I've been fielding some calls lately from Fiscal Sponsorship participants intimidated by the prospect of fundraising at a time when many potential donors are tightening their belts. I just wanted to call attention to this blog entry from the Center for Community Change which addresses the issue of asking for money during a time of Financial Crisis. While it doesn't specifically address filmmaking, it does have a reassuring, hopeful tone and some concrete advice on keeping the lines of communications open with potential donors.

Fundraising Success In A Time of Financial Crisis-It Is Possible!

It is far to early in this crisis for us to make any formal predictions about the prospects for documentary funding in the current financial climate. Anecdotally, we have seen a slight decrease in individual giving over the last couple of months, but foundation giving has remained strong throughout this quarter and our filmmakers have proven, as usual, to be a resourceful bunch.

If anyone has comments on their own recent fundraising efforts or tips on asking for money when times are tough please feel free to share them here.

Amy Halpin
Program Manager, Fiscal Sponsorship and Grants
amy@documentary.org
www.documentary.org/fiscal_sponsorship