PanicButton was founded in 2004 by JR Roberts whose passion for independent film led her to form a professional, reasonable and financially sound program that supported artists both locally and nationally. JR also has extensive experience in production, fundraising, grant writing, festival coordination, and nonprofit management. In September 2005 PanicButton merged to become a part of the IFC. IFC PanicButton Fiscal Sponsorship

The IFC PanicButton banner has developed a fiscal sponsorship program to support IFC members seeking funding for projects. The IFC PanicButton use the IFC nonprofit status to receive and administer grants that require recipients to have 501(c) 3 status. As fiscal sponsor, IFC PanicButton does not supervise actual production of projects but are legally responsible for funds received and must insure that funds are used according to the donors’ wishes and that reporting requirements are met. All artistic rights, creative control, and copyright must be retained by the applicant.

Funders do not receive profit participation and any unused funds are returned to funders. IFC PanicButton retains 10% of all funds to cover administrative costs.
IFC PanicButton is a program of the Independent Filmmakers Coalition.