MDJ 018 Develop your fundraising strategy

Write your mission statement
Get a fiscal sponsor
Create a trailer
Start applying for grants- this is a long game, so if you think you’re going to film this next month and edit it the month after, forget about this for now
1. It takes a lot of time, and you have to apply several times before you really have a chance
2. There are benefits beyond money, like connections to distributors, film festivals, and labs
Build your community
1. Create a spreadsheet of your entire circle of influence and start talking to people
  1. In-person request for help is always going to be the best way to get support, and widen your sphere
  2. Make sure you keep notes on all your meetings and follow up
2. Create an “advisory board” of friends and mentors
3. Create a social media plan (figure out best sites to post on) and post regularly
4. Find newspapers, magazine, website related to your topic- submit articles for publication (build awareness and credibility)
Develop your pitch
1. Short and sweet (20-30 sec) makes them ask, oh that’s interesting, tell me more
2. Be passionate
3. Pitch 10 times a day
Events –
1. Build community, raise awareness
2. 2 ways to raise money here: get sponsors (put logos on stuff), have an auction
3. Online events during covid- no overhead, people can attend from anywhere in the world

Where to find them?

In your head
Address book
Family
Local newspaper: look for ppl w/ interest in the topic area; business & society columns
Brainstorming party
Net: websites, blogs, social networks

How to approach?

One-to-one direct, in-person ask
Fundraising houseparty
Direct mail
- Personal letter from you to a few people you know, or by avid supporter who will write their friends
- Mass mail appeal sent to a list you’ve acquired
Email

How to approach them?

one-on-one
Fundraising House Party
Crowdfunding
1. Before you do this you must have already done the work of building your community and email list, so if you’re a first-time filmmaker…
2. Go to seedandspark.com and watch their fundraising class!!!!

Where to find

National sources

State

Local

Where to find

How to approach

Where to find

How to approach

If foundation, follow foundation rules
Or identify right person (marketing) and BE PREPARED to tell the corp exactly how it will benefit from being association with your project (strong correlation between your audience and the demographics and/or psychographics of their customers)

A corporation will always want something in return for its donation- almost always exposure with a specific audience

Specific demographic of intended audience (facts & figures for exactly whom the program will reach, where they live, how many people will end up viewing the program in what settings)
What’s in it for them (enumerate opportunities for exposure: where will name/logo appear in the film, in its packaging, and promo materials? What kind of community outreach and marketing/PR will be done and prominently will filmmakers display corporation’s level of involvement? Are there ways the corporation can use the program internally with staff, clients, as promo took or perk for employees?

Where to find

How to approach

Start with an inquiry email, ask if you can come by and give them more info about your project
- Very brief description of the project w/ info on your crew
- The benefit to the donor: could be free publicity through a credit in the film or on packaging, free copies of the program, or invitation to local premiere where business will be thanked in public

References

Blog