Build the philanthropic platform behind your vision.

 After listening to Melissa speak about fiscal sponsorship at the Worldwide Women's Film Festival, it was the first time I left a conversation about funding with a positive outlook. There was a sense of hope that it IS possible, and that our dreams are worth supporting - not only in the short term, but for the long term as well.
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It made me see funding in a completely new way - not as a "teenager who bugs their parents for money only when they have something they're interested in doing" as Melissa so aptly put it. The powerful shift came from reframing the discussion to put the power back in our (the filmmaker/artist's) hands, giving us back our dignity. This is huge. I have a new attitude now, thanks to Melissa.

Melissa and The Funding Studio opened my eyes to so many different funding sources and ideas for my film. She's smart, well organized, and always keeps a positive attitude. I never could have gotten my film funded without the support of this studio fund.

Thank you so much for your detailed advice and for creating a space where creatives can receive help and achieve success, especially in navigating opportunities like the studio fund. I've already started refining my strategies after the video call — you're amazing!

The Funding Studio is more than just a fiscal sponsor—it is a true partner in supporting mission-driven artists and their projects. Founder and Executive Director Melissa Watson goes above and beyond for the creatives she sponsors, providing not only financial sponsorship but also invaluable resources, guidance, and unwavering support. Her genuine commitment to empowering both artists and their work is unparalleled. As an independent filmmaker dedicated to storytelling with impact, I am deeply grateful for my partnership with The Funding Studio. This collaboration has not only helped my film secure crucial funding but has also facilitated in-kind donations, such as on-set catering. Melissa’s kindness, attentiveness, and accessibility have made a meaningful difference in my journey. I look forward to continuing our work together on this film—and many more to come, all made possible through the support of the studio fund.

Hi Melissa, I presented the sponsor package today around 11:30 am to the Officer Manager for my Vet. 

I did it JUST like you suggested. Here we are 5 hours later and we have our FIRST SPONSORSHIP For the Sync Mastercamp. Voila! In the meantime, we wanted you to know. If it hadn't been for your mtg this week, this would NOT HAVE HAPPENED!
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Can you feel my smile?

I couldn't recommend working with Melissa Erickson and The Funding Studio more. I've worked in the nonprofit world for 15 years, and Melissa is by far one of the most innovative and efficient fundraisers I've had the privilege to collaborate with. After working with her on both a short and feature film, I can attest that she will always bring her best self forward and follow through on everything that she says. You will find The Funding Studio representatives to be your thought-partners, mentors, and cheerleaders who always deliver on what they promise. Their dedication truly exemplifies what a top-tier studio fund can achieve. I look forward to seeing all that The Funding Studio continues to accomplish in the years to come!

When sponsors and funders understand each other better, everyone wins. This session was incredibly helpful for me. I had never considered before pushing back against funders who are hesitant to work with sponsored projects or fiscal sponsors in general, including those related to studio fund initiatives. I feel like I gained so many insights and strategies to broach these topics with funders myself, and also tools I can share with our projects for how they can lead these conversations as well.I appreciated that the panelists could speak from both the perspective of fiscal sponsors and the perspective of working in funding. This is exactly why we do this work, equipping fiscal sponsors and their projects, including those focused on studio fund opportunities, with the confidence and strategies to advocate for themselves with funders.