Model C Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsorship
CREATE48 Media Network offers Model C fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers, creative media projects, and workforce-development programs aligned with our mission of equity, community building, and creative economy workforce pathways.
Fiscal sponsorship allows your project to fundraise under CREATE48’s nonprofit umbrella while you retain creative ownership and day-to-day control.
What is Model C?
CREATE48 provides Model C (Pre-Approved Grant Relationship) fiscal sponsorship. Under this structure, CREATE48 is the legal nonprofit that receives charitable contributions and manages the funds for approved charitable purposes.
In a Model C arrangement:
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Donations are made to CREATE48, not directly to your project.
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Funds are held in a restricted account and used only for your approved project.
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CREATE48 provides compliance, including donor acknowledgments and transparent fund management.
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You keep creative ownership and operational control—CREATE48 does not produce or manage your project.
Who This Is For
CREATE48 fiscal sponsorship is available to:
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Independent filmmakers and creative media projects (narrative, documentary, episodic, experimental, digital)
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Creative workforce development programs (training, workshops, mentorship initiatives)
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Visual arts/media projects connected to storytelling
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U.S.-based 48 Hour Film Project City Producers and their official organizations
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Projects connected to CEWC (Creative Economy Workforce Coalition) or Montana Media Coalition members
Note: CREATE48 does not provide fiscal sponsorship to other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
What CREATE48 Provides
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Tax-deductible fundraising via CREATE48’s 501(c)(3)
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Donation processing (receive, track, and disburse funds per our agreement)
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Compliance support (donor acknowledgment letters; transparent stewardship of restricted funds)
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Visibility (eligible projects may be listed as part of CREATE48’s sponsored project network)
What CREATE48 Does Not Provide
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HR/employment services (we do not hire staff or contractors for your project)
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Production insurance (CREATE48 carries general liability and D&O insurance for its own activities, but does not provide production insurance for sponsored projects.)
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Fundraising services (you lead outreach, proposals, and sponsorship asks)
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Creative management (you retain control; we do not run your project)
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Grantmaking (we are not a grant funder; we sponsor and process funds you raise)
Fees
CREATE48 retains an administrative fee to cover processing and compliance costs:
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Standard Rate: 8% of all donations
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48HFP Alumni Projects: 7% flat rate
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Underserved/Underrepresented Community Projects: discount eligible (case-by-case)
Fees are deducted prior to disbursement.
Expenses
Eligible expenses may include:
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Production costs (crew, equipment, editing, locations)
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Event costs (venues, marketing, screenings, awards)
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Professional services (accounting, legal, design)
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Community engagement and outreach activities
Ineligible expenses include:
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Personal expenses unrelated to the project
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Political or lobbying activity
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Activities not aligned with CREATE48’s mission
How Disbursements Work
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Donations are deposited into CREATE48’s restricted account within 3 business days of receipt.
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Funds are disbursed to your project within 3 weeks via ACH transfer, minus the administrative fee.
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We welcome project updates we can celebrate and share, but formal financial reporting is not required unless specified in your agreement.
Expectations for Projects
Sponsored projects agree to:
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Use funds only for the purposes described in the application and agreement
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Maintain accurate project records for accountability
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Credit CREATE48 in project materials:
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“Fiscal Sponsorship provided by CREATE48 Media Network.”
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Share updates when possible so we can help amplify your work
Ready to Apply?
Apply for Fiscal Sponsorship
48 Hour Film Project City Producers
Independent Filmmakers and Creative Media Projects
Questions? Contact: admin@create48.org