Documentary Film Funding | Resources | For Filmmakers | POV

Organization	Fund	Description
AlterCine Foundation	Documentary Film Grants	This $10,000 (Canadian dollars) grant is aimed at young video and filmmakers born and living in Africa, Asia or Latin America who want to direct a film in the language of their choice that respects the aims of the Foundation.
AMERICA REFRAMED	Submissions	AMERICA REFRAMED seeks completed American independent documentaries that showcase our nation’s diversity in front and behind the camera, present themes and perspectives underexplored in mainstream media, and shine a light on socially-relevant issues through personal, intimate storytelling. They must be 50-90 minutes in length and exhibit strong craft.
American Documentary Film Festival	American Documentary Film Fund	An amount up to $50,000 may be awarded or distributed in any given year to independent American filmmakers for financing new projects as well as works in progress.
American Experience	Submissions	American Experience looks for good dramatic stories out of the American past, stories about people both ordinary and extraordinary, about events that helped define who we are as Americans and why we are the way we are. They accept completed films and works-in-progress (including films in production, films at rough cut and films with substantial funding in-hand.) They are not currently accepting proposals for film ideas.
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee	JDC Archives Documentary Film Grant	Eligible films will focus on twentieth century Jewish history, humanitarian assistance, and related topics. Applicants must have a proven track record as a filmmaker. The $10,000 grant is for post-production and/or distribution costs of a documentary film which draws on the JDC archival collections (http://archives.jdc.org). Topics can include issues, events and personalities related to overseas Jewish communities during the last century.
American Masters	Proposals	American Masters, Thirteen/WNET's award-winning biography series, celebrates our nation's arts and culture. Launched in 1986 and still acclaimed as "the best biographical series ever to appear on television," American Masters has produced an exceptional library exploring the lives and illuminating the creative journeys of our most enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists and filmmakers. In content and in style, these are uniquely crafted programs, reflecting the particular attention deserved by subjects, resonating the extraordinary mosaic of creative heritage and traditions. American Masters produces most of its programming in-house and is able to accept very few proposals. Proposals can be submitted, in writing only, to Executive Producer Susan Lacy.
Arab Fund for Arts and Culture	Cinema General Grant	AFAC’s cinema funding is open to all kinds of film projects – short films, feature narratives, short documentaries, feature documentaries, animation and experimental film. AFAC offers funding for development/scripting, production and post-production. Projects applying for a development/ scripting grant are eligible for a maximum of $15,000 while projects applying for a production/ post-production grant are eligible for a maximum of $50,000.
Arab Fund for Arts and Culture	Documentary Program	Around 15 documentary projects will be supported in each cycle of the 3-year ADP program with a maximum grant amount of $50,000 per film. The selected projects will be given both financial as well as professional support by advisors and experts. The winning projects will benefit from network opportunities that bring their directors and producers into the market, the circuit of international film festivals as well as other fellow filmmakers and industry professionals.
Arthur Vining Davis Foundation	Public Television Grants	Grants primarily provide partial support for major series with lasting educational value that are assured of national airing by PBS. Consideration is given on occasion to single stand-alone programs of exceptional merit. Recent "capstone" production grants have ranged from $100,000 to $500,000.
Asian Cinema Fund	Asian Network of Documentary Fund	The Asian Network of Documentary (AND) Fund is a loose coalition of film festival organizers committed to supporting the production and distribution of Asian documentaries. There are funds for specifically Korean films, as well as Asian documentaries in general.
Berkley Film Foundation	Video and Film Grant	The BFF supports Bay Area filmmakers whose work combines intellectual clarity with creative use for grants up to $12,000.
Black Public Media (NBPC)	NBPC360	The 360 Incubator and Fund is a funding initiative of the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) devised to help launch multi-part, non-fiction broadcast projects, non-fiction and scripted web serial content, as well as interactive or "trans-media" projects, about the Black experience. The 360 incubator and fund features training, mentorship and funding support for producers of color, designed to harvest and pipeline important, engaging stories.
Black Public Media (NBPC)	Submissions	NBPC has a legacy of proudly supporting producers and digital media storytellers who represent the global Black experience. It's a goal to provide funding and distribution within NBPC's affiliated public media networks including representation on their dedicated online/web series channel BlackPublicMedia.org.
