The Diversity Development Fund (DDF) provides annual funding for filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. The fund aims to support directors of color by providing up to $35,000 in research and development funding to develop documentaries for public media. The DDF seeks stories that take creative risks, inspire dialogue, and offer unique perspectives rarely seen in public media.

Benefits

Directors of color can receive up to $35,000 in funding to develop their documentary projects. This support comes with editorial feedback from ITVS to help refine proposals and project plans. The funded projects maintain full editorial, creative, and financial control while benefiting from the development support.

Expanded Eligibility

To be eligible for the DDF, applicants must:

Identify as a person of color.
Submit a project in development or early production.
Own the copyright and maintain editorial control of the production.
Be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Not be employed as a producer or director by a broadcast entity or film studio.
Have prior experience in a principal film or television production role.
Not have other projects currently under ITVS consideration.

Ineligible applicants include current students, those with ongoing ITVS contracts, foreign-based production entities, organizations, and former ITVS employees from the past 12 months.

Additional Eligibility Information

Who should apply? Filmmakers of color over the age of 18 who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and have nonfiction projects in development or pre-production.
What amount of funding is available? Up to $35,000 in research and development funding per project. ITVS funds are provided under a development agreement for the public media version of your documentary.
What can DDF funds be used for? Research, travel, hiring crew, and preliminary production costs for creating a work in progress or fundraising trailer.
How does ITVS define applicant? The applicant must be the principal of the business entity, maintain at least 50% of the copyright, and have majority business and artistic control of the project throughout production.
What program lengths are eligible? Standard public television broadcast lengths: half-hour (26:40), one-hour (56:40), or feature length (86:40).
How many DDF projects are funded each year? Generally, ITVS funds the top 5 percent of applications received annually through DDF.
Am I eligible without secured funds? Yes, prior funding commitments are not required. Proposals should include a fundraising strategy detailing how you will raise funds for your project, including foundation grants, non-PBS broadcast license agreements, private donations, in-kind support, and crowd source funding.
Can I submit multiple applications? No, individuals may only submit one application per round, per initiative.
Can ITVS review my proposal elements before applying? No, ITVS staff will only review materials as part of the formal application process.

Submission Process

The application process requires the following elements:

Four-page treatment of the documentary project.
Link to a previously completed work that has been publicly exhibited or distributed.
Resume with filmography.
Development budget outlining the use of funds.
Optional: Sample footage of the current project.

What to Expect

The Application

The application consists of several key elements, including a four-page treatment, a resume with filmography, and a development budget. There is an optional field for sample footage of the current project.

The Review Process

After submission, applicants will be notified of their status within 12 to 15 weeks. Finalists will be asked to provide additional materials for a feasibility review. Decisions are final, but applicants may reapply in future rounds.

Production and Distribution

Funded projects are expected to acknowledge ITVS support in all materials and follow ITVS publicity protocols. Regular updates on project activities and contract deliverables are also required.

Summary

The Diversity Development Fund supports filmmakers of color in developing documentaries that enrich public media with diverse, creative stories. With up to $35,000 in funding and extensive editorial support, the DDF fosters inclusive storytelling. Key points for applying include ensuring eligibility, preparing comprehensive application materials, and adhering to ITVS requirements for funded projects.