The Ultimate Film Grants List for Every Filmmaker in 2020

1.1 grants, fellowships & labs

The lowdown on film grants

Research is key when applying for film funding.

It doesn’t matter if you are going after a short film grant, feature, or documentary grant, you want to know what you’re applying for.

See, there are subtle differences between film grants, fellowships, and filmmaking labs. Those differences may impact how or when you can use the funds. Or what you can use them on.

You should know the key differences and how to use them to your advantage.

Film grants are usually unrestricted funds, services, or equipment that can be used for the development, production, or distribution of a project. They do not have to be repaid.

Often the awarding entity will want status updates or recognition in the film's credits. Film grants give independent filmmakers the most freedom.

Here's more information on film grants:

1.1 GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS & LABS

Get continued commitment with fellowships

Film fellowships are different in that they may require a service commitment of some kind. These may also include a residency requirement and additional follow-up with the awarding committee on the project’s progress.

One of the most widely known fellowship is from the Sloan Foundation and is a part of the Sundance, Tribeca and San Francisco Film Festivals.  

These fellowships are for artists writing specifically on themes of science.  

They require attendance at mentor meetings and labs and usually cover the cost of living for up to three months.

1.1 GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS & LABS

Learn faster with your peers

Film Labs may or may not include a stipend for living or travel and have a heavy focus on mentoring and craft.

While a lab might sound time-consuming and restrictive, it is still a great way to secure film funding for your project.  Labs are also great ways to network for future opportunities.

Filmmakers that are chosen for lab participation usually have a leg-up in programming for a particular festival.  

Also, inclusion in a lab will usually open more doors for a project on completion.

Independent filmmakers shouldn’t feel confined to finding money through investors.

Especially when there are so many great short film grants, documentary greats, and feature film funding opportunities out there.

Now that you know how to get a film grant and which grants are right for your film project, it’s time to apply for as many grants as possible.

So grab your grants list and start doing your homework. There’s no better time to get started bringing your film to life.

1.2 FILM GRANT QUALIFICATION

Which grants are you qualified for?

It doesn’t matter if you want a short film grant or need to finance your feature-length documentary, the best way to find film funding for your project is by starting with you.

We mean this literally. Now that you know what you need to apply for film grants, it’s time to figure out which film grants you are qualified for.

Not your project. You, as a person, because it all starts with you.

See, grants for filmmakers can be offered based on any number of different categories. So your next course of action will be deciding which categories are yours for the owning.

Location

If you live in North Carolina and want to make a film, we guarantee there is free money somewhere that will support you.  

Location dependent grants cover all fifty US states.  In addition, there are many countries that have film grants available for those living and working there.

So by all means, filmmakers should take advantage of hometown generosity to find film funding.

Minorities

Women, LGBTQ+, and people of color have been historically underrepresented in filmmaking. The film industry has been attempting to self-correct for the past few years.

Film grants are available for marginalized communities and often include film funding for every stage of the filmmaking process.

Many film grants for minorities also offer mentoring for independent filmmakers or film community memberships which can provide valuable assets for any shoot.

Special interest

If you are writing about a particular subject matter, there may just be a film grant for you.  

Grants for filmmakers creating projects about esoteric topics are of particular interest to the film grant community.

You can find documentary grants for films on science, math, technology, and engineering. Sociological and environmental documentary funding is also readily available.

But don’t feel tethered to the above topics.

There are documentary grants, short film grants, and feature film grants for nearly every thought-provoking issue and trend.

As an independent filmmaker, you should always pursue what you’re passionate about. Odds are there’s a film grant out there that will help you make your movie.

First-time filmmakers

Newbie filmmakers often receive encouragement from industry standard bearers such as Panavision or Abel CineTech.  

First-time filmmakers should not shy away from these opportunities.   

If you have been successful in another industry such as writing, publishing, or theater, there is a high chance that your track record of achievement will lead to success in film funding.

Ranking all of the film grants has more to do with timing and personal interest than anything else.

So use the factors here to help you narrow your search while broadening your opportunities.

1.3 FILM GRANTS APPLICATION

How to apply for film grants

Whether you’re looking to finance your documentary filmmaking or secure short film grants, figuring out how to apply for and get film funding can be tough.

From treatments to artists statements, every organization has their own requirements for film grants. It is essential that you carefully review the application materials months in advance. Keep in mind that there are certain requirements that they all share.

Before you actually apply for your film grant, you need to get the following in place:

1. Put together an artist statement

You will definitely need an artist statement for your applications. Think of this one-to-two page letter as an introduction to you and your project. You should make it clear in the letter why you want to do your project. You should also inform the reader of how you would like to bring the project to fruition.

2. Write a film treatment

You will also need a film treatment for your project. This is something you will need throughout the life of the film so it is important to get it right. Being able to sum up your story in a page or two is a craft in itself. Many screenwriters are not as adept at writing treatments as they are at writing actual scripts. But whether you’re going after feature film grants or documentary grants, a killer treatment is a must.

After you have completed your treatment, you can rest easier knowing that you won’t need to do it again for future film grant applications.

Here's what a film treatment looks like:

You will also want to keep an eye on the deadline for your film grant application. They are always very strict with their due dates. Missing it by one day means you don’t get to apply.

As we go into detail on finding and applying make sure you get our exhaustive list of available film grants. The most thorough list of its kind on the web.

A production calendar is a useful way to keep the dates for your submissions organized as the video shows below:

4. Create a moodboard

In addition to the essential elements for your application there are several items that you may include with your grant application.

Including a mood board is one such element that may boost your chances of getting funding for your film project. At the very least your mood board will help illuminate your vision of the project and make it much clearer to those reviewing the project.

Your mood board doesn’t have to be complex or long.

A few pages that give the reader a sense of time, location and theme will do nicely.  You definitely don’t want to overwhelm with information.

You can use a mood board app to achieve this, or just grab our free mood board template specifically designed for film.

5. Get a letter of recommendation

Another item to include in your application process is a letter of recommendation.  

Now, this can’t come from your mother.  A letter of recommendation from someone within the film industry lends your application a little more weight.

Many fellowships will require a letter of recommendation especially if it involves continuous employment or collaboration.  So a standard letter from someone at a notable production company or studio is good to have throughout the process of applying for grants.

6. Shoot or edit a proof of concept

Another item to consider including with your grant applications is a reel, proof of concept piece or work-in-progress footage that shows the work being done.

If a picture tells a thousand words, then moving pictures tell many more.  

Having visual evidence of your style and standards of filmmaking can do wonders to push your project to the front of the line.  

With a reel or proof of concept, you show decision-makers that you are a professional and that your work is good enough to warrant the prize they are offering.

Here's a video breaking down a sizzle reel:

Independent filmmakers know there are many ways to classify a film project. Different kinds of films require different film grants. It is important for filmmakers to thoroughly understand the differences between the types of films there are and the kind of funding for them.

One of the common mistakes in film grants submission is determining if a project is a short film, feature-length or something else entirely.

Each organization may have different standards for their categories, so it is always good to double check.

For instance, a documentary feature doesn’t necessarily have to be ninety minutes in length to be considered in the feature category whereas most narrative features do.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming anything. Most of the submissions will cost money, and if you enter the wrong category, and pay the wrong fees, you may be just throwing money away.

UP NEXT

How to effectively budget a script breakdown

No one is going to give you a grant without a proper budget. You have to make sure that all your items line up from the very start. Be sure to keep reading so you’ll know how to craft your budget from your breakdown.

Up Next: Film Budget Planning →