FISCAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Lismore Road offers fiscal sponsorship to film and media projects that share our belief in storytelling as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and community engagement. We partner with storytellers, change-makers, and educators to elevate urgent ideas in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape.
As a fiscal sponsor, we provide the administrative framework for projects to receive tax-deductible donations and grants, allowing creators to focus on their work while building lasting impact.
ELIGIBILITY
Proposed projects must be media-based, serve a clear charitable and public purpose, and align with Lismore Road’s mission.
Projects may not constitute propaganda, attempt to influence legislation, or support or oppose any candidate for public office, including through the publication or distribution of political statements.
The applicant must serve as the primary producer and/or director, retain copyright ownership, and maintain creative, editorial, and budgetary control of the project.
Projects at any stage (development, production, post-production, impact campaign, distribution) are eligible, provided they are actively fundraising.
APPLICATION
Our fiscal sponsorship application briefly gathers key details about your project. Applications are typically reviewed within five business days. For expedited consideration, please contact us directly by email.
FAQs
WHAT IS FISCAL SPONSORSHIP?
Fiscal sponsorship is a legal arrangement in which a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit (the fiscal sponsor) provides administrative and financial oversight to a project that does not have its own tax-exempt status. This allows the project to receive tax-deductible donations and grants.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A FISCAL SPONSOR?
— Ability to receive tax-deductible donations — Access to foundation and institutional grants — Credibility and transparency for donors
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISCAL SPONSORSHIP AND HAVING YOUR OWN NONPROFIT?
With fiscal sponsorship, your project operates under our nonprofit status rather than forming a separate 501(c)3. This avoids the time, cost, and administrative responsibilities of creating and maintaining an independent nonprofit organization.
HOW MUCH DOES FISCAL SPONSORSHIP COST?
Our administrative fee is 5% of funds raised to cover time and management costs.
CAN I APPLY FOR GRANTS THROUGH A FISCAL SPONSOR?
Yes. Many foundations require applicants to have 501(c)3 status. Fiscal sponsorship allows you to apply for these opportunities under our umbrella.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Please see information on the application above.
HOW CAN MY DONORS MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS?
We are equipped to be able to receive donations through virtually every method of payment, both online and off. Each fiscal sponsor project is set up with an online portal page, a unique URL through which donations can be made via credit card, digital wallet (Apple Pay, Venmo, etc.), and more. This link can be shared freely with potential donors. We also happily accept all “offline” donations such as wire, ACH, or check. Our team has extensive experience working with private foundations, other non-profits, individual donors, and donor-advised funds, so you can be assured your donors are in good hands.
IN ADDITION TO THE INTAKE OF DONATIONS, WHAT ELSE DOES LISMORE ROAD HANDLE AS THE FISCAL SPONSOR?
We make disbursements to producers/filmmakers and manage all aspects of tax law compliancy, including the sending of Acknowledgement Letters to donors.
WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Please reach out to us at info@lismoreroad.org for additional information or questions.