NIFP accepts member proposals for fiscal sponsorship. Upon review and approval by a screening committee and the full board, NIFP-sponsored projects benefit from the organization's tax-exempt status to raise production funds.

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

NIFP is a nonprofit organization and is therefore able to receive grants. Numerous organizations accept grant applications but as a filmmaker it is difficult to get a grant unless you are a nonprofit group. NIFP is!

As a member you are able to apply for fiscal sponsorship by NIFP.

By using NIFP's fiscal sponsorship you can apply for grants and raise funds using our nonprofit 501(c)3 tax exempt status and receive private donations from individuals who can then write off the amount as a charitable donation.

How do I get it?

First, Click Here to download the Fiscal Sponsorship Aplication Form or we will mail out the information/application packet through snail mail by emailing us your name, address, and phone number, or send a request and a SASE to:

NIFP

P.O. Box 80205

Lincoln, NE 68501

Fill it out and return it to us at the address above.

A screening committee and the full NIFP Board will review the application to determine if it meets NIFP goals and does not hinder any other grants in progress.

Previously sponsored projects have received support from the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Humanities Council.

What If I'm Not a Member?

If you aren't a member you must join under the professional level. Click Here for the membership application.

If you are already a member you must upgrade your membership to the Fiscal Sponsorship level. Please Contact us for more information.

NIFP Fiscal Sponsorship
Application

A service for independent film and video producing
members of Nebraska Independent Film Projects, Inc.
www.nifp.org
NIFP
PO Box 80205
Lincoln, NE 68501

NIFP Fiscal Sponsorship Program

NIFP members are invited to apply for non-profit sponsorship of
film and video projects.
Members may submit up to three proposals per calendar year.
Project Eligibility: Film or video projects must non-commercial in nature, and must be imaginative
contributions to the film and video art form.
(non-commercial: any project not being undertaken by a producer for a third party that has
agreed to pay the producer for their services. Television advertising, industrial videos, training
programs, sales videos and other such projects are not eligible for sponsorship.)
Applicant Eligibility: The applicant must be a member of Nebraska Independent Film Projects,
Inc. The applicant must retain creative control of the proposed production an must own
the copyright to the program. Projects proposed as part of a class or course of study are not eligible
for sponsorship.

Review Process:

A selection committee will review applications and sample works and recommend
sponsorship for projects based on project goals, feasibility and the demonstrated abilities
of the production team to produce a successful project.

Nature of Support:

NIFP will not award grants to applicants. Rather, NIFP will serve as a
tax-exempt sponsor of film/video grant applications and as a fiscal intermediary for projects
awarded funding.

Application Procedures:

Applicants will provide all of the material listed below. Please include
all of the information requested. Incomplete of illegible proposals will not be considered.
A completed submission must include five (5) unbound copies of the elements listed below,
collated on 8 1/2 by 11” paper.

1. Application Form: Complete both sides of the NIFP Fiscal Sponsorship Program
application form. Typed responses are preferred.

2. Project Description: The Project Description should be a concise and thorough description
of the project no longer than five (5) pages in length. It should clearly describe
why the proposed project deserves to be produced and what it will “look like”
in its completed form. The resumes of principal production staff and participants
must be included. The project description should include the following:
a) A synopsis if the proposed project that walks the selection committee through
the project as it will be presented. If necessary, provide background information
in explaining the content if your proposed work;
b) A description of the proposed approach to the film/video production,
including stylistic or technical aspects of the production and any distinctive
aesthetic of the project;
c) A description of the intended audience for your film/video and your plans for distribution;
d) Indicate the current status of the work being proposed as well as the
completion timeline of the project;
e) Indicate who you plan to approach about funding.

3. Proposed Budget: A detailed total project budget must itemize all project costs, including
the areas of pre-production, production, and post-production. It should contain
a breakdown of all salaries, fees, supplies, rental costs, lab costs, insurance, music,
narration, travel, etc. This breakdown should include unit pricing as well as
grand totals. It should list any expenditures already incurred on the film/video a
well as name any in-kind contributions secured of anticipated. Applicant must indicate
how much of the total project cost they are requesting that NIFP sponsor. All
sources and amounts of additional support for the project should be listed.

4. Sample of Work: A sample of previously completed work must accompany your
application. Please submit a tape that contains a completed work by the applicant.
If your project is already in production, please include a sample of the work-inprogress
as well. NIFP will accept VHS and DVD format (NTSC). Do not send camera
source tapes or master tapes. Story outlines, treatments and scripts will also be accepted.

Written application material will not be returned. Please include a stamped,
self-addressed shipping envelope for returning tape samples to:
NIFP
PO Box 80205
Lincoln, NE 68501

5. References: The applicant must submit the names, addresses, and phone numbers of
three professional references.

Application Information: Mail completed proposal to:

NIFP
PO Box 80205
Lincoln, NE 68501
NIFP is not responsible for loss of or damage to application materials due to shipping, storage,
or presentation. The applicant will be notified in writing regarding the status if their proposal at
the end of the review process.

NOTE: NIFP charges a fiscal agent fee if five percent (5%) for any money granted through the
organization to sponsored projects.

Completion Checklist:

A completed submission must include five (5) unbound copies of the elements listed below:
___ Application form, complete and signed.
___ Project Description (including resumes of principal production staff and participants)
___ Proposal Budget
___ One videocassette tape. One photocopy of script treatment/ completed script (narrative
projects only)
___ Three professional references

A non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization
Federal Tax ID: 47-0753318
Using Your Fiscal Sponsorship
NIFP’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program allows you to apply for grants from other non-profit
organizations and accept tax-exempt donations from individuals using NIFP’s non-profit
501 (c) (3) tax-exempt statues and Federal Tax ID Number.
Donations from individuals can be written off as a charitable donation on their individual
income tax returns. An example of the donation receipt is available for review upon
request.

To use your sponsorship when processing grant applications from other non-profit
organizations, use the following guidelines:

1) When filling out the application, use Nebraska Independent Film Projects as the
legal name of the organization.
2) Use NIFP’s post office box as the address.
P.O. Box 80205
Lincoln, NE 68507
3) Use your name and phone numbers when filling out contact information.
4) If required by the organization, make a copy of your acceptance letter and attach
it to the application as proof of sponsorship.
To us your sponsorship when processing donations from individuals, use the following
guidelines:
1) The check must be made out to Nebraska Independent Film Projects.
2) The check must be mailed to NIFP’s post office box.
P.O. Box 80205
Lincoln, NE 68507
3) On the note line of the check, have the donor write your name and the name of
your project.
4) Tell the donor that a receipt will be mailed back to them once their donation has
been processed.

Once NIFP has received and processed the grant or donation, a check will be made out to
you from NIFP’s account minus the 5% administration fee. This check will be mailed to
the address on your fiscal sponsorship application. Please provide us with any change of
address information during the sponsorship period.
If you have questions, please contact NIFP President, Jermey Bishop at
president@nifp.org..