NYWIFT Blog

By Marchelle Thurman

On a brisk February afternoon, I found the perfect escape from the cold—diving into an eye-opening discussion at the 2025 Winter Film Festival. One of the standout moments? Navigating Film Fundraising with NYWIFT, a must-attend panel for any filmmaker tackling the most daunting part of filmmaking: raising money.

Leading the conversation were Easmanie Michel, NYWIFT’s Director of Artists Programs and Finance, and NYWIFT Member Joanna Rudolph, executive producer of Burning Annie and The Co-op: The Kids of Dorie Miller. Their wealth of knowledge made for a powerful session, packed with real-world success stories and actionable strategies.

Here are the key takeaways to help you fund your next film.

From left: Easmanie Michel, blogger Marchelle Thurman, and Joanna Rudolph

NYWIFT’s Fiscal Sponsorship: A Game-Changer for Filmmakers

For nearly two decades, NYWIFT’s Fiscal Sponsorship program has been a powerful tool for independent filmmakers looking to secure tax-deductible donations. But how does it work, and why should you consider it?

How It Works

• Applying is simple: Filmmakers must be NYWIFT members and submit an application that includes a crew bio, project synopsis, and budget top sheet. There’s no application fee.
• Approval takes about three weeks. Once accepted, NYWIFT sets up a donation webpage for your project, where supporters can contribute directly.
• Fund disbursement is handled for you. NYWIFT collects a 7% administrative fee on the first $100K raised, which drops to 5% thereafter. They also manage 1099 forms and tax documents for all financial transactions.

Why It’s Worth It

• Since NYWIFT holds 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, all donations made through the program are tax-deductible.
• Many grants require filmmakers to have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, making NYWIFT a strategic choice for those seeking institutional funding.
• Donors receive official acknowledgment letters, which can be used for tax write-offs.

Boosting Donations & Crowdfunding Success

While fiscal sponsorship provides a solid foundation, additional fundraising strategies can maximize your impact.

• Leverage NYWIFT’s partnership with Seed&Spark: This collaboration allows crowdfunded donations to be tax-deductible. After a campaign ends, Seed&Spark transfers the funds to NYWIFT, which then distributes them to the filmmaker.
• Don’t overlook in-kind donations: Contributions like equipment, services, and filming locations can significantly reduce production costs, making them just as valuable as monetary donations.
• Tap into donor psychology: People contribute because they connect with the story or want to support the arts. One NYWIFT-sponsored film successfully raised$800,000 in a single year because of its deeply resonant subject matter.

Still from Joanna Rudolph’s The Co-op: The Kids of Dorie Miller

Proven Fundraising Strategies That Work

Build a Strong Fundraising Team: Collaborating with a diverse group of people helps extend your reach. A team with different strengths and networks can tap into multiple funding sources that a solo filmmaker might miss.

Host In-Person Fundraisers: Producer Joanna Rudolph and her team raised over $60,000 through four live fundraising events. Her two golden rules: Secure a donated venue or host to keep costs low and screen a teaser—giving potential donors a visual connection to the film significantly increases contributions.

Attach a Recognizable Name: Bringing in a well-known actor, director, or producer—even as a consultant—can elevate your project’s credibility and attract larger donors.

Apply for Niche Grants: Seek out funding opportunities that align with your film’s themes. Many foundations support projects tied to their mission and values, which can improve your chances of securing funding. Always check for eligibility requirements.

Document Everything: Behind-the-scenes footage, production updates, and testimonials can be powerful marketing tools for both fundraising and future projects.

Fundraising is one of the most demanding aspects of filmmaking, but with the right tools and strategies, it becomes much more manageable. By leveraging NYWIFT’s fiscal sponsorship, embracing crowdfunding partnerships, and utilizing proven fundraising tactics, filmmakers can set themselves up for financial success.

So, whether you’re gearing up for your first short film or preparing for a full-length feature, these strategies can help turn your creative vision into reality.

Learn more about NYWIFT’s fiscal sponsorship program.