Whether you blew all your money on egg nog, or you're hiding from your relatives during the holidays, this season could be a great time to sequester yourself in a room and apply, apply, apply. As always, the following opportunities are organized by deadline—from early December through February—and by category: documentaries, narratives, screenwriting, and new media. This season, many granting institutions have skewed their deadlines away from December and towards January and February, giving you even more time. Good luck!
If you're looking for a head-start on a different granting season, check out our most recent spring grants, summergrants, and fallgrants roundups.
Note: An asterisk next to the grant title means there is an equivalent grant for both doc and narrative.
As always, use your best judgment when deciding to apply.
Documentary
'Akicita: The Battle of Standing Rock" directed by Cody Lucich was a recipient of the Sundance Documentary Fund for Development.
The Center for Asian American Media will award between $15,000 and $50,000 for public television appropriate programs. From CAAM:
With support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), 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.
Deadlines: December 7 (Late)
A core component of Sundance's Documentary Film Program, this competitive grant looks for artful films about relevant topics, and it can get you $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the application type (Development, Production/PostProduction, Audience Engagement). From the Sundance Institute:
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.
Deadline: December 16 (for March decision)
The Scottish Documentary Institute Consultancies
The Scottish Documentary Institute is rapidly becoming a renowned force behind interesting documentaries coming out of the region, so if you're based in Scotland, the Consultancies are a good way to get your foot in the door. From SDI:
Throughout the year we can offer professional consultancies to Scotland-based filmmakers and for projects (shorts and features) in development, production or distribution. Our consultants include SDI core team members as well as first rate UK based and international external advisors.
Deadline: January 5
If you have a work-in-progress for a standard broadcast length film, this co-production funding of $150,000 to $350,000 from ITVS is the stuff doc dreams are made from. From ITVS:
We’re looking for exceptional storytelling that’s in line with our mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, and are seldom seen in public media. We know how hard you’ve worked on your project, and we’ll partner with you to help you finish it, then distribute it on public television.
Deadline: Opens January 8
NEH Media Projects Production Grants
The National Endowment for the Humanities is the big daddy of government support for documentaries that address the humanities. The application process isn't easy—in the past elements that been required an experienced team, a non-profit organization or fiscal sponsor, two humanities advisors, and a lengthy application (Ken Burns' project descriptions are rumored to have been around 40 pages), but the payoff is worth it: one-to-three year grants up to $650,000 range. From NEH:
The Media Projects program supports documentary film, television, radio, and podcast projects that engage public audiences 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, religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology. Projects must also demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical. The approach to the subject matter must go beyond the mere presentation of factual information to explore its larger significance and stimulate reflection. NEH is a national funding agency, so the projects that we support must demonstrate the potential to attract a broad general audience.
Deadline: January 9 (if you submitted a draft by November 28)
Like the above production grants, the development grants are for documentaries that address topics in the humanities, and the application process is just as extensive. The awards range from $40,000 to $75,000. From NEH:
Development awards enable media producers to collaborate with scholars to develop humanities content and to prepare programs for production. Awards should result in a script (for documentary film or television programs) or a detailed treatment (for radio programs or podcasts) and may also yield a plan for outreach and public engagement.
Deadline: January 9 (if you submitted a draft by November 28)
Screen Australia: Documentary Development
If you're looking to develop an Australian documentary or co-production, you could get up to $30,000 for development from Screen Australia:
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.
Deadline: February 1 (for March 18 decision)
Sundance Documentary Creative Producing Fellowship and Lab
The Sundance Institute will choose five emerging producers with projects in production or post-production to attend the Creative Producing Lab and be part of a yearlong mentorship program. From Sundance:
The core of the Creative Producing Program are its Labs that identify and nurture the independent producer. There are three different producing Labs throughout the year, depending on your area of focus: Documentary, Feature Film, and Native.
Deadline: February 12
If you're a film based in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe and you're looking for either production or post-production support, Visions Sud Est can be good for 20,000 Swiss francs on narrative features and 10,000 Swiss francs for documentaries. From Visions Sud Est:
The Swiss fund Visions Sud Est was initiated by the Foundation trigon-film Baden and the Fribourg Film Festival, with the collaboration of Nyon's Visions du Reel and the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. It supports film productions from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, aims at making them visible worldwide and guarantees their distribution in Switzerland.
