The Power of Recurring Giving

Stop funding one project at a time. 
​Build the revenue stream you’ve been missing.
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​Sustainable funding from recurring donors gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most, making innovative work, telling powerful stories, and reaching the audiences who need you.
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​Your work deserves to be seen, and money should not be the thing that stands in your way. You need a system that supports your creative vision—and funds it.

 It's time to stop throwing together one-off fundraising efforts that drain your energy and burn your network. 
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​Use the same proven system utilized by major nonprofits and universities across the country to build a reliable stream of recurring donors, so you can spend more time creating and less time chasing dollars.


I NEED THAT SYSTEM →

"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 her."

Mark Rosman - Writer, Director, Producer

I get it. 
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Every campaign feels like starting over. You rally support, build momentum, maybe even hit your goal—then it’s done. And when the next project comes around? You’re back at square one, trying to rebuild the audience you already worked so hard to reach. It’s exhausting. And it doesn’t have to be that way.

When you stop treating each project like a one-off and start building something people can be part of over time, everything changes. You're not just running campaigns—you’re building a community that grows with you. That’s the difference. And that’s what I want to help you do.


I'M READY TO JOIN THE WAITLIST

The issue isn’t the quality of your fundraising, it’s that you’re pouring energy into one-off campaigns that vanish the moment they end.


So, what if you could spend less time hustling for one-off donations and channel that energy into a fundraising system that works on your behalf—one that builds lasting support, strengthens connection, and keeps your audience engaged over time?

I'M READY TO JOIN THE WAITLIST

"Thank you so much for your detailed advice and for making a space for creatives to receive help and achieve success. I've already started on refining my strategies after the video call -- you're amazing!"

Nhu Than - Writer, Director, Producer

Introducing The Power of Recurring Giving

Built for artists, filmmakers, festivals, and creative spaces, this course is your roadmap to launching and growing a thriving monthly giving program—so you’re not starting from scratch every time you fund a new project.

You’ll learn how to craft a compelling message, invite your audience into ongoing support, and build the systems to sustain it—month after month.

I’m handing you the exact model to transform recurring giving into a steady, dependable revenue stream—so you can stop chasing one-time wins and start building lasting support for your creative work.

I'M READY TO JOIN THE WAITLIST

In this Signature Program, you’ll learn how to:

Brand your giving program so it feels like a natural extension of your creative voice—and resonates with the audience you’ve already built

Craft a case for support that draws people in and makes them want to be part of your story

Optimize your donation page to make recurring giving the obvious (and easy) choice for supporters

Write email and social content that builds momentum, deepens connection, and drives sustained support

Design a stewardship strategy that transforms donors into a true community—keeping them engaged, appreciated, and excited to stick around

Grow your donor base—and their giving over time by building a system that encourages deeper investment and long-term support for your work year after year

"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."

Ashley Gianni - Writer, Director, Producer

You have questions, we have answers

FAQ
FAQ

Right now is a busy time for me. I’m worried I won’t have time! Do I need to follow week by week, or can I go at my own pace?

Great question! The course is designed with specific start dates to help you build momentum and stay connected with the group—but you’ll never lose access to the materials.

You can absolutely work at your own pace, and you're welcome to join group sessions whenever you're ready. If life gets busy or you fall behind, no stress. The content—and the community—will be here when you’re ready to jump back in.

For those of you on the Individual Track, you have 6 months to use your 6 private sessions before they expire.

How much does the course cost?

The cost for the group program is $397 or 8 payments of $49. Those payments are deducted every two weeks.


The cost for the individual program is $1,897 or 8 payments of $237. Those payments are deducted every two weeks. 

Who is this for?

Filmmakers

Artists
Innovators
Art House Cinemas
Art & Film Festivals
Creative Studios

How long will I have access to the content? Will the course expire?

This course comes with lifetime access to all the learning modules and materials. That means once you join, it’s yours—forever. I’m always refining, updating, and adding new content, and you’ll automatically get access to any future updates at no additional cost.


If you choose the individualized support track, you’ll have six months to use your six private coaching sessions—so you have flexibility while still staying on track.

Will this work for me?

Yes—100%. This course is designed for anyone who wants to build a recurring giving program with purpose, clarity, and confidence—regardless of your medium, mission, or experience level.

Whether you’re running a grassroots film project, leading an arts organization, or launching your first fundraising effort, The Power of Recurring Giving walks you step-by-step through the process—from planning and messaging to launch and long-term stewardship.

And don’t worry if you’re new to online courses or fundraising—this program was built with beginners in mind.

Do I have to wait for a cohort start date to join?

Not at all! You can start anytime—whether you choose group coaching or individualized support.


When the next live cohort begins, you’re welcome to jump in and follow along. Each lesson is self-contained to allow you to move through the content at your own pace and still get everything you need.

When do the cohorts start?

Sep 8, 2025
Nov 3, 2025
Jan 5, 2026
April 6, 2026
July 6, 2026 
October 5, 2026

The only thing you will regret after taking this course is not having started your recurring giving program sooner!

Let’s shift from short-term project funding to long-term career & organizational sustainability.
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It doesn’t have to be an exhausting cycle of one-off asks.
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Recurring giving gives you breathing room. It creates predictable, lasting revenue—so you can focus on your work, not constant fundraising.
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Are you ready to stop starting from scratch each time you need funding and build reliable, long-term funding that fuels your work?!?
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Then hit the button and let’s get started TODAY!
I'M READY TO JOIN THE WAITLIST

Prefer more personalized support? We’ve got you covered.

If you’re someone who wants hands-on guidance tailored to your unique project, The Power of Recurring Giving offers an individualized track that includes six one-on-one coaching sessions focused entirely on you.


You’ll still have full access to the group coaching sessions and all course materials, but we’ll work side by side to customize each module to match your goals, craft messaging that reflects your voice, and build a recurring giving program designed specifically for your audience, mission, and long-term success.

Cost: 1 payment of $1,897 or 8 payments of $237
I'M READY TO JOIN THE WAITLIST

"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."

Laura Scarano - Social Impact Producer

Hi! I’m Melissa Erickson, CFRE, Executive Director and Chief Fundraising Strategist at The Funding Studio.

I’m a mission-driven, donor-loving, spreadsheet-obsessed fundraiser who spent over a decade helping nonprofits and higher education institutions raise serious money, without burning out or losing sight of the bigger picture. Now, I bring that experience to artists, filmmakers, and creative entrepreneurs, helping them build sustainable funding strategies that fuel bold, meaningful work.

​I’ve led multimillion-dollar capital campaigns, built out recurring giving programs from the ground up, and now run a firm that helps creative changemakers turn vision into funding through strategy, storytelling, and community-driven philanthropy.

​At The Funding Studio, we treat fundraising as a craft, something that can be shaped, strengthened, and refined over time. And just like in any creative process, there’s room for experimentation, growth, and ultimately, transformation.

Are you ready to stop funding one project at a time and start building the revenue stream you’ve been missing?
I'M READY TO GET STARTED!

​​The Power of Recurring Giving

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