British Council	Short Film Travel Grant	In partnership with the BFI, British Council Film operates a Travel Grant Fund that supports filmmakers to travel to key international festivals.
British Film Institure	BFI Film Fund Documentary	In conjunction with the Sheffield Doc/Fest, BFI will invite a short list of applicants to a pitching session and give them the opportunity to present their projects to the panel. Pitching sessions will be held in Sheffield in June, and in London in October and February. Funding awards are made three times a year, following each pitching session.
California Humanities	California Documentary Project Grant	The California Documentary Project (CDP) is a competitive grant program that supports the research and development and production stages of film, audio, and interactive media projects that enhance our understanding of California and its cultures, peoples, and histories. Projects should use the humanities to provide context, depth, and perspective and be suitable for California and national audiences through public and educational screenings and presentations, broadcast, distribution, and/or online.
Camden International Film Festival (CIFF)	Points North Fellowship	The Points North Fellowship is a unique opportunity for six documentary filmmakers (or filmmaking teams) to receive $2000 to develop their feature-length works-in-progress through a combination of focused industry mentorship, workshops, meetings and a public pitch session at the Camden International Film Festival.
Catapult Film Fund	Catapult Film Fund	Catapult Film Fund provides development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell, have secured access to their story and are ready to shoot and edit a piece for production fundraising purposes. Our mission is to enable filmmakers to shoot enough footage in order to fundraise for the rest of the project. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, and recipients also have access to an informal mentorship program.
Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)	CAAM Documentary Fund	CAAM provides production funding to independent producers for national public television. Documentaries are eligible for production or post-production funding and must be intended for public television broadcast. Awards typically range between $15,000 and $50,000.
Chicago Filmmakers	Chicago Digital Media Production Fund	The Production Fund is intended to support digital media works that encourage social change. The grant requires that all works funded are available for free online viewing upon completion in order to reach the widest possible audience. The Production Fund supports artists with varying levels of experience, both to recognize accomplished individuals, as well as to provide opportunities for young and emerging artists.
Conservation Media Group	Conservation Media Group Action Grant	Conservation Media Group Action Grant ranges from $5,000-$10,000 to organizations and individuals to help support projects and campaigns that use video to create measurable impact in ocean health or renewable energy solutions. The two focus areas are Healthy Oceans and Renewable Energy Solutions. Healthy Oceans is to positively impact the state of the ocean's health by responding to major challenge areas such as pollution (eg. run-off, oil spills, plastics, trash), climate change (e.g. ocean acidification, rising seas) & lack of protections (e.g. sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, human-wildlife interaction). Renewable Energy Solutions is to positively impact the future of the world's energy production & use by encouraging renewable solutions (eg. solar, wind) & decreasing fossil fuel use (eg. coal, oil, natural gas), as well curbing energy consumption. Proposals that fall outside of CMG's Focus Areas will not be considered.
Conservation Media Group	Conservation Media Group Filmmaker-In-Residence Grant	Each year, CMG selects two emerging or established conservation communicators as Filmmakers-in-Residence (FIRs) who receive funding to complete work from start to finish on a video-based project with a focus on ocean health or renewable energy solutions. Funding amounts range from $5,000-$15,000 per resident. FIR's also receive residence at one of our annual 5-day Catalyst Workshops and may be offered up to 2 weeks in residence at our CMG offices in Camden, Maine.
Derek Freese Film Foundation	Derek Freese Documentary Fund	Derek Freese Documentary Fund (DFDF) provides production support for feature-length documentary films that have both a strong narrative and compelling story, across a broad spectrum of subject matters. This award is given biennially to an independent filmmaker and provides up to $35,000 in finishing funds.
Doc Society	Circle Fund	The Doc Society Circle Fund is a funders group bonded by a passion for enabling the very best documentary film. The fund was set up in response to the growing demand by individual philanthropists and family foundations who are committed to helping secure a diverse and independent future for media.
Doc Society	Connect Fund	The Bertha Doc Society Connect Fund is the first European based outreach and engagement fund and is open to filmmakers from around the world.
Doc Society	Gensis Fund	The Pulse Doc Society Genesis Fund is an international film fund supporting the inception of long form feature documentaries driven by imaginative and innovative storytelling.
Doc Society	Documentary Journalism Fund	The Bertha Doc Society Journalism Fund is an international film fund dedicated to supporting long form feature documentaries of a journalistic nature.
