Fiscal Sponsorship

As a provider of fiscal sponsorship, BAVC Media extends our federal 501(c)(3) status to help projects that are aligned with our mission and values to fundraise without having to take on the burden of setting up and managing their own nonprofit organization.

We provide the administration, oversight, and infrastructure necessary for projects that we are sponsoring to be able to receive tax-deductible donations as well as grants from foundations, charitable trusts, and government agencies. We offer “model C” services to facilitate fundraising, including financial pass-through services and occasionally, as requested, review of institutional proposals, reports, and other advising. BAVC Media will administer any funds received in support of the projects we sponsor. Donations to the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC Media) are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

BAVC Media’s fiscal sponsorship program is intentionally small with no dedicated staff. We are increasingly working to streamline our processes to remain nimble for the projects we support. We do not provide business management services at this time.

Fiscal Sponsorship is a benefit available to BAVC Media Members. Learn more about becoming a member here →

Why would you need fiscal sponsorship for your film or project?

• You will be able to access to a wider array of funding opportunities without starting a new 501(c)(3) including restricted government grants, employer matching gifts, donors looking for tax incentives (sometimes in place of investing for equity)
• As your sponsor, BAVC Media can keep track of your donations, providing you regular reports and your donors with receipts. We can even send payments and 1099s directly to vendors at your request.
• You will be able to receive additional consultation, support, and networking opportunities as part of the throughout the lifecycle of your project
• Your project will be listed publicly BAVC Media’s website with a donation link alongside the other exciting projects we are sponsoring

What is the cost?

BAVC Media’s administrative fee is 5% – one of the lowest fees in the indie media field. We keep our fees low by offering a simple program. This fee is not inclusive of any fees that payment processing platforms such as Paypal may deduct before the funds reach our account.

Additionally, at least one representative of each project accepted into the program will be expected to maintain BAVC Media Membership for the duration of the time they have a sponsored project. Learn more about our Membership program here →

Who should apply?

BAVC Media primarily sponsors all genres of films, series, podcasts and other media projects with the desire and potential to make an impact (impact defined broadly and not tied to policy change). Projects can be at any stage of development and fundraising including completed films on their distribution and impact journey. Occasionally, consider applications from smaller nonprofit organizations whose mission aligns with our core values in some way that are not yet ready for the process of gaining their own 501(c)(3) status, or other projects outside of these categories that we feel are aligned. While we primarily sponsor filmmakers that have pre-existing programmatic or institutional relationships with BAVC Media, we welcome applications from anyone whose work aligns with our mission and values. Projects we sponsor should either have a clear throughline to BAVC Media’s work or should have a defined vision for social impact. Commercial projects (produced for the purposes of selling or un-critically promoting a product or service) should not apply.

How long does it take?

While the process can potentially be very quick, especially if you have an urgent need, we cannot guarantee that our staff will have the capacity to rush your application. Please allow a month each for the application review as well as the project set up if accepted.

What will you need to prepare in order to apply?

• a thorough project description
• a list of your key collaborators including advisors and consultants
• a description of your intent for impact
• your anticipated timeline and fundraising plans
• helpful supplementary materials including a recent grant proposal, a work sample, a pitch deck, and/or a line item budget

Have more questions? Email us at filmmakerservices@bavc.org