Deadline: February 27
Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund
The Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund supports 4-10 feature-length documentaries the highlight issues of social importance in the range of $10,000 to $25,000. This year, two-to-five additional grants will be provided for docs about extraordinary women. From TFI:
The Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund will provide funding to 4-10 feature-length documentaries that highlight and humanize issues of social importance from around the world. Funded films will be driven by thoughtful and in-depth storytelling, bolstered by a compelling visual approach. For films, based anywhere, that are in production or post-production with the intended premiere exhibition.
Deadline: Typically opens mid-February
Launched to honor the memory of filmmaker Derek Freese, this finishing fund is given biennially to an independent filmmaker and provides up to $35,000. From the Derek Freese Film Foundation:
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.
Deadline: Opens January
Film Independent Documentary Lab
If you've got a feature documentary at the rough cut stage (or in early post-production in a few exceptional cases), why not apply to Film Independent's mentorship program that includes exposure to industry professionals and year-round mentorship. Additionally for 2019, one lab participant will snag $10K in support from Susan Murdy Documentary Film Fellowship. From FIND:
Through a series of meetings and workshops, the Documentary Lab provides creative feedback and story notes to participating filmmakers, while helping them strategize for the completion, distribution, and marketing of their films. Additionally, the program serves to advance the careers of its Fellows by making introductions to film professionals who can advise on both the craft and business of documentary filmmaking.
Deadline: December 3 (December 17, for Film Independent Members)
The Fledgling Fund for Documentary Film Outreach and Engagement or Rapid Story Deployment Fund
If your documentary has the potential to make a difference when it comes to an important issue, the Fledgling Fund will support Outreach and Engagement to an average $10,000 to $25,000, and Rapid Story Deployment with $2,500 to $10,000. From the Fledgling Fund:
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 health and well being of the most vulnerable.
Deadline: Rolling
If you're just starting out on a documentary, you know how hard it is to raise money when you have nothing to show. Because, hey, you need money to shoot something to show! The Catapult Film Fund will give you $5,000 to $20,000 to shoot enough footage so you can fundraise for the rest of the project. From Catapult:
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 develop their films to the next level at a moment where funding is hard to find.
Deadline: Rolling
Narrative
'Sorry to Bother You' directed by Boots Riley was a recipient of the SFFILM Rainin Grant.
American Zoetrope Coppola Shorts 2018
A new initiative from the Francis Ford Coppola founded American Zoetrope, this contest calls for a short film and this year's guest judge is none of than Gus Van Sant! From American Zoetrope:
At Zoetrope: All-Story and Francis Ford Coppola Winery, we believe anyone has the potential to be one of the greats. Prove us right: enter your 3- to 10-minute short film in the FRANCIS COPPOLA DIRECTOR’S SHORT FILM COMPETITION for a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize and have your film screened at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery lounge at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival!
Deadline: November 29
Now accepting shorts, features, documentaries, or series, if you’ve got a script or are in early stages of production, you could score up to $30,000 in financing and production services. From ScreenCraft:
In partnership with BondIt Media Capital, a film & media fund based in Beverly Hills, ScreenCraft is offering two production grants per year to talented filmmakers for narrative features, short films and TV pilot series scripts and documentaries that display originality, vision & exceptional potential. Grant amounts will vary from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the scale and merit of each project. This program includes creative development from the ScreenCraft team and production guidance and resources from BondIt Media Capital and Buffalo 8 Productions.
Deadline: December 1
Back for its third funding session, this initiative will award up to $10,000 to a filmmaker with the best one-sentence idea for a short film. From Thomas Verdi of The Film Fund:
Starting out as an independent filmmaker, I found myself struggling to raise financing and find resources for my film projects. It appeared that those who already had industry experience or access to better resources and crew dominated most contests and funding opportunities. We're providing funding up to $10,000 for short films in a way that's a lot simpler than screenwriting contests, crowdfunding, or applying to grants, because I'm sick of seeing these funding avenues dominated by industry experts.
Deadline: December 2
Doha Film Institute Grants Programme
The Doha Institute is around to seek out new cinematic voices from Qatar as well as from around the world. Grants for Qatar-based filmmakers are rolling, and the international applicant deadline is below. You can apply for funding for development, production, or pre-production depending on where you are a MENA or non-MENA application (Middle East and North Africa.) From the DFIGP:
The Institute’s approach is to champion projects whose thrust is to explore, expand and cultivate authentic storytelling, with a keen interest in propelling forward contemporary work that demonstrates a deep understanding of the specific possibilities of the medium of cinema. The Programme provides creative and financial assistance to filmmakers from Qatar, and to first- and second-time filmmakers from around the globe.