Documentary Company	Documentary Company	The Documentary Company is an EIS fund that will produce new relevant topical Feature and TV documentaries with universal resonance, that cross cultural boundaries and exploit world-wide markets. With a clear remit to support commercially viable work, The Documentary Company will make documentaries that both entertain and inform in an international market place and make an impact with projects that are creatively distinctive with wide audience appeal.
Doha Film Institute	DFI Grants Programme	The Doha Film Institute Grants Programme provides creative and financial assistance for short and feature-length projects, subject to eligibility criteria, by Qatari and international first- and second-time directors, as well as established MENA directors.
Film Independent	Alfred P. Sloan Grants	Since 2007, Film Independent and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have joined forces to encourage filmmakers to create more realistic and accurate stories about science and technology, and to challenge existing stereotypes about scientists and engineers in the popular imagination. Each year, Film Independent awards a $50,000 Sloan Distribution Grant, a $30,000 Sloan Producers Grant and a $20,000 Sloan Fast Track Grant.
Filmmaker Fund	The Filmmaker Fund	In the spirit of fostering great work, the Filmmaker Fund is committed to both proven and emerging filmmakers with assistance at every stage of production and post-production. Primarily, our role is to remove the obstacles that lie in the way of great work. From early stage funding, through production to the last edit, it is our aim to alleviate artistic encumbrances. That includes grants of up to $75K as well as an invitation to our annual retreat, festival navigation and distribution strategy.
Filmmakers Without Borders	FWB Documentary Grants	FWB provides grant funding for both short and feature length documentary films at various stages of production (development, production, post-production, distribution) that align with themes of social justice, women's voices, youth voices, identity, cultural exchange, or climate change. Award amounts are up to $5,000 USD. Note: There are three grant cycles throughout each year (Spring/Summer/Fall).
Filmmakers Without Borders	FWB New Media Grants	FWB provides grant funding for narrative, documentary, and experimental new media projects at various stages of production (development, production, post-production, distribution) that align with themes of social justice, women's voices, youth voices, identity, cultural exchange, or climate change. Award amounts are up to $5,000 USD. Note: There are three grant cycles throughout each year (Spring/Summer/Fall).
Fledgling Fund	Grant Program	Fledgling has an open rolling application process for grants to support outreach and engagement for social issue documentary film projects that have the potential to inspire positive social change around issues that affect the most vulnerable. Typically, film projects have at least a rough cut. Grants typically range from $10K – $25K. We support audience engagement planning and implementation. Support for planning is for building the strategy for outreach and engagement and can be used before a project is complete to prepare for its launch. Grants are NOT available to support production or post-production.
Fledgling Fund	Special Fund for Rapid Story Development	Fledgling's Special Fund for Rapid Story Deployment provides grants ranging from $2,500-$10,000 to support short films and/or other visual stories that can be completed and distributed quickly. Priority will be given to projects that have a plan to distribute the work in ways that deepen the debate around our most critical social issues. We are open to funding at all stages (production, post-production, distribution and outreach) but will give priority to projects and that are well positioned to make an impact quickly.
Ford Foundation	JustFilms	JustFilms supports ideas, individuals, institutions, and networks that accelerate progress toward social justice through creative, artist-driven visual storytelling, with a special focus on documentary work. We build and support networks to increase resources in the field, develop artists as leaders, and connect film and interactive storytellers with the tools and talent they need to do their best work, amplify their message, and extend the impact of their projects.
Fork Filks	Fork Films Fund	Since 2011 Fork Films has supported independent filmmakers by making grants and strategic investments in films that align with our mission. Awarded grants for feature length documentary projects in development, production and post-production. generally range from $10,000 to $50,000.
Frameline	Frameline Completion Fund	The Frameline Completion Fund seeks submissions from emerging and established filmmakers for documentary, educational, narrative, animated or experimental projects about LGBTQ people and their communities. Grants up to $5,000 are available.
FRONTLINE	Proposals	FRONTLINE is committed to providing a venue for engaging documentaries that fully explore and illuminate the critical issues of our times. They seek credible, thoughtful reporting combined with powerful narrative, and a good story well told. FRONTLINE accepts well-researched film proposals, completed films and works-in-progress—including films in production, films at rough cut and films with substantial funding in-hand.
