Inspirational Fundraising Coach

This email is an unabashed tribute to one of my dearest colleagues in the world of independent filmmaking. I first heard of Carole Dean ten years ago. From her home in Oxnard, California, she was teaching small groups of filmmakers to actualize their potential and raise money. Her classes would sell out.

Intrigued, I read her book The Art of Film Funding (now also a podcast.) I realized Carole had a brilliant mind for business. So, I arranged to talk with her about some film ideas that were brewing. I was struck by how generous she was, not only with her time, but with her ability to see my potential and support my vision.

Eventually I took her Intentional Filmmaking Class, where Carole coached me through six crowd-funding campaigns that raised $100K for my own documentary.

So, why might you want to work with Carole and her non-profit From the Heart Productions (FTH)?

Let’s start with some practical reasons. Carole’s organization, which received the 2018 Top-Rated Non-Profit badge from Greater Non Profits.org, can fiscally sponsor your film.

Or, be an alternate fiscal sponsor. One of my directors went directly to Carole to get fast-tracked for fiscal sponsorship because she had a ready donor and couldn’t wait for another film agency’s long vetting process.

I still run my donations through FTH because they offer one of the lowest fiscal sponsor fees around.

You might also want to apply for the Roy W. Dean Grant, which has given over $10 million in 23 years. The application process is relatively easy.

(In 2014 I came in second place for this grant, so I know that for people and projects that resonate with Carole’s mission, it’s not a long shot!)

Now, here are a few heart-based reasons to work with Carole.

Seeing a film through to the end requires a driving force. Carole’s reasonably-priced Intentional Filmmaking Class, now offered a few times a year, is the only filmmaking seminar that will have you reading Lynne McTaggert and Deepak Chopra to fuel your vision.

Perhaps the best way to work with Carole is through her one-on-one mentoring.

Big-hearted and business-minded, she has personally helped me craft emails to donors who actually ended up giving money. She helped me through a thorny impasse with the subject of my film. And when, exhausted, I hit an inevitable low point, she told me to take a spa day.

Some of the most successful directors with whom I’ve worked have been mentees of Carole’s inspirational film coaching. Want a munificent, motivating tiger in your corner who can help you raise money? Contact her today at Carole Dean caroleleedean@gmail.com.