Fiscal Sponsorship Program

The Redford Center's fiscal sponsorship program is NOT direct funding but allows sponsored filmmakers to solicit tax-deductible donations through the organization's extended 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and Model C Regranting program. The Center also provides ongoing networking and promotional support alongside fund management and distribution assistance.

Application Status: Accepts applications on a rolling basis

Geographic Eligibility:

• Applications from independent filmmakers worldwide are eligible
• Cannot fiscally sponsor entities based in countries under comprehensive US sanctions: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria
• Cannot sponsor the following regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk
• Significant sanctions restrictions on Russia and Venezuela (case-by-case review)
• Note: Individuals originally from restricted countries/regions but residents of other countries may be eligible; contact fiscal@redfordcenter.org

Applicant Eligibility:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be an independent filmmaker or documentarian
• Must own the copyright of work and have artistic, budgetary, and editorial control

Project Eligibility:

• Must be a film (documentary or narrative) or media project with:
  • High impact focused on environmental issues (including environmental justice)
  • Positive and solutions-focused approach
  • Innovative storytelling style
  • Potential to broaden audience on the issue
• Minimum production budget: US$400,000 (applicants under this amount should contact fiscal@redfordcenter.org before applying)
• Applicant must provide proof/documentation of access to people, locations, or other specific subject matter
• Can be in development, production, post-production, or impact campaign stage
• Must align with The Redford Center's mission

What is NOT Eligible:

• Student films produced through universities or colleges
• Projects where the applicant is not the owner and direct controller of content
• Projects that could be considered propaganda in support of a political campaign or candidate
• Projects under US$400,000 budget (without prior approval)

Applicant Responsibilities:

• Responsible for own fundraising
• Must develop fundraising plan
• Must submit fundraising plan with application
• Expected to think through development strategy, project identity, and potential funding sources

Program Support:

• Fund management and distribution assistance
• Networking and promotional support
• Tax-deductible donation processing through 501(c)(3) status
• Model C Regranting program access

Application Process

Application Timeline: Rolling basis - applications accepted throughout the year

Required Application Materials:

1. Completed application form
2. Fundraising plan (required)

Application Content Requirements:

• Demonstrate project alignment with Redford Center's mission
• Show environmental focus and solutions-oriented approach
• Provide proof/documentation of access to people, locations, or specific subject matter
• Outline innovative storytelling approach
• Detail budget (minimum US$400,000)
• Include project development strategy
• Identify potential funding sources

Before Applying:

• If project budget is under US$400,000, contact fiscal@redfordcenter.org before applying to determine eligibility
• Review eligibility criteria thoroughly
• Prepare comprehensive fundraising plan

Questions: Contact fiscal@redfordcenter.org