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
Points North Fellowship
The Points North Fellowship early- and mid-career filmmakers to Maine to accelerate the development of their feature documentary.
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.
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.
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.
Documentary Development Initiative
The program is created for storytellers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or storytellers with disabilities.
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.
Mountainfilm Commitment Grant
We seek non-fiction stories celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit.
EuroDoc
We accept all documentaries, essays and experimental films that reflect a diversity of genres and different forms of cinematic approaches.
Hubert Bals Fund
Filmmakers with a project in early development can apply for Script and Project Development Support.
Nederlands Filmfonds
The Fund supports the realisation of minority co-production feature films, long animated films and documentaries.
Documentary Grants Database
