Documentary Grants for Emerging Filmmakers in 2024

Documentary filmmakers are constantly on the lookout for grants and funding opportunities to bring their projects to life. I’ve compiled a list of Documentary grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 and beyond these opportunities can provide the financial support you need to bring your project to life. Whether you’re based in the U.S., Africa, Australia, or anywhere in the world, there are international grants available that could be a perfect fit for your documentary.

1. Documentary Africa Grants 2024

• Overview: This grant supports filmmakers across the African continent, providing funding for documentary films with unique African perspectives.
• Grant Amount: up to $5,000
• Deadline: October 2nd, 2024
• Link: Documentary Africa Grants 2024

2. AlterCiné Foundation Grants

• Overview: The AlterCiné Foundation offers grants to filmmakers in developing countries, focusing on documentary projects that address social justice and human rights.
• Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 CAD.
• Deadline: December 1st, 2024
• Link: AlterCiné Foundation Grants

3. IDA Fiscal Sponsorship

• Overview: The International Documentary Association (IDA) offers fiscal sponsorship to help filmmakers raise funds for their documentaries. This program allows filmmakers to access grants and donations from institutions that require 501(c)(3) status.
• Grant Amount: Varies based on fundraising efforts.
• Deadline: Rolling
• Link: IDA Fiscal Sponsorship

4. California Documentary Project Research and Development Grant

• Overview: The California Documentary Project (CDP) supports films that enhance the understanding of California’s cultural, social, and historical complexity.
• Grant Amount: $15,000
• Deadline: November 4th, 2024
• Link: California Documentary Project

5. California Documentary Project Production Grants

• Overview: The California Documentary Project (CDP) Production grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions and help propel projects toward completion
• Grant Amount: $50,000
• Deadline: November 4th, 2024
• Link: California Documentary Project

6. The Rogovy Foundation’s Film Fund

• Overview: The Rogovy Foundation funds innovative and influential documentary films, particularly those with a social or cultural impact. Filmmakers with thought-provoking stories are encouraged to apply.
• Grant Amount: $25,000
• Deadline: November 15th, 2024
• Link: Rogovy Foundation Film Fund

7. Screen Australia’s Producer Program

• Overview: The Producer Program supports the production and completion of one-off documentaries and series for distribution across broadcast, festival, theatrical, digital, XR and online platforms.
• Grant Amount: any amount up to $500,000 may be requested.
• Deadline: October 24th, 2024
• Link: Screen Australia Producer Program

8. Vision Maker Media Grants

• Overview: Supporting Native American and Alaska Native filmmakers, Vision Maker Media offers funding for documentaries that present authentic Native stories.
• Grant Amount: Varies.
• Deadline: October 31st, 2024
• Link: Vision Maker Media Grants

9. Mycoskie UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship

• Overview: This fellowship supports documentary projects related to psychedelic science, its impact on culture, mental health, and potential benefits.
• Grant Amount: $25,000.
• Deadline: October 15th, 2024
• Link: Mycoskie UC Berkeley Fellowship

10. Mycoskie UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship

• Overview: This fellowship will be awarded to short-form documentaries by student filmmakers currently enrolled in a U.S. based graduate level film or journalism program
• Grant Amount: $10,000.
• Deadline: October 15th, 2024
• Link: Mycoskie UC Berkeley Fellowship

Need help applying for these grants? If you’re looking for personalized guidance or have specific questions about grant applications, you can book a 1:1 session for more information. I’m here to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of securing funding for your next documentary project!