What is a film grant
Apply to organizations that offer film grants to support independent filmmakers. Fund your film from development through to production and distribution. Frequently the money does not need to be repaid, but the funding organisation would expect recognition in the film's credits and media releases.
How to apply for a film grant
It is important to read the rules and requirements when you apply to a film grant, so make sure you meet the criteria. Have a look at their mission statement to see if your film aligns to their values. Research previous films the organisation has funded before to see what type of projects they select. A film business plan is usually required.
Are film grants available in my country
Yes! See the sections below, and also see film grants worldwide, available to filmmakers living anywhere in the world.
What I need to apply for a film grant
Each film grant is different, look at the categories that will suit your film then apply directly with your film business plan
Grants Categories
SFFILM Rainin Grant
The program is open to filmmakers in the US and internationally who can commit to spending time developing the film in San Francisco.
Vision Maker Public Media Fund
Vision Maker Media funds Native American and Alaska Native media at all stages of development.
Project: Hatched
Hatched provides support to US-based filmmakers who are nearing completion or have recently completed a documentary film and who have plans to strategize, build, and launch an impact campaign.
World Cinema Fund
The World Cinema Fund supports exclusively the production and distribution of feature films and feature-length documentaries.
Vision Sud East
The fund supports film productions from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, aims at making them visible worldwide and guarantees their distribution in Switzerland.
Sundance Institute Documentary Fund
The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) prioritizes support for independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1,000,000 USD.
AFAC Documentary Program
The AFAC Documentary Program supports creative documentary films in the Arab region. The program welcomes submissions of short and medium-length documentary in production and post-production, and feature documentary film projects that are in development, production or post-production phases.
Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is an international competition established to identify and encourage talented new screenwriters.
IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund
The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund supports in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories that integrate journalistic practice into the filmmaking process.
Creative Capital
Creative Capital fund artists in the creation of groundbreaking new work in the visual arts, performing arts, film, technology and socially-engaged work in all forms.
Documentary Grants Database