Hartley Film Foundation	Grants with Fiscal Sponsorship	Hartley Film Foundation awards grants for compelling character-driven documentaries that illuminate the impact of religoins on the world today. The Foundation provides support through seed grants and fiscal sponsorship. The Foundation does not provide production, finishing or outreach grants. Hartley also provides filmmakers with fiscal sponsorship services.
Hong Kong Documentary Initiative	Lee Hysan Documentary Seed Grants	The Lee Hysan Foundation will provide seed funding and in collaboration with JMSC and CNEX, provide mentorship and professional guidance on production and post-production to start-up filmmakers. Up to 5 seed grants will be awarded each year. Each project will receive a grant of HK$800,000 (for short films under 30 minutes in length) to HK$150,000 (for feature films of around 80 minutes in length). A creative advisor will be assigned to each project to give one-on-one coaching. Grantees will be offered 9 months of residence at the JMSC/HKU, during which they will be given work space and access to JMSC facilities, including audio and video labs, workstations, networking lounge, screening room, editing suites, video studio, audio studio, and digital lab. Grantee owns the rights of the documentary production.
Hot Docs	Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund	The Hot Docs-Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund helps enable more African documentary filmmakers to tell their own stories and contribute to a new generation of the African documentary community. In 2016, the Fund was renewed with an additional $1.25 million CAD, bringing the total investment to $2.35 million. The Fund provides development grants of up to $10,000 CAD and production grants of up to $40,000 CAD are awarded to approximately four to 10 projects annually.
Hot Docs	CrossCurrents Doc Fund	The CrossCurrents Doc Fund is an international production fund that fosters storytelling from within communities whose perspectives have been historically underrepresented or marginalized. The Fund supports filmmakers from within these communities, especially emerging talent, who can illustrate a relationship between their film's subject and their own experience. There are now 2 streams. The Theatrical stream was introduced in 2016 to address the needs of filmmakers with feature projects. Every year, one or more projects will each receive a grant of up to $30,000 CAD. The Shorts/Interactive/Experimental stream is dedicated to short, interactive or experimental works, awarding one $10,000 CAD grant and Hot Docs fellowship to one applicant each year.
Hot Docs	Shaw Media Funds	Since their inception in 2008, the Shaw Media-Hot Docs Funds have supported 143 documentaries with more than $3.2-million, and have helped nurture Canadian talent and bring diverse perspectives to the screen. The Funds consist of a $3-million Completion Fund and a $1-million Development Fund that aim to provide Canadian documentary filmmakers with much needed financial support at critical stages in their projects.
Hot Docs	Ted Rogers Fund	In June 2016, Hot Docs and Rogers Foundation founded the $1-million Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund to support Canadian documentary filmmakers. Over the coming 10 years, production grants will be distributed to Canadian documentary filmmakers. Up to $35,000 will be granted to three or four projects each year. Applications are open to Canadian filmmakers with projects in production.
IFFR Industry Hubert Bals Fund	HBF Post-Production Support	A post-production grant can be used for various activities in the post-production process of a film (e.g. editing, colour grading or sound mixing). In return for its post-production support, the Hubert Bals Fund requests that the world premiere of the film takes place at International Film Festival Rotterdam and the fund requests the film's distribution rights for the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The maximum contribution in this category is €20,000.
Impact Partners	Impact Partners Fund	At Impact Partners, we look to finance powerful documentaries that address contemporary social issues. We welcome unsolicited submissions.
Independent Lens	Submissions	Independent Lens is currently seeking submissions of films in advanced rough cut or fine cut stage or completed films to broadcast. When selecting programs, Independent Lens considers a range of factors, including the quality of the filmmaking, the timeliness of the story, and audience appeal. Programs should offer a fresh perspective, especially if the topic has been explored on other PBS series.
Influence Film Foundation	Influence Film Foundation	Influence Film Foundation provides funds for passionate films made by passionate filmmakers. We provide completion funding to character driven feature-length documentaries that address issues of social importance from around the world. We bring financers and filmmakers together to make films that tell the stories of our time.
International Documentary Association (IDA)	IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund	The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund, with major support from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, provides production and development funds to feature-length documentary films taking on in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories and integrating journalistic practice into the filmmaking process. In addition to funds, grantees will receive additional resources and expertise tailored to the needs of the project. Inclusion and diversity, both in terms of the filmmaking team and subject matter, are a priority of the fund.
