The Funding Studio

The Funding StudioThe Funding StudioThe Funding Studio

The Funding Studio

The Funding StudioThe Funding StudioThe Funding Studio
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Stop Guessing. Start Fundraising.

Documentary & Social Impact Film Fundraising

 

We build the fundraising infrastructure documentary filmmakers need: curated donor lists, impact-driven pitch materials, and ready-to-send outreach templates, so you can focus on making your film.

Schedule Your Discovery Call

You're a Filmmaker, Not a Fundraiser

You know how to tell powerful stories. You know how to capture moments that matter.

 But when it comes to funding your film:

 

You don't have time to:

  • Research hundreds of foundations to find the right fit
  • Translate your creative vision into donor language
  • Figure out what to say in outreach emails and how to structure a pitch
  • Hire a full-time development director ($85,000 to $100,000+ per year)


You need funding. But you don't need another course.

You need someone who will build the system for you, so you can focus on what you do best: making your film.

We're Your Strategic Fundraising Partner

 

We build the infrastructure you need, hand you the exact materials and messages, and walk alongside you as you execute.

Here's how we work together:


✓ We research the funders so you're reaching the right people

✓ We write the pitch materials so you're saying the right things

✓ We draft the outreach messages so you know exactly what to send

✓ We strategize with you so you stay on track


You bring the story. We build the system. 

Together, we secure funding for your film.

Choose Your Package

Film Fund Starter - $1,500

 

Best for: Filmmakers who can execute independently but need the strategy and materials.


What we build for you:

  • Grant readiness preparation, to get you fully prepared for funding by assembling the documents and information funders expect
  • Curated list of 10 to 15 aligned foundations, philanthropists, and/or donors that fund documentaries and social impact projects
  • A budget-based comprehensive funding plan that includes grants, corporations, and individuals
  • 12-month fundraising timeline with milestones and action steps
  • Template donor emails (personalized, professional, ready to customize)
  • Grant proposal template customized for your project
  • Letter of inquiry template customized for your project
  • Complete grant materials package (everything you need to submit a professional grant proposal)


What we do together:

  • 3 strategy sessions (months 1, 2, and 3) to review progress, troubleshoot obstacles, and refine your approach


What you do:

  • Customize and send the outreach
  • Take donor meetings
  • Execute the strategy we build together


Payment plan: $500/month for 3 months

Purchase

Film Fund Accelerator - $2,500

 

Best for: Filmmakers who need hands-on support and ongoing strategy sessions.


Everything in Film Fund Starter, plus:

  • Prospect list of 25 to 50 targeted foundations, philanthropists, and corporate sponsors
  • Personalized outreach message templates (drafted for each tier of prospect, ready for you to send)
  • 8 weekly strategy sessions (60 minutes each) to:
    • Track your outreach progress
    • Troubleshoot obstacles (no responses, unclear asks, etc.)
    • Prep for donor conversations and pitch meetings
    • Refine messaging based on what's working

What we do together:

  • Weekly check-ins for 8 weeks to keep you accountable and on track


What you do:

  • Customize and send the outreach
  • Take donor meetings (we'll prep you)
  • Execute the strategy we build together


Payment plan: $850/month for 3 months

Get Started with Accelerator ← MOST POPULAR

Film Fund VIP - $3,500

 

Best for: Filmmakers ready to go all-in and need grant applications written.


Everything in Film Fund Accelerator, plus:

  • 2 grant applications written (valued at $1,000 to $2,000)
  • Corporate sponsor pitch deck (valued at $750)
  • Priority support and faster turnaround times


What we do together:

  • Weekly strategy sessions for 8 weeks
  • We write 2 full grant applications on your behalf


What you do:

  • Customize and send the outreach
  • Take donor meetings (we'll prep you)
  • Execute the strategy we build together


Payment plan: $1,200/month for 3 months

Get Started with VIP

Optional Add-Ons

 

Available for any package tier:


  • Grant application writing (per application): $500 to $1,000
  • Corporate sponsor pitch deck: $750
  • Extended coaching (month 4 and beyond): $400/month
  • Donor research deep dive (50+ additional prospects): $750

Learn More

Donors Need to Hear From You (Not Us)

 

Donors want to hear from you, the filmmaker. They're investing in your vision, your story, your passion.


That's why you send the outreach using the exact language we've crafted.


Here's what we do:

  • Research the funders so you're reaching the right people
  • Write the pitch materials so you're saying the right things
  • Draft the outreach messages so you know exactly what to send
  • Strategize with you so you stay on track


Here's what you do:

  • Customize the templates with your personal touch
  • Hit send
  • Show up to donor conversations (we'll prep you)


The result?

 Authentic outreach that feels personal, because it is—but with the strategy and language of a seasoned fundraising pro behind it.