Deadline: Opens January 10, closes January 22
LEF Moving Image Fund: Production & Post-Production
Specifically for New England filmmakers with film budgets under $400,000, the LEF Moving Image Fund supports original and creative films. From LEF:
The strongest proposals will be those that clearly articulate the ways in which the proposed project embodies the program’s funding criteria. A maximum of (6) grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to projects in the production phase during LEF’s major grants review. A maximum of (3) grants of $25,000 each will be awarded to projects in the post-production phase during LEF’s major grants review. In order to be eligible for Post-Production support, the project for which you are applying must have received previous LEF support.
Deadline: January 25
SFFILM/Westridge Development Grant
This initiative supports the development of narrative feature films that tackle important issues of our time, and will dole out four to five grants up to $25K, among other benefits. From SFFILM:
In addition to financial support, recipients receive a range of benefits through SFFILM's comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs, as well as support and feedback from SFFILM and Westridge Foundation staff. The SFFILM / Westridge Grant is open to US-based filmmakers whose stories take place in the United States. All grantees will spend one week in the Bay Area attending a programmed retreat geared towards honing their craft, strengthening their scripts, and making connections to other filmmakers and industry professionals. Travel and accommodation for the retreat will be provided.
Deadline: February 6 (Regular), February 20 (Late)
SFFILM/Rainin Filmmaking Grant
If you plan to tackle a social justice issue in a meaningful and creative way, you should apply to this grant from the largest granting body for independent narrative feature films in the US. Development and Post-Production grants can be up to $25K, with Production Grants at around $75K, in addition to other support like the 6-month FilmHouse residency. From SFFILM:
The SFFILM / Rainin Filmmaking Grants program provides meaningful support to projects that benefit and uplift the Bay Area filmmaking community in a professional and economic capacity. The grant is open to filmmakers internationally whose films explore social justice and can commit to spending time developing the work in San Francisco, with priority given to Bay Area based filmmakers.Please note: Post-production funding is now open to films without Bay Area spending but that exemplify the strongest social justice storytelling.
Deadline: February 6 (Regular), February 20 (Late)
Sundance Feature Film Creative Producing Fellowship and Lab
The Sundance Institute will choose five emerging producers with projects in pre-production to attend the Feature Film Creative Producing Lab, the Creative Producing Summit, and the Sundance Film Festival, as well as receive $10,000 in stipends and yearlong mentorship. From Sundance:
The core of the Creative Producing Program are its Labs that identify and nurture the independent producer. There are three different producing Labs throughout the year, depending on your area of focus: Documentary, Feature Film, and Native.
Deadline: February 12
Would an intensive workshop help you to refine the pilot to your episodic masterpiece? From FIND:
Designed to support writers with original long-form episodic projects, Film Independent’s Episodic Lab will take place in Los Angeles in August 2018. The lab, which will meet several nights a week, will accept a diverse group of 6-8 writers or writing teams and provide them with critical support and mentorship. Through personalized feedback from experienced showrunners, creative producers and executives, fellows will gain the tools to revise and refine their pilots and navigate a changing industry landscape.
Deadline: February 12
This will be the fifth year of the Episodic Story Lab, and will choose writers/filmmakers with an original episodic pilot for a six-day fellowship. From Sundance:
The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab is a six-day program at the Sundance Resort in Utah that offers writers the opportunity to workshop an original pilot script, while developing their writing and pitching skills. Working with accomplished showrunners, non-writing creative producers and executives, the Fellows participate in one-on-one story meetings, pitching sessions, and simulated writers rooms, which together provide creative and strategic keys to success.
Deadline: Opens February 13, closes TBA
Screen Australia’s Feature Film Production Program
If you're an Australian-based filmmaker, you have got to get in touch with Screen Australia. The government film agency throws down major funds for low-budget features, documentaries, and large format programs, including up to 65% of your feature film budget if it meets the criteria. From Screen Australia:
Screen Australia’s Feature Film Production program aims to support a diverse slate of Australian films for theatrical release that entertain and enlighten domestic and international audiences while reflecting the unique characteristics of Australian identity.
