Documentary Film Funding and Grants

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Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Documentary Film Funding and Grants

Are you making or planning on making a documentary film? Funding a film is a very expensive endeavor. It is not usually something that can be done without outside financial support. Many people seek grants to compensate for whatever funds they may be lacking to finish or get started on a film.

Documentary film funding and grants are available through many avenues. It can be a complicated process, but if you have the right source helping you, it will make all the difference. Business.com has a fantastic and thorough list of film grant companies that appeal to all different kinds of film makers.

Many grants are awarded for a project's general operating expenses and other capital, such as building and equipment costs. Sometimes other expenses, such as salary, labor, advertising, and marketing can be covered. You should be aware that film grants do not cover personal debt or any personal living expenses though. They exist purely to help the artist in his or her documentary making process.

Business.com is a great place to find documentary film funding and grants from organizations that regularly supply them to a great variety of people. Check out the list of links indexed on the left to get started on finding the grant you want today.

Making the Most of Documentary Film Funding and Grants

Rethink traditional ideas about funding sources for documentary films. Grants for documentary films are awarded to nonprofit organizations, not directly to individuals. Consider potential funding sources not only from film production foundations and government arts councils but also within your own specialized subject matter or geographic area. Grant funding has specific limitations, so always look for funding from private investors.

Making the most of documentary film funding and grants means thinking outside the business plan. Online marketing tools and services can establish your production company brand. Internet technology provides a cost effective means to distribute portions of your project to potential funding sources. You can market your documentary film to a larger number of potential investors with web-based services designed to promote private investment opportunities. A solid brand presence online also offers potential investors visibility through your visitor traffic.

1. Find private investors for funding your documentary film.

2. Get independent film funding.

3. Apply for state grants and incentives.

4. Network with foundations sharing your passions.

Consider private funding sources for documentary films

Contact a pool of private investors to fund your next project with online investment networking communities. Post your funding needs or search for investors offering funds for filmmakers. Members can usually create a free profile with specific and targeted details about investment and funding opportunities. The network provider then charges a fee to post requests or contact other members.
Try: The Go BIG Network offers an on-line marketplace for networking startup companies, investors, advisors, jobseekers and service providers. Reach more than 8,000 potential investors by posting a funding request or search for film production investors and contact them directly. Go4Funding.com is an online platform where entrepreneurs, investors and business experts post their capital requirements or their investor profiles. With Go4Funding.com, you can upload images and videos of your pitch.

Partner with foundations for independent film funding

If you have a compelling but little known subject or a historical film, consider foundations and production services companies offering funds for student filmmakers and independent producers. Independent film foundations award funding to projects that make a contribution to society, but they still want to see a good business plan.
Try: From the Heart Productions is a nonprofit organization offering up to $500,000 for shorts, documentaries and independent productions. The Independent Television Service (ITVS) funds, distributes and promotes programming that addresses the needs of underserved and underrepresented audiences from independent producers.

Look for state government film grants for documentary funding

State supported regional film organizations offer financial incentives, locations services, city services and expert support to encourage economic activity and promote regional heritage. Also consider local tourism foundations when filming in popular locations.
Try: The Pennsylvania Film Office provides funding for film and television productions in Pennsylvania. New York State Council on the Arts, second among the states in per capita funding for the arts, provides funding to media and film productions each year for nonprofit organizations incorporated in New York State.

Consider documentary film grants for specific subjects

Network with philanthropic foundations supporting documentary filmmaking grants on your subject. Organizations sharing your passion for cultural complexities or personal politics can often support your efforts to raise public awareness.
Try: The Lynn and Jules Kroll Fund for Jewish Documentary Film is made up of grants from Steven Spielberg’s Righteous Persons Foundation and the Charles H. Revson Foundation to support projects that expand the understanding of Jewish experiences. Grants for documentaries are offered for post-production support. The All Roads Seed Grant Program awards grants to film projects by and about indigenous and underrepresented minority-culture throughout the year. Submission deadlines for documentary grants are quarterly with notifications six weeks later.

Get help with your strategic plan for making the most of documentary film funding and grants.
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