International Documentary Association (IDA)	Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund	The fund supports full-length documentary films that reflect the spirit and nature of Pare Lorentz's work, exhibiting objective research, artful storytelling, strong visual style, high production values, artistic writing, and outstanding music composition, as well as skillful direction, camerawork and editing. A program of the International Documentary Association, the Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund is made possible by The New York Community Trust.
International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA)	IDFA Bertha Fund	The IDFA Bertha Fund is the only fund in the world dedicated solely to stimulating and empowering the creative documentary sector in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. The IDFA Bertha Fund supports documentaries that make a difference. Documentaries are not only a creative form of artistic expression, but also an expression of a world-view and a lifestyle. These documentaries therefore often tackle controversial issues in developing countries covering such themes as social injustice, freedom of expression, human rights, poverty, economic justice and education.
Independent Television Service (ITVS)	Digital Open Call	The Digital Open Call provides up to $30,000 in R&D funding to develop and pilot digital series concepts on any subject, and from any viewpoint, for public media’s digital platforms. Projects must be in development, and cannot have begun principal production. The Digital Open Call funding is only available to independent producers who are citizens or legal residents of the U.S. and its external territories. Carefully review the full eligibility criteria before beginning an application.
Independent Television Service (ITVS)	Diversity Development Fund (DDF)	The Diversity Development Fund (DDF) provides up to $15,000 in research and development funding to producers of color to develop single documentary programs for public television. Funded activities may include travel, research, script development, preliminary production for fundraising/work-in-progress reels, or other early phase activities. DDF is not a grant; applicants receive funding in the form of a development agreement that assigns ITVS certain important rights over the project during the term of the contract.
Independent Television Service (ITVS)	Open Call	ITVS provides completion funds for single nonfiction public television programs on any subject, and from any viewpoint. While there is no minimum or maximum amount you can request, the average ITVS Open Call production agreement falls in the range of $150,000 - $350,000. Be realistic and request what you need to finish your program.
Jerome Foundation	MN / NYC Film, Video, and Digital Production Grant Programs	The Jerome Foundation offers production grants, for specific projects, of up to $30,000 for emerging film, digital production and video directors who reside in Minnesota and the five boroughs of New York City who work in the genres of experimental, narrative, animation or documentary.
Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB)	Public Media Content Fund (PMCF)	The Public Media Content Fund (PMCF) is an open invitation to independent producers to submit proposals for a program, limited series or short web-based digital new media video projects (no longer than 20 minutes) for distribution on PBS.org or another public media web platform on any subject that relates to or is representative of Latino Americans that is appropriate for public television and/or one of its platforms. LPB funding will average between $5,000 and $100,000 for programs of most genres, including documentary, narrative, performance, mixed genre or new media. LPB is interested in funding projects at the production and post-production stage.
LEF Foundation	Moving Image Fund Grants	The goal of LEF New England is to fund the work of independent documentary film and video artists in the region, and to broaden recognition and support for their work, both locally and nationally. It also supports programs that highlight the rich history and ongoing legacy of innovation within New England’s independent film community.
Mama Cash	Mama Cash Grant	Mama Cash supports ambitious feminist and women's rights organisations and initiatives led by and for women, girls and trans* people.
Manuel Rivera - Ortiz Foundation	“Short-Short” Documentary Grant	The Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation for Documentary Photography & Film will award a US$5,000 grant to a single completed “Short-Short” documentary film project. Our grant is open to up-and-coming, independent film makers and directors in all countries. Participant must be committed to the field of reportage and documentary film making.
MEDIMED	MEDIMED Documentary Market	MEDIMED is calling for entries of new documentary projects-in-development having in place a minimum of 25% of their budget and/or a broadcast guarantee or a co-production agreement. We are looking for European and Southern Mediterranean producers and filmmakers that can provide independently produced documentaries, projects engaging in creative risks, advancing issues and presenting points of views not often seen on television.
Milwaukee Film	Brico Forward Fund	Milwaukee Film's annual Brico Forward Fund supports worthy documentary and fiction film projects from the greater Milwaukee area that are in development or production. Awardees receive packages that combine cash (from a pool of at least $50,000) and production resources.
Mountainfilm Festival	Commitment Grant	Every year, we award five grants for $5,000 each to filmmakers, photographers, artists and adventurers whose projects are intended to move audiences to action on issues that matter. Interested parties should apply if they’re creating a work that can be presented in a theater, gallery or more broadly on television and online. In particular, we seek projects that will have a positive and tangible effect on specific and vital issues. It's also essential that the project is invested with both the passion and capacity to be completed fully. The overarching intention of our granting program is to help ensure that important stories are both told and heard.
