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
Sundance Institute Documentary Fund
The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) prioritizes support for independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1,000,000 USD.
SFFILM Documentary Film Fund
The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach.
Library of Congress Lavine | Ken Burns Prize for Film
The Library of Congress Lavine Ken Burns Prize for Film is a $200,000 cash award for a late-stage documentary film with a running time of 50 minutes or more.
Redford Center Grants
Redford Center Grants supports environmental filmmakers and frontline stories that drive solutions for people and the planet, providing the hope necessary for audiences to feel ready to engage in addressing our environmental crises.
Vision Maker Public Media Fund
Vision Maker Media funds Native American and Alaska Native media at all stages of development.
Telefilm Canada
This program supports Canadian production companies looking to finance the production and/or postproduction stage of their feature film projects.
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.
Berlinale Talents Lab
Berlinale Talents is aimed at emerging film actors, audience designers, composers, cinematographers, directors, distributors, editors, film critics, producers, production designers, sales agents, screenwriters, sound designers and digital set designers with an existing portfolio of work.
NEH Media Production Grant
The Media Projects program supports the development, production, and distribution documentary film that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways.
World Cinema Fund
The World Cinema Fund supports exclusively the production and distribution of feature films and feature-length documentaries.