Deadline: February 22 (April 29 decision)
The Green Room Filmmaker Fund*
If you're a filmmaker with any projects, including fiction, non-fiction, short films, docs, experimental any stage of production and you register with The Green Room, you could score $50K in their third round of granting. From The Green Room:
To celebrate the launch of The Green Room – The Global Filmmaker Networking App, and promote independent film making, we have created a film fund of $50,000 to be awarded to projects registered through The Green Room Network. Our International Jury will select the successful projects over four funding rounds. The number of projects selected and their respective funding are at the discretion of the jury and selection committee.
Deadline: Rolling
National Film Board of Canada Filmmaker Assistance Program*
If you're a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant, the Film Board of Canada has ten provinces that offer emerging filmmakers $3,000 - $5,000 grants a year in technical services to complete your film. Deadlines depend on the province, so be sure to check them out individually. From NFBC:
The National Film Board’s mandate is to reflect Canadian values and perspectives through the production and distribution of innovative Canadian audiovisual works accessible in relevant media of today. The Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) is designed to help developing independent filmmakers complete their films/videos by providing technical services and support.
Deadline: Check for your specific region
Sundance Creative Distribution Fellowship
Need help releasing your film as far and wide as it can possibly go? Why not let the people at Sundance (formerly called #ArtistServices) be your guide. From the Sundance Institute:
We are seeking films at all budget levels featuring distinctive, singular voices. We will select three or four films on a rolling basis, and we will support fellows during their initial release period (6 - 12 months). Films will be selected by a committee comprised of the Creative Distribution team along with key representatives from the Institute’s Feature Film, Documentary, and Festival programs. Our evaluation process will have two stages. We will initially review applications reviewing essay questions and a trailer or clip. After this initial review, we will invite select applicants to submit their feature in its entirety, and notify others that their project has been declined.
Deadline: Open Until Full
Panavision's New Filmmaker Program
If you are a student or a low-budget indie maker, Panavision might supply you with free camera packages. From Panavision:
The New Filmmaker Program loans film or digital camera packages (based on availability) to filmmakers for student thesis films, “low-budget” independent features, showcase reels, Public Service Announcements, or any other type of short not-for-profit project.
Deadline: Rolling
Big Vision Empty Wallet Incubator Fellowship
If you have a project—particularly one at the early stages—on which the writer, director, or producer is a woman, person of color, or member of the LGBTQ community, stay tuned for the next round of submissions later this year. From BVEW:
We choose talented fellows with compelling POVs to develop work with and the projects that move forward through our incubator feed into Big Vision Creative, our NY-based, but palm-tree-loving production company. We require every project that we work on to have an inclusive team. Representation on screen matters to us too, as we’re sure it does to you! Unless you want to see a whole slate of projects about middle-aged white men tricking 20-year-olds into falling in love with them as they save the country/the Great Wall of China/the world from robots. We develop entertaining and unexpected concepts that both indie and mainstream audiences can enjoy.
Deadline: Rolling
Film Independent Sloan Distribution Grant
If you have a nearly completed (or finished) a narrative film with a leading character that is a scientist, engineer or mathematician, this grant could be for you. From FIND:
The Sloan Distribution Grant will be a $50,000 grant awarded by Film Independent to a film that is entering its distribution phase...Eligible films must depict themes, stories, and characters grounded in real science, technology or economics.
Deadline: Rolling
Screenwriting
Script Pipeline Great Movie Idea Contest
If you have a catchy logline, synopsis, or video pitch, you could win $1K and pitch development. From Script Pipeline:
For the winner, Script Pipeline provides additional, long-term assistance to refine the pitch, or help the writer draft a polished screenplay. Our execs review the project and offer feedback at all stages of development. When the work is ready for circulation, we send the material to specific producers who would be a good match--a network of over 200 companies that includes partners at Good Fear Film + Management (Mulan), Madhouse Entertainment (Slender Man), QC Entertainment (Get Out), Lakeshore Entertainment (Age of Adaline), and others looking for relevant, high-concept, marketable films.
Deadline: December 15
ScreenCraft Cinematic Short Story Contest
If you've got a short story with cinematic potential, you could win $1,000 and introduction to a plethora of literary agents. From Screencraft:
Our jury is looking for short stories (not scripts) with special cinematic potential. Whether you’re writing flash fiction or a novella, we want to read your story! The grand prize winner will receive $1,000 and personal introductions to literary agents, managers, producers and publishers. The top 5 finalists will be read by our network of over 40 literary and entertainment industry professionals.
