Navigating the complex world of film financing can be a daunting task for both seasoned and emerging filmmakers. Film grants offer a vital source of financial support that can help bring your creative visions to life. Whether you’re looking to travel to festivals, fund development, or cover production costs, there’s a range of grants available that cater to different needs and stages of filmmaking. Let’s explore some of the most promising opportunities currently open for application.
1. AFS Travel Grants – Austin Film Society
The Austin Film Society provides AFS Travel Grants to Texas-based filmmakers to assist with the costs of participating in competitive film festivals globally. Eligible filmmakers can receive $500 for festivals in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and $1000 for festivals outside of North America, with a lifetime maximum of $1,500 per film. More details
2. Vision Maker Media Grants and Fellowships
Vision Maker Media supports Native American and Alaska Native producers in developing and distributing programs for PBS. Their grants include the 2025 Acquisitions Fund, Creative Shorts Fellowship, and the Native Youth Media Project, among others. Apply here
3. Roy W. Dean Film Grants and Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant
From the Heart Productions offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants three times a year for documentaries, narrative features, and more. They also offer a specific grant for student filmmakers under the Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant. Learn more
4. BFI Doc Society Fund
The BFI Doc Society Fund backs UK-based independent documentary and immersive projects, with funding typically around £30K for development and up to £80K for production. Details here
5. Pulitzer Center Grants
The Pulitzer Center provides grants for the hard costs of reporting projects across all media platforms, welcoming applications from journalists globally. Grant info
6. Big Sky Film Grant
Montana’s Big Sky Film Grant supports local filmmakers and promotes job creation in the state’s film industry, with several categories of awards available depending on the project scope and filmmaker’s residency. More about the grant
7. Impact Partners Film Submissions
Impact Partners invests in feature-length documentaries that tackle urgent issues with a strong cinematic narrative. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry year-round. Submit your LOI
8. Jewish Film Institute (JFI) Completion Grants
JFI Completion Grants support films that explore Jewish life, history, and culture, providing critical resources for filmmakers in the final stages of production. JFI Grants
9. Shore Scripts Production and Post-Production Grants
Shore Scripts offers up to $15K for production and $4K for finishing funds through its short film fund. Application details
10. Minnesota and New York City Film Production Grants by Jerome Foundation
These grants support innovative filmmaking by early career directors in Minnesota and New York City with awards of up to $30,000. Minnesota grants | NYC grants
11. The Miller / Packan Film Fund
This fund supports documentaries that educate, inspire, and enrich, offering grants up to $25,000 to selected filmmakers. Learn more
12. Panavision New Filmmaker Program
This program offers camera packages and post-production services to emerging filmmakers in the U.S. and Canada at little to no cost. Details here
13. The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award
One of the most significant documentary awards globally, offering £100,000 to the winner and £20,000 to the runner-up for director-led documentaries. Apply now
14. NIPKOW PROGRAMM
Media professionals worldwide can apply for consultations and workshops to develop their feature film projects. The application deadline for 2025 is February 17th. Application info
15. Disability Belongs™ Entertainment Lab
This program supports disabled creatives in the entertainment industry, with new changes announced for 2025. More details
Film grants are an excellent opportunity for filmmakers to secure funding and support for their projects. Navigating these opportunities requires careful preparation and understanding of each grant’s requirements.
Need Help with Grant Documents and Letters?
If you need assistance crafting a compelling grant application or preparing impactful support materials, consider booking a 1:1 service with me. With years of experience in film production and grant writing, I can provide the expertise needed to enhance your chances of success. Hire me for services to ensure your project stands out in the competitive landscape of film grants.
Download my Grant Guide for Filmmakers for just $25. Get the guidance you need to successfully apply for film grants and jumpstart your project today. Get your guide now and start working on your application.
