As a co founder of a non profit production company, we are now starting to look for donations that might complete our finance gap. Anyone of you ever went down that road? Did you learn any valuable lessons you would like to share with us?
Producing : Donating to complete the finance of a film by Elena Priovolou
Director of Development, Line Producer, Producer
3 months ago
Donating to complete the finance of a film
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Elena Priovolou This approach doesn't seem sustainable. Most film investors expect a return on their investment. Typically, production doesn't begin with the hope of covering part of the financing through donations.
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Kenneth, thank you for your reply. We have most of the financing in place. This is a film of social importance, as it is the biopic of a very significant woman. So, you think that someone would not be interested in supporting a film, if this "investement" can be considered donation, with the tax cuts this comes with?
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Elena Priovolou Seeking donations is essentially the strategy of the well established crowdfund process, which funds many films and a great many businesses worldwide That strategy usually involves you offering a perk to donors of some sort. Another thought - what are you offering to the community that the productions would promote? Focus on that, and on who might want to support that. I see you are in Greece, where nonprofit laws may be different. We are in the US and I head the Independent Producers Guild. We operate a registered charity Stage And Screen Innovations (see stagescreen;org), which is very successful in production and receives lots of financial and in-kind support. Remember that just because you are a nonprofit doesn't mean that you cannot deal with investors or give them a return. Nor does it imply that your nonprofit cannot own a for-profit enterprise. In fact, it helps in many cases when you can legally structure a transaction, with your nonprofit involved, to the advantage of the investor, so that funding can receive favorable tax treatment, and they can still get their return. Just some thoughts. If you want to discuss further, add me here and DM me.
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Thanks so much for starting this conversation; it’s such an important and often overlooked piece of the producing puzzle. Stage 32 actually did a fantastic webinar on How To Tap Into Donor-Advised Funds: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/alternative-fundraising-strat...
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Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg thank you so much. You have a profound knowledge, that is gold. I have added you. I would love to further discuss this with you. Thank you!
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@ashley thank you, I am checking it <3
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Elena Priovolou You are asking me to speculate. I can't tell you who will or will not invest in your project. When you are in a vulnerable position looking for a quick financing fix, you want to be very careful here before you get taken advantage of by predators. Without discouraging creativity, you generally want to utilize this model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VwKtbiu3nI
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Elena Priovolou You are welcome, we're now connected. DM me here and then we can set up a discussion direct. We are in Los Angeles so there's quite a time difference. I see your other posts and there might be some synergy with what we are doing here.
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There are many ways to tackle this, but if the project can easily tie to the impact the film can make, I would position it with that mindset. I do a lot of impact producing (and wrote the book on it). You can check some of that framework out here: investinginfilms.com
Good luck!
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I completely agree with Laurie Ashbourne. Leading with story is everything. When we invite donors into our world, it’s not the numbers that move them; it’s the heartbeat of the mission. I saw this firsthand during our donor campaign for the Prima Facie Play performance supporting the charity School of Consent in New York. What resonated most wasn’t the budget; it was the storytelling, the urgency, and the emotional truth behind the cause. That’s what opens hearts and wallets. I hope this helps you, Elena Priovolou.
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Laurie Ashbourne thank you, I will check your book out, very interesting!
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Sandra Isabel Correia thank you Sandra, excellent reminder :)
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It's a difficult position. Kickstarter is still valid, along with tother funding technologies with built-in support communities. Selling a "Brought to you" sponsorship by (X) sponsor is another way, if you can package it and find an aligned group. I am also in that gap position for finishing funds, even though the film has already won awards. #RacetoAVOD
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Randall Scott White wishing you all the best!!