Deadline: December 16
ScreenCraft Family Screenplay Contest
If you have a family-friendly script, you could win $1000 and an in-person introduction to a literary manager. From ScreenCraft:
Calling all family-friendly feature film screenplays! Families are the most influential moviegoing audience, yet there’s a surprising lack of high-quality films that appeal to the WHOLE family. This contest avoids the genre-bias of some other contests by seeking exclusively screenplays that are life-affirming stories of faith, courage, hope and love. Whether you have a family drama, comedy, animation, or action-adventure film, WE WANT TO READ YOUR SCRIPT.
Deadline: December 30
Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
Want $25K and script circulation from this longstanding competition? Check out Script Pipeline:
Now in its 16th year, the Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition seeks talented writers and exceptional screenplays to connect with production companies, agencies, and managers. Launched in 2003 as part of the early wave of screenwriting contests, Script Pipeline continues to cultivate relationships with the industry’s top executives, focused specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, unique storytelling, and pushing more original projects into production.
Deadline: December 31 (pre-registration)
ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship
In its 5th year, ScreenCraft's Screenwriting Fellowship offers winners an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood and three months of one-on-one consultations with the ScreenCraft staff and mentors, and meetings with lit agents. From ScreenCraft:
The chosen recipients will receive ongoing professional support and a special trip to Los Angeles for meetings and introductions to key entertainment executives, producers and representatives...Past ScreenCraft Fellowship winners have optioned their projects and signed with top representatives at 3 Arts Entertainment, United Talent Agency, Creative Artists Agency, Anonymous Content, Paradigm Talent Agency, ICM, Bellevue Productions, Plattform and more.
Deadline: January 1
Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Competition
A popular screenwriting competition now in its 20th year, first prize gets $10K, and genre winners get $500 a pop. From Scriptapalooza:
From choosing our judges to creating opportunities, our top priority has always been the writer. We surround ourselves with reputable and successful companies, including the many producers, literary agents, and managers who read your scripts. Our past winners have won Emmys, been signed by agents, managers, had their scripts optioned, and even made into movies. But the most important prize of all is this: Scriptapalooza will promote, pitch, and push the Semifinalists and higher for a full year. No other competition in the world does that.
Deadline: January 7 (Early)
Now introducing an additional preschool track, this writing program gives you a salaried position for a year as you get hands-on experience writing specs and pitching stories. From Nickelodeon:
The Nickelodeon Writing Program offers emerging television writers from around the world a paid opportunity to develop their craft and launch their careers. While in the Program, writers hone their skills, build a professional network and gain real-world experience in writers’ rooms for our critically acclaimed live-action and animated shows. The General Track is a 12-month commitment. The Preschool track offers the same talent development opportunities with a focus on Nick Jr. content. The Preschool Track is a 6-month commitment.
Deadline: Opens January 2, Closes January 31
SFFILM/Westridge Screenwriting Grant
A new fund from SFFILM, the screenwriting component of this initiative aims to get you capital and a completed screenplay at the end of the program. From SFFILM:
Grants to filmmakers in the screenwriting phase range between $20,000 and $25,000, and are awarded to writers or writer/directors who have at least one draft of their screenplay completed. The expectation is that, at the end of the six-month grant period, screenwriting grantees will have a final or nearly-final draft of their script completed.
Deadline: Opens February 6, closes February 20
SFFILM/Rainin Screenwriting Grant
If you plan to tackle a social justice issue in a meaningful and creative way, you should apply to this grant which is the largest granting body for independent narrative feature films in the US. From SFFILM:
These grants range between $10,000 and $25,000 to support writers develop their screenplay in the Bay Area, including a two month FilmHouse residency with peer and established mentorship engagement. Screenplays must tackle social justice issues.
Deadline: Opens February 6, closes February 20
New Media
Stereopsia World Immersion Program*
Taking place in Brussels from December 5 -7 in 2018, this conference features panels, screenings, networking and an awards ceremony. From Stereopsia:
Stereopsia is an international event dedicated to all forms of 3D / XR / AI. It features a series of top-notch thematic and scientific conferences, panels with international experts, exhibition & demos, exceptional networking opportunities, and awards. This international event is organized in close collaboration with the Hollywood-based Advanced Imaging Society and their EMEA Chapter, and it bestows their prestigious Lumiere Awards to exceptional 3D Cinema and 3D VR content makers.