Movies That Matter Funding	Support Programme	To promote the screenings of human rights cinema worldwide, Movies that Matter Support Programme offers modest small grants to human rights film events in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, especially in countries with limited resources and freedom of press. Movies that Matter now offers grants up to €7,500.
NALAC Fund for the Arts	Artist & Ensemble Grants	NFA Grants for Latino Artists and Ensembles support the work of individual artists and ensembles in all disciplines. Open to Latino artists and ensembles in the United States.The NFA offers three grant categories for artists and ensembles: Project Grant ($5,000), Master Artist Grant ($15,000) and the San Antonio Artist Project Grant ($5,400).
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)	Funding Opportunities in Media Arts	The National Endowment for the Arts provides several funding opportunities for organizations working in media arts.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)	Media Projects: Production Grants	Media Projects: Production Grants support film, television, and radio projects for general audiences that encourage active engagement with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. All projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship in disciplines such as history, art history, film studies, literature, drama, religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology. Production grants support the production and distribution of films, television programs, and radio programs that promise to engage a broad public audience.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)	Media Projects: Development Grants	Media Projects: Development Grants support film, television, and radio projects for general audiences that encourage active engagement with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. All projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship in disciplines such as history, art history, film studies, literature, drama, religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology. Development grants enable media producers to collaborate with scholars to develop humanities content and to prepare programs for production. Grants should result in a script or detailed treatment and may also yield a plan for outreach and public engagement.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)	Digital Projects for the Public	Digital Projects for the Public grants support projects that significantly contribute to the public’s engagement with the humanities. Digital platforms—such as websites, mobile applications and tours, interactive touch screens and kiosks, games, and virtual environments—can reach diverse audiences and bring the humanities to life for the American people. The program offers three levels of support for digital projects: grants for Discovery projects (early-stage planning work), Prototyping projects (proof-of-concept development work), and Production projects (end-stage production and distribution work).
National Institute for Healthcare Management (NIHCM)	Journalism Grants	NIHCM Foundation supports timely health care journalism that informs efforts to improve the health of Americans and that examines emerging health issues and their implications for cost, quality and access. The grant divides a total of up to $250,000 among six to eight projects to provide funding for: health reporting, educational opportunities for health care reporters, and support for documentary films and their public engagement campaigns.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)	Documentary Grant	NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is offering a grant of up to $500,000 for the creation of a documentary film about the world-wide endeavor to redefine the kilogram and reboot the international measurement system. This is an opportunity to create a film that chronicles a fascinating and largely untold story in the world of science.
New York Women in Film & Television	Loreen Arbus Grant	Through the generosity of Loreen Arbus, New York Women in Film and Television has established the Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant. The film completion grant for $7,500 will be awarded to a woman filmmaker for a film on physical or developmental disability issues. Directors and producers are eligible to apply.
New Zealand Film Commission	Documentary Development	This financing is for documentary films that have a cinematic aesthetic and are of a significant enough scale (in terms of audience reach, story content, intended execution etc) to command a theatrical release. This financing is not available for television documentaries.
nextPix/firstPix	Crowd Funding Grants	nextPix/firstPix will fund films with a budget under $250k that are the first or second film by a director and are crowdfunding part of that budget. Rather than fund on a pre-determined cycle, we will accept queries from any film that is being crowdfunded at any point during the year. The film should have a positive humanitarian message. They will accept queries from any film that is being crowd funded at any point during the year.
Open Meadows Foundation	Open Meadows Foundation Grant	Open Meadows Foundation is a grant-making organization seeking projects that promote gender/racial/economic justice. The projects must be led by and benefit women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable communities. Open Meadows Foundation funds projects that do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual identity and expression, age or ability. It offers grants of up to $2000.
Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC)	Media Fund	Media Fund has four funding calls per fiscal year. Two calls for R&D funding applications, and two calls for Production or Completion funding applications. Applicants may apply with only one project per call. Each Media Fund call has four phases, and the entire process from Phase 1 to Phase 4 can take up to 10 weeks. Media Fund provides up to $15,000 for Research & Development (R&D), up to $50,000 in Production funding and up to $50,000 in Completion funding.
Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC)	Submissions	Pacific Heartbeat is a nationally distributed public television series produced by PIC in partnership with PBS Hawaii, and is presented and distributed by Boston-based American Public Television. It is an unprecedented collection of critically acclaimed documentaries centered on the Pacific Islander experience.
Pacific Pioneer Fund	Pacific Pioneer Fund	The purpose of the fund is to support emerging documentary filmmakers. The term "emerging" is intended to denote a person committed to the craft of making documentaries, who has demonstrated that commitment by several years -- but no more than ten -- of practical film or video experience. It provides $1,000-$10,000 in grants to support filmmakers who live and work in California, Oregon and Washington.
PBS/Corporation for Public Broadcasting	Open Grants	CPB provides funding for the development of public media television, radio, and digital content as well as multiplatform projects that reflect public media’s mission to educate, inform and inspire the American public by providing stories through diverse perspectives, genres, styles and technologies.
POV	Call for Entries	POV, public television's premier showcase for independent, nonfiction film seeks programs from all perspectives to showcase in its annual PBS series. All subjects, aesthetic approaches and lengths are welcomed.
Redford Center	Redford Center Grants	Redford Center Grants will provide grant funds, mentorship opportunities, and networking support to impact filmmakers who understand the power of a well-told, well-timed story to inspire positive change in the world.
Rogovy Foundation	Miller / Packan Film Fund	The Miller / Packan Film Fund supports documentaries that Educate, Inspire and Enrich. The Fund is financed through the Rogovy Foundation We believe in the transformational power that comes from enlightening narratives and inspiring characters. The Fund grants $150,000 annually to between six and ten filmmakers. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. The fund operates an open call submission process, and awards are announced bi-annually.
Rogovy Foundation	The Miller / Packan Focus Grant	The Miller / Packan Focus Grant provides $15,000 in development funding for specific documentary film topics selected by The Rogovy Foundation. Their goal is to encourage awareness, debate and solutions on issues identified as ripe for further discussion.
Rooftop Films	Filmmakers Fund	The goal of the Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund is to help our filmmakers make creative, intelligent, low-budget films. Since Rooftop Films inception in 1997, the mission of the organization has been to support an independent filmmaking community, and to help filmmakers at all stages of the process, from production to exhibition.
Roy W. Dean Film Grant	From The Heart Productions	The Roy W. Dean Grant funds short films, documentaries, and independent features that are budgeted under $500,000. They must be films that are unique and make a contribution to society. We fund compelling stories about little known subjects, historical films, and films that touch hearts. We like films that expose, and bring, important information to light; as well as films about little known people when there is a good story. We are story-tellers, and that is the main criteria for entering and winning our grants; stories that can change, heal, and enrich, our lives.
SFFILM	Documentary Film Fund	The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports riveting documentaries in postproduction distinguished by compelling stories, intriguing characters and an innovative visual approach. DFF grants are awarded once each year. Exact amounts of individual grants and the number of grants made will be determined on an annual basis. As with all SFFILM grants, in addition to the cash awards, recipients will gain access to SFFILM's FilmHouse residency space and dynamic suite of artist development services. Applications open in the spring; grantees are selected in late summer.
Scottish Documentary Institute	Bridging the Gap	The initiative aims to bridge the gap between training/graduation and a first commission by offering Scottish-based filmmakers the opportunity to work closely with Scottish Documentary Institute and make 10 minute documentaries.
Screen Australia	Screen Australia's Documentary Development	Screen Australia's Documentary Development program assists experienced documentary makers to achieve planned outcomes for the development of their projects. This could include further research, writing the next draft of a script or treatment, strategic shooting and/or editing to attract marketplace development or production finance, or compiling a sizzle reel. Applicants may apply for any amount up to $30,000.
Screen Institute Beirut	Film Fund	The Film Fund offers documentary production grants to emerging and proven talents in the region. Applicants are encouraged to produce films based on stories that relate to their own realities. The documentary grants enable low-budget films to be produced, finalised and distributed by offering crucial financial support, access to professional equipment, mentoring and professional advice. Financial support will be granted on the basis of a budget that reflects realistic, low-budget costs in the country of production. Projects will have to secure additional finance from other sources.
