Are you an independent filmmaker fundraising for your noncommercial film project?
Chicago Filmmakers’ fiscal sponsorship program assists local independent filmmakers by accepting donations for noncommercial film and video productions under our 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Sponsored artists become eligible for funding from private foundations and government agencies who often don’t support individuals. For individual donors and in-kind support, this arrangement is a major incentive since it allows for charitable contribution deductions on federal tax returns.
Apply for sponsorship through Chicago Filmmakers
Chicago Filmmakers has been providing fiscal sponsorship services for more than 30 years. The program has helped many independent filmmakers reach their fundraising goals and produce acclaimed projects. We support projects that align with our mission to foster the creation, appreciation, and understanding of film and video as media for artistic and personal expression, as well as media of important social and community impact.
Please review all eligibility requirements and application guidelines here before starting your application. After you pay the fee below, you will be emailed key document templates and instructions on how to submit your application.
All proposals are reviewed by Chicago Filmmakers Board of Directors. Because our board meets bimonthly, the evaluation process may take up to 30-60 days. If you need a more expedient review, please include a note with your application, and we will try to accommodate your request.
If you have any questions, please contact coop@chicagofilmmakers.org.
SPONSORED FILMS
Fiscally sponsored projects include the critically acclaimed, award-winning documentaries Among Wolves (2016) by Shawn Convey and Halsted Street, USA (1997) by David Simpson; powerful profiles of extraordinary women Never Turning Back: The World of Peggy Lipschutz (2008) by Jerri Zbiral and Tiny and Ruby: Hell Divin' Women (1988) by Greta Schiller and Andrea Weiss; as well as lauded documentaries about legendaries Art Paul Of Playboy: The Man Behind The Bunny (2017) by Jian Ping and Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004) by Deb Ellis and Dennis Mueller.