Deadline: December 3 (Late registration)
A competitive initiative from the National Endowment of the Arts, awards range from $10K-$100K and must have a 501c3 organization that can apply. (Fiscal sponsors do not count.) From the NEA:
The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to support activities that reflect the dynamic, diverse, and evolving nature of the media arts field. Applicants may apply in this Art Works category for media arts projects that support creation, exhibition, education, and distribution of historic and contemporary artworks in all genres and forms that use electronic media, film and technology (analog & digital; old and new) as an artistic medium or a medium to broaden arts appreciation and awareness (of any discipline). All genres are welcome to apply; all phases of project support are eligible.
Deadline: February 14
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation New Media Grants
If you have a films that incorporates all that is cool about science and you have a fiscal sponsor that can accept the award for you (like the Sloan-funded VR film about LIGO) like this New Media grant could be worth exploring. From Sloan:
Program goal: Advance public understanding and engagement with science through the support of innovative projects that use a range of media to reach a broad, cross-cultural audience. Grants support both traditional and web-native media that fall outside the other Public Understanding programs. Supported media types include opera, dance, music, museum exhibits, interactive games, smartphone apps, ebooks, web-native video, conferences, art and science festivals, and other cultural events.
Deadline: Rolling
The Virtual Reality Venture Capital Alliance
Looking for investment in your super cool VR project? Comprised of 47 VR investors who hold investment meetings between San Francisco and Shenzen, check out the people at VRCVA:
We invest in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed reality startups of any size from anywhere around the world. We meet six times a year with our base of operations out of Beijing and San Francisco. Our network spans the entire globe, so it doesn't matter where you are, as long as you are doing something game-changing, we want to help you realize your dream. We are not searching for the next technology revolution because it is already here. We are searching for the next entrepreneur to lead it.
Deadline: Open Deadline (March 15 next meeting in Shenzen)
Are you a VR content developer who can build on and support the open ecosystem? This $5million fund from Razer could be worth looking in to. From OSVR:
OSVR knows that VR content developers can’t afford to be limited by walled gardens and closed ecosystems. By supporting OSVR, developers can not only remain focused on creating the best VR experience without any limitations, but instantly gain audience as new VR platforms get released. This fund is open to all developers, indie or major, to apply. For every successful applicant, OSVR funding partners will purchase copies of their content in exchange for OSVR integration.
Deadline: Rolling
This $1million dollar fund from Merge could get you funding for your project. From Merge:
We’re committed to supporting your vision and want to invest in you! Whether you’re building an educational game, a digital toy, or another innovative AR/VR experience, we want to help make your ideas a reality.
Deadline: Rolling
Positioned as an intimate VR community of no more than 200 creators, Kaleidoscope acceptance could lead to funding from the likes of Oculus and invitations to events like World Tour and the DevLab content accelerator. From Kaleidoscope:
At Kaleidoscope our mission is to give independent VR creators and studios the resources they need to do great work. An invite-only community, Kaleidoscope helps secure financing, distribution and exposure for premium VR content.
Deadline: Rolling
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation New Media Grants
If you have a film that incorporates all that is cool about science and you have a fiscal sponsor that can accept the award for you (like the Sloan-funded VR film about LIGO) like this New Media grant could be worth exploring. From Sloan:
Program goal: Advance public understanding and engagement with science through the support of innovative projects that use a range of media to reach a broad, cross-cultural audience. Grants support both traditional and web-native media that fall outside the other Public Understanding programs. Supported media types include opera, dance, music, museum exhibits, interactive games, smartphone apps, ebooks, web-native video, conferences, art and science festivals, and other cultural events.
Deadline: Rolling
Useful Links:
- IFP’s Guide to Granting Organizations — IFP
- POV's Documentary Funding Calendar — PBS
- indiefilmTO's The Ultimate Guide To Grant Writing (For Filmmakers In 2018)
- Huffington Post's Best Screenwriting Contests & Fellowships of 2018 — HuffPo
Keep an eye on our Grants, Contests & Awards section where we will be sharing new opportunities that come up throughout the season.
Do you know of a grant or other opportunity that's not listed here? Share in the comments!
Featured header image from the production of '306 Hollywood' directed by Elan and Jonathan Bogarin, recipients of support from the Sundance Documentary Fund.
ShōgunFX
ShōgunKatie Yu/FX
