Guide to Documentary Film Funding and Grants

No matter how brilliant a filmmaker or clever a subject matter, a documentary cannot be made without the means to do so. Documentary film funding does exist, and it may take as much time, effort and talent to secure funding for documentaries as it does to complete the film.  

When trying to find funding sources for documentary films, it is extremely important to concentrate your efforts in the places most likely to support your project. Plenty of research and preparation in advance can greatly increase the chances of success.  

Before beginning the process to seek funding for documentaries, it helps to: 

1. Find the target audience. The ones most likely to be interested in seeing the film will most likely be interested in contributing to documentary funding.
2. Determine whether this documentary is a profit or non-profit film.
3. Begin as much of the process for filming as possible; investors want to see commitment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find grants for documentaries through your state humanities department

There are are many national government programs, but they are commonly known and often overflowed with applicants. Apply with the state for less competition.

I recommend: Visit your state’s website for application deadlines and requirements, or see them listed at the International Documentary Association’s website. Also check out the grants page at the Independent Feature Project's website.

Apply for major independent documentary film grants

Many organizations fund profects. Apply for the grants that may be in line with your subject matter.

I recommend: Try the Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media and the Playboy Foundation.

Write very good documentary grants proposals

It is very important that you write in a very professional way that represents your filmmaking abilities and the passion for your documentary when applying for film grants.

I recommend: Have a look at the Foundation Center’s reference guide for proposal writing. Also visit the National Science Foundation's Guide to Proposal Writing.

Create a business plan and budget for funding documentaries

When trying to sell the idea of your documentary to potential investors, show them a plan of exactly where there money is going.

I recommend: Get help with a business plan at Master Plans, or see sample business plans at BulletProof Business Plans.  

Try internet marketing to attract documentary filmmaking grants

The web is the best way to gain access to a lot of viewers for a small price.

I recommend: Visit Fundable. It allows you to build a page on their website about your project and collect secure online donations from anonymous donors for any amount. Advertise on Craigslist, promising credits at the end of the film.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Don't overlook small grants. You can use them in addition to other documentary film funding, or use multiple small grants which don't have nearly the amount of applicants to compete with.
• Network, network, network. Meet everyone that you can in every way that you can, and talk about your project as much as possible to spread word of mouth.
• Don't forget to include your own income when applying for documentary film grants and funding if you are looking for investors interested in financial return. They want to see a project finished fast, and that won't be accomplished when the filmmaker is working a full-time job.

The official source of Documentary Film Funding and Grants is
the Documentary Film Funding and Grants page at Business.com