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
BFI Doc Society Fund
The BFI Doc Society Fund aims to develop storytellers from all parts of the UK, backing feature projects with bold cultural and social ambitions.
Rogers Documentary Fund
The Rogers Documentary Fund helps sustain Canada’s tradition of quality, independently produced documentary projects and ensures that these productions are seen by the widest possible audience.
Cinespace
CineSpace is a collaboration between NASA and Houston Cinema Arts Society that offers filmmakers around the world a chance to share their works inspired by, and using, actual NASA imagery through “CineSpace”, a short film competition.
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.
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.
DEI Film Grant
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Film Grant Fund provides intentional support and funding to amplify women, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ centered stories that celebrate running across the spectrum of cultural experiences.
Eurimages: Co-production Support
EURIMAGES supports fiction, animation, and documentary feature films of a minimum length of 70 minutes. The Fund aims to encourage co-productions between member states, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange in the film industry.
William Greaves Research and Development Fund
The William Greaves Research and Development Fund resources talented, mid-career nonfiction storytellers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States, as well as filmmakers who identify as being of Indigenous and/or of African descent.
Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists
The IWMF’s Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists supports the production of ambitious projects and underreported, globally important stories.
Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund
This documentary fund is dedicated to filmmakers telling engaging, high-quality stories that embrace music artists in all its forms and that demonstrate Canadian music’s role in the world.