Seattle International Film Festival	True Productions + SIFF Documentary Filmmaking Grant	SIFF and True Productions have partnered to underwrite two $50,000 documentary grants for filmmakers. The sole purpose of the grants is to invest in the filmmaking community, the filmmaking process, and - most of all - the art of true storytelling through the lens.
SØRFOND	Norwegian South Film Fund	Filmmakers in developing countries have the need for both production capital and international professional networks. It is in that spirit that SØRFOND was created. The grant shall contribute to strengthen film as a cultural expression, to promote diversity and artistic integrity on the international film scene, and to strengthen freedom of expression. The grant shall also contribute to an increased cooperation between Norwegian and international film industries.
Southern Documentary Fund	SDF Filmmaking Grants	The Southern Documentary Fund supports documentary films made in or about North Carolina through our annual filmmaking grants. These grants are made possible thanks to generous support from The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation.
Sundance Institute	Documentary Fund	The Sundance Documentary Fund provides grants to filmmakers worldwide for projects that display: artful film language, effective storytelling, originality and feasibility, contemporary cultural relevance, and potential to reach and connect with its intended audience. Preference is given to projects that convey clear story structure, higher stakes and contemporary relevance, forward going action or questions, demonstrated access to subjects, and quality use of film craft. Grants include development (up to $20,000), production/post-production (up to $50,000), audience Engagement (up to $20,000) and additional opportunities by nomination.
Telefilm Canada	Theatrical Documentary Program	The Theatrical Documentary Program provides funding for projects during their production and post-production stages. This public-private collaboration allows for the co-funding of feature-length documentaries that can connect with audiences, at movie theatres as well as on related platforms.
Tribeca Film Institute (TFI)	Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund	We provide finishing funds to feature-length documentaries which highlight and humanize issues of social importance from around the world. For films, based anywhere, that are in production or post-production with the intended premiere exhibition. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000.
Tribeca Film Institute (TFI)	TFI Documentary Fund	TFI Documentary Fund supports exceptional character-driven, nonfiction works that spotlight contemporary themes with an original focus and bold, creative filmmaking. The TFI Documentary Fund supports feature documentaries, from all over the world, that are in advanced stages of development or in production or post-production. Grant amounts range from $25,000 - $50,000.
Tribeca Film Institute (TFI)	TFI Latin America Media Arts Fund	TFI Latin America Media Arts Fund supports innovative film and video artists living and working in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America whose works reflect their diverse cultures in the scripted, documentary or mixed media form. Grants up to $12,000 for projects that are in the advanced stages of development, production or post-production.
Tribeca Film Institute (TFI)	Tribeca All Access	Celebrating over ten years, TAA supports working filmmakers and producers, based in U.S. and Puerto Rico, who come from communities underrepresented in the film industry and whose projects are in all stages of production or post (except for TAA Interactive which is only for projects in development).
Tribeca Film Institute (TFI)	TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund	The Tribeca Film Institute's Sloan Filmmaker Fund provides grants and professional guidance in support of innovative and compelling narrative features that offer a fresh take on scientific, mathematic and technological themes. Project Status: For films in any stage, based anywhere. Grants range from $10,000-$75,000.
Vision Maker Media	Public Media Content Fund	Vision Maker Media invites proposals for programs intended for Public Television that represent the experiences, values and cultures of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Projects should be accessible to a broad audience, have the potential for a national broadcast, and be used for effective outreach/community engagement activities to reach audiences beyond a Public Television broadcast.
Visions Sud Est	Swiss Production Fund	Swiss Production Fund encourages independent production and subsequent distribution in Switzerland and in Europe of full-length (with a duration of at least 70 minutes) cinema fictional films and documentaries in postproduction (no short films, no TV films!) from the South (Africa, Latin America and Asia) and Eastern Europe (excluding EU members). The film makers must imperatively be from these countries. Therefore, the main part of the project must be shot in these countries and - except in special circumstances - in the local or regional language.
Whickers World Foundation	The Funding Award	Each year £80,000 will be awarded to an emerging filmmaker with the most promising pitch for an authored documentary which fulfils the core criteria of the foundation and can be completed for screening with this award.
Women In Film	Film Finishing Fund	The Women In Film Finishing Fund gives grants to filmmakers working in both short and long formats, in all genres — narrative, documentary, animated and experimental.

If you have an addition, update or correction, please email filmmakers@pov.org and let us know!
Last Updated: 3/12/2018