your fiscal sponsorship, including the 7% administrative fee on funds raised. Filmmakers and small organizations seeking status-only arrangements are handled separately — reach out to discuss your specific needs.
3. Start Fundraising: With ITWIFF's 501(c)(3) status behind your project or organization, you can begin accepting tax-deductible donations from individuals and apply to foundations and grants that require nonprofit sponsorship.
4. Receive Your Funds: Donations are collected through ITWIFF and disbursed to your project or organization on a regular basis, minus the administrative fee. You'll always know where your funds stand.
5. Make Your Vision a Reality: Whether you're finishing a film or building a program, focus on what matters most — your work. We handle the administrative side so you can stay focused on your mission.
Who Can Apply
The ITWIFF Film Fund is open to independent filmmakers and small organizations with narrative or documentary film projects or mission-driven programs that reflect ITWIFF's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women and gender-expansive voices in film. All applications are reviewed by the ITWIFF team prior to acceptance.
Program Fee - A 7% administrative fee is retained from all funds raised. Additional status-only arrangements are available for a small flat fee — contact us for details.
What We Can't Fund
The ITWIFF Film Fund is mission-specific. To save you time, here's what falls outside our scope:
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Projects that do not center or advance women, gender-expansive individuals, or underrepresented communities
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Work that conflicts with ITWIFF's values of diversity, inclusion, and equity
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Projects created primarily for commercial or advertising purposes
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Completed projects that are no longer actively fundraising
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Individual expenses unrelated to a specific film project
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my film is already in production? Yes. We accept projects at all stages — development, production, and post-production. What matters most is that your project aligns with ITWIFF's mission.
Can small organizations apply? Yes. We welcome mission-aligned small organizations seeking 501(c)(3) umbrella status for fundraising, grant eligibility, or other administrative needs. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
How are funds disbursed? Donations made to your project are collected through ITWIFF and disbursed to you on a regular basis, minus the 7% administrative fee. Disbursement schedules are outlined in your sponsorship agreement.
What is the administrative fee? ITWIFF retains 7% of all funds raised through the program to cover administrative costs. Status-only arrangements carry a separate flat fee — reach out for details.
Can I apply for more than one project? Each project requires its own application and agreement. If you have multiple projects you'd like to discuss, contact us directly.
Have questions before applying? Reach out at fund@imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org — we're happy to walk you through it.
ITWIFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in New York. Tax ID# 85-3644460.
Current Sponsored Projects & Organizations
We are proud to support the following filmmakers and their work.
"I don't think I want to."A Short Film by Brooke Hayman
Two Black women navigate their differences surrounding intimacy as they find their footing in a new romantic relationship. A tender, honest exploration of vulnerability, desire, and the courage it takes to truly connect.
Pitch Perfect(ly) by Gotoma, LLC
A Filmmaker WorkshopPitch Perfect(ly) gives filmmakers a real-world pitching experience — presenting their ideas to a panel of industry professionals who give honest, actionable feedback.
Apply Here
Ready to bring your project or organization to the next level? We'd love to hear from you.
To apply, you'll need:
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A brief description of your project or organization and its mission
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Director, producer, or organizational bio and relevant history
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Current stage of production or organizational development
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Fundraising goal and intended use of funds
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Any relevant supporting materials (treatment, trailer, lookbook, or program overview)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified within 2–3 weeks of submission.
Questions? Reach out at fund@imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org
