How to Apply

• Why do I need to apply to gain IPF fiscal sponsorship?
• What do I need to do to apply for IPF fiscal sponsorship?
• What do I need to include in my proposal?
• What if I only have one grant I am applying for?
• When will I find out if I am approved for fiscal sponsorship?
• What will I receive from IPF to aid me during the course of my project?
• What fiscal sponsorship upgrades can I purchase from IPF for my project?

Why do I need to apply to gain IPF fiscal sponsorship?

In order to provide a high level of service to each project, IPF only accepts a limited number of projects into its Fiscal Sponsorship Program per year.  The application process allows us to select the projects that adhere to IPF’s mission guidelines and have the strongest chance of completion. Upon acceptance into our program, IPF and your company will enter into a sponsorship agreement. IPF is legally responsible to the grantor and must ensure that all funds are being used in accordance with your project proposal and budget. IPF must also guarantee that all activities are conducted according to IRS regulations and, to that end, we will monitor all contributions received and expenditures of the funds. 

What do I need to do to apply for IPF fiscal sponsorship?

You need to submit a proposal packet, which includes these primary elements:

1. A completed project summary cover page.  [Click here to download]
2. A detailed proposal including all the elements listed immediately below.
3. A DVD or VHS screener copy of a previous project you had primary control over.  If you are a first-time filmmaker, please submit a work sample from another principal staff member on your current project.
4. Application fee of $50.00.  Please make checks payable to The Independent Production Fund, Inc., or click here to pay online.
5. Send completed packet to:

The Independent Production Fund, ATTN: Fiscal Sponsorship Coordinator, 155 West 46th St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10036

What do I need to include in my proposal?

There are a number of things you should include in your proposal.  The purpose of its creation is to prepare the project for submission to grant-making organizations. It should include the following categories:

1. Letter of Inquiry
2. Executive Summary
3. Project Narrative
   (includes statement of need, methodology, target audience, and credentials)
4. Supporting Materials
   (includes distribution / promotion plan, outreach plan, and evaluation plan)
5. Budget
   (includes budget narrative and line item budget)

Click here to download a PDF with precise instructions on what to include in your proposal. The PDF contains category descriptions and approximate page lenghts.

What if I only have one grant I am applying for?

This is not a problem.  IPF can still act as your fiscal sponsor for the one grant you are seeking.  The application process is the same.  Please follow the directions above. Also, if you decide to seek another grant in the future for the same project, you receive the benefit of IPF already being lined up as a fiscal sponsor.

When will I find out if I am approved for fiscal sponsorship?

IPF realizes you must be notified quickly of your sponsorship status to begin submitting applications regarding your project.  On the day your application is received, IPF will send you e-mail confirmation that your proposal has entered review; notification of acceptance will follow within three to four weeks. If your application needs further review, we will notify you of the delay, explain the rationale, and provide you with a new approval date.

What will I receive from IPF to aid me during the course of my project?

With basic fiscal sponsorship, IPF will guide you through the process in several ways:

1. Proposal Review:  IPF will help you refine your application for submission to foundations. Our staff has overseen successful grant applications on numerous IPF projects and has assisted filmmakers in refining their proposals.  This may mean you cannot submit as early as you like, but it will ensure that you will have a better chance of receiving funding.
2. Fiscal Sponsorship Packet:  Once you are approved, IPF will send you a packet with all of IPF’s relevant non-profit information, including a fiscal sponsorship letter, our tax ID number, a copy of your signed contract with IPF, IPF’s relevant financials, information about IPF’s board of directors, and much more.  This information is ready to be entered into the appropriate sections on most foundation application forms.
3. Quick Check Turnaround: At most fiscal sponsorship organizations, you have to wait for many weeks, possibly even months, to receive your funds after a check request.  At IPF, after you submit a completed disbursement form, IPF will have a check with your funds ready in approximately one week.

What fiscal sponsorship upgrades can I purchase from IPF for my project?

If you’d like to do a little bit more than the basic package with your fiscal sponsorship, IPF offers these special “add-ons” to enhance the visibility, planning and scope of your project:

1. Online Fundraising: Harness the power of raising money via the internet. This add-on enables you to accept tax-deductible donations from individuals and sell tickets to screenings and events through a secure donation page designed specifically for your project. Your project will also be featured on IPF’s fiscal sponsorship web page.
2. Email Newsletter Blast: IPF will include information about your project in its quarterly newsletter.  This would include a brief summary of the status of your project, as well as a link for online donations.
3. Production Consultation: IPF has been making documentaries for over thirty years.  We can arrange an extensive consultation with you to guide you through the filmmaking process, providing technical assistance, story consultation, logistics planning, and more.
4. Fundraising Consultation: IPF has been raising money for its own projects for over twenty years.  We can arrange an extensive consultation to guide you through all the aspects of the fundraising process, and help you to uncover funding sources you may not have considered.
5. Financial Management: IPF has extensive experience in maintaining financial production records for grants from foundations, government organizations, and individuals.  We can offer assistance at every step of the process.
6. Facilities Rental: IPF’s offices are in a Soho-like loft space just off Times Square in Manhattan.  This space can be rented for screenings, fundraising events, and even as a meeting space to prepare for presentations to foundations and other organizations.
7. Equipment Rental: IPF has HDV cameras, lights, microphones, and other production equipment available for rental.  IPF also has AVID editing suites available.
8. Multiple Disbursement: Need a check for your funds more than once per quarter?  IPF can offer your project additional funds disbursements per quarter for a small fee.  A standard disbursement form (part of your welcome packet) will be required to obtain these funds.
9. Executive Producing: Our most extensive add-on is to enlist IPF as executive producer of your project. This includes guidance related to production and fundraising plans, the treatment, production staff selection, and distribution options and approach.  IPF executive producers will review rough and fine cuts and provide insight to help achieve your vision.

Pricing for these add-ons will be included in your IPF Fiscal Sponsorship Welcome Packet.