Fiscal Sponsorship

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

HIFF has launched a Fiscal Sponsorship program to provide filmmakers based in Hawai’i or sharing Hawai’i-centered stories with financial and administrative support. This program is designed to assist independent filmmakers by offering them access to HIFF’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, enabling them to seek tax-deductible donations and grants. The program will also offer administrative guidance, promotional opportunities, and a connection to a broader community of filmmakers.

Qualifications: 

  • Project must align with HIFFs mission
  • Project can be in any stage (dev/prod/post/exhibition)
  • Project lead must be a HIFILM member (once accepted as a HIFF Fiscal Sponsor project)

From Application to Approval:
HIFF’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Learn About Fiscal Sponsorship:

Watch a this informative video from HIFILM Industry Manager Jana Park presenting HIFF’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program—a vital resource for filmmakers seeking funding and support. 

If you have questions about Fiscal Sponsorship, email Jana Park

Steps for Filmmakers to Apply:

    1. Initial Application:
      Filmmakers will submit an online application form through the HIFF website. The form will require basic information about the filmmaker, project details, and the specific goals for seeking fiscal sponsorship (e.g., fundraising, grant support).
      • All applicants must be a HIFF HIFILM Industry Member. If you are not a member, you can join for $30 at this link: https://hiff.org/membership/
    2. Project Proposal Review:
      After submission, HIFF’s selection committee will review the application, project concept, and alignment with HIFF’s mission and values. The committee may request a meeting with applicant for additional materials and/or clarifications.
    3. Final Approval:
      If the project is accepted, filmmakers will receive confirmation and enter into the fiscal sponsorship agreement with HIFF, which includes a schedule of deliverables and deadlines.
    4. Sponsorship:
      Once the agreement is signed, filmmakers may begin utilizing HIFF’s non-profit status for fundraising and other administrative purposes.

Apply for Fiscal Sponsorship:

Click To Apply

Current Fiscally Sponsored Projects

SHORT FILM: GRACE

Honolulu, 1959: Over a family dinner, two women hide their love for each other as one resists her impending marriage and the other her countryʻs admission to the US.

Filmmaker: Elizabeth Rian
Filmmaker Bio: 

SHORT FILM: GRACE

Honolulu, 1959: Over a family dinner, two women hide their love for each other as one resists her impending marriage and the other her countryʻs admission to the US.

Filmmaker: Elizabeth Rian
Filmmaker Bio: