What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship means that JenLA, a non-profit tax-exempt umbrella organization is financially sponsoring all or a portion of your project. As a result, you can receive charitable contributions which are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Fiscal sponsorship is not a producing partnership, JenLA is not your production company, your producers, fundraisers, or in any way connected to the content or actual production of your project.
Does JenLA fiscal sponsorship offer grants or loans to my project?
No. You are responsible for providing all funds for production, JenLA only acts as a sponsor allowing for those funds to be Tax Deductible for the donors.
What is a non-commercial project?
A non-commercial project is one whose main purpose is educational, artistic, and/or charitable. In most cases, if a project aims to be profitable, then it is a commercial project. However, the IRS makes special provisions for artistic projects if: 1) the grantee “would not otherwise be able to undertake or finish [the projects] due to the lack of funds; 2) “preference is given to persons showing distinction or promise in their respective fields;” 3) the grantees “promise to make their work available for the benefit of the public in ways customary and appropriate to the particular work;” and 4) “the purpose of such grants is to assist the recipient to carry on his creative efforts.”
How do I apply?
Simply visit (site link), fill out the application and provide us with any treatments and scripts or pitch packets you have.
Can I apply for more than one sponsorship at a time?
No. each applicant may only be attached to one project under sponsorship or consideration at a given time.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
Turn around time will vary as a majority of board members will need to review each application, however, we will be working our hardest to get decisions to all applicants no more than four weeks after the application is received.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. In the event that your film is approved for the program, JenLA will retain a standard 9% of monies raised, for administrative costs but there is no application fee (this is subject to change).
Do I have to be a JenLA member to apply?
Yes. In order to apply for the sponsorship program, you must be a member in good standing with either a “General” or “VIP” membership.
Does everyone on my team need to be members of JenLA?
No. JenLA requires that at least two key positions on the film are filled by JenLA members (including either director or producer/exec.producer) but you are free to cast and crew the rest of the film with as many non-JenLA members as you need. For more on this see Films We Sponsor.