How This Solves Your Biggest Challenges

Challenge: "I don't know where to find philanthropic donors"

Challenge: "I struggle to communicate social impact in donor language"

Challenge: "I struggle to communicate social impact in donor language"

 

Our Solution: We build a curated list of 10 to 15 aligned funders (Starter) or 25 to 50 targeted prospects (Accelerator and VIP), so you're reaching the right people, not wasting time on dead ends.

Challenge: "I struggle to communicate social impact in donor language"

Challenge: "I struggle to communicate social impact in donor language"

Challenge: "I struggle to communicate social impact in donor language"

 

Our Solution: We translate your film goals into outcomes and impact. We write your pitch deck, impact statement, and outreach templates in the language donors understand and respond to.

Challenge: "I don't have time to manage outreach"

Challenge: "I can't afford full-time development staff

Challenge: "I can't afford full-time development staff

 

Our Solution: We create systems and templates that make outreach straightforward. You're not starting from scratch. You're customizing proven messages and hitting send.

Challenge: "I can't afford full-time development staff

Challenge: "I can't afford full-time development staff

Challenge: "I can't afford full-time development staff

 

Our Solution: We're the flexible partner who builds your fundraising infrastructure without the $85,000 to $100,000+ annual salary. You get expert strategy, professional materials, and ongoing support for a fraction of the cost.

Is This Right for You?

This is PERFECT if you're:

This is PERFECT if you're:

This is PERFECT if you're:

 

✓ A documentary or impact filmmaker in production or post-production

✓ A small production company (1 to 5 people) without in-house fundraising staff

✓ Seeking $5,000 to $250,000 in philanthropic funding

✓ A filmmaker with a compelling story who needs funding to finish or distribute

✓ A mission-driven storyteller focused on social impact

This is NOT for you if:

This is PERFECT if you're:

This is PERFECT if you're:

 

✗ You want someone else to do all the outreach

 (donors need to hear from you)

✗ Your project lacks a clear social impact or mission alignment

✗ You're not ready to commit time to executing outreach

What Happens After You Sign Up

Month 1: Strategy and Foundation

  • Fundraising roadmap delivered
  • Funder list (10 to 15) delivered
  • Pitch deck, impact statement, and templates delivered
  • Grant proposal template, letter of inquiry template, and grant readiness assessment delivered
  • Complete grant materials package assembled
  • Strategy session to review materials and plan next steps

Month 2: Outreach and Activation (Accelerator and VIP only)

  • Prospect list (25 to 50) delivered
  • Personalized outreach messages delivered
  • Weekly strategy sessions begin
  • You begin sending outreach

Month 3: Execution and Refinement

  • Ongoing strategy sessions (weekly for Accelerator and VIP, final check-in for Starter)
  • Pitch refinement based on donor feedback
  • Donor meeting prep and troubleshooting
  • Grant applications submitted (VIP only)

You'll Walk Away With:

 

✓ A clear funding strategy tailored to your film

✓ Professional donor materials written in impact language

✓ A pipeline of aligned prospects ready to contact

✓ The exact words to use in every outreach scenario

✓ Grant-ready materials and templates

✓ A strategic partner who knows how to close philanthropic gifts


This isn't a course. It's a partnership.

You bring the story. We build the fundraising infrastructure.

Schedule Your Discovery Call

Frequently Asked Questions

Please email us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

 No. We can't control whether donors say yes, but we give you the strategy, materials, and systems that consistently work. Your job is to execute the outreach and show up to donor conversations. We'll prep you for every step.


 That's exactly why this program exists. We build everything you need and walk you through execution. You don't need fundraising experience. You need a great story and the willingness to send emails and take meetings.


 Most filmmakers begin securing gifts within 2 to 4 months of starting outreach. Timing depends on your execution, the strength of your story, and donor decision-making timelines.


 Yes. If you're not already fiscally sponsored, we can add that service separately. Fiscal sponsorship makes you eligible for foundation grants and allows donors to receive tax deductions. Our fiscal sponsorship fee is 8% of funds raised.


 You can add extended coaching at $400 per month after your initial package ends. Many filmmakers continue working with us as they refine their strategy and pursue larger gifts.


 Yes, but our funder research focuses primarily on U.S.-based foundations and philanthropists. If your film has U.S. relevance or impact, we can still support you.


Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Fundraising?

 

Here's how to get started:

  1. Choose your package (Starter, Accelerator, or VIP)
  2. Schedule a discovery call to discuss your film and funding goals
  3. Get started within 1 week of signing on


Questions? Email us or schedule a 15-minute consultation to see if this program is right for your film.

Schedule Your Discovery Call Now
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The Funding Studio

7650 S McClintock Dr. ste 103-196 Tempe AZ 85284-1674

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