You’ve gotten through reasons 1-3 and 4-6. Now it’s important to consider the actual process of applying for fiscal sponsorship.
#7 – What do they need for the application?
You wouldn’t submit a generic resume for a job you really wanted. So make sure you know exactly what the fiscal sponsor needs for the application and why. Do they need to see some footage? A proposal? A budget? A fundraising plan? Do they specify you need to fill out their online application or you can send an attachment? Are you sticking to whatever word or page limits are noted? If you are wondering why a fiscal sponsor might need all this information, then you are probably not ready for a fiscal sponsor because they are often simply seeking a shorter version of what you would be submitting to potential funders anyway. Remember, the fiscal sponsor is effectively representing your project as a sub-grantor for any funds you raise so there is very good reason they need to be sure that you have actually thought about fundraising. It’s not to make you do more work. It’s actually to make sure you are on track to get the most out of your fiscal sponsorship relationship.
#8 – What is their process for reviewing your application?
Another seemingly obvious question, but one which I can speak to from personal experience. Since a lot of folks still associate Docs In Progress with yours truly (Erica Ginsberg), they think that since I know them and their project, they are a shoe-in to get fiscal sponsorship. Nope. Our applications are reviewed by a committee made up of staff and board members who may not know anything about the project or the filmmaker and have to review the applications against carefully-determined criteria. Some fiscal sponsors may have a review committee which is completely independent of staff or board and may only meet once or twice a year. Others may have a system where they can consider applications on a rolling basis.
which begs another consideration
#9 – What is the turnaround time for getting fiscal sponsorship?
Yes, we know your situation. You are a one man or one woman band who has been trying to balance your labor of love film with other means of income and only just realized that an important funding application deadline is coming up next week so you need to find a fiscal sponsor FAST! While some fiscal sponsors can expedite the process of reviewing films, most professional fiscal sponsors have a process for applications and want to ensure that they have had adequate time to review a fiscal sponsorship application. You just want to know how long? Do they review applications on a rolling basis or only a few times a year? How long should you expect from the time you submit an application to the time you get the official word you are in the program? Will they make exceptions for you because you are so special or do they have special reason to follow a seemingly more bureaucratic process? Know before you apply.