We at KitSplit love filmmaking—it’s what we’re passionate about. And we know that whether you’re just starting out or you’re a veteran in the field, everyone making movies could use a bit of extra cash. Luckily for you and your wallet, we’ve compiled this giant list (maybe the biggest around?!) of over 40 grants with an upcoming or rolling deadline!

KitSplit makes it easy to rent cameras and related production equipment from vetted professionals and companies nearby. Renting on KitSplit can save you time and money and supports other creatives in your area. So once you’ve got that film grant, make it go further by renting gear through KitSplit!

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These grants, labs and opportunities are ordered by category: documentary; narrative; screenwriting; virtual reality & interactive; short film; and women & underrepresented filmmakers. Within category, they are organized by deadline (with rolling deadlines first).

Documentary Grants

Deadline: Rolling

HotDocs says:

“Over the coming 10 years, production grants will be distributed to Canadian documentary filmmakers. Up to $35,000 will be granted to three or four projects each year.”

Deadline: Rolling

Sundance says:

“The Sundance Documentary Film Program supports non-fiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries on contemporary themes. Established in 2002 with founding support from Open Society Foundations, the Program is a vibrant global resource for independent non-fiction storytelling.”

Deadline: Rolling

From The Fledging Fund:

“We support audience engagement planning and implementation. Support for planning is for building the strategy for outreach and engagement and can be used before a project is complete to prepare for its launch. Grants are NOT available to support production or post-production.”

Deadline: Rolling

A bit about BRITDOC:

“The fund supports projects at the intersection of film and investigative journalism that break the important stories of our time, expose injustice, and bring attention to unreported issues, and cameras into regions previously unseen.”

Deadline: Rolling

SDI says:

“Scottish Documentary Institute is offering year-round submissions of Scottish documentary projects in development (shorts and features) to our Docscene project pool. The projects will then be steered towards forthcoming training programmes or other funding opportunities, depending on theme and scope: Seed Funding, Interdoc, the Edinburgh Pitch and prepared for other submissions to funders, meet markets or pitching forums. The aim is to improve quality of project development and increase the talent pool.”

Deadline: Rolling

From Catapult:

“Catapult Film Fund provides development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell, have secured access to their story and are ready to shoot and edit a piece for production fundraising purposes. Our mission is to enable filmmakers to develop their film projects to the next level at a moment where funding is hard to find. We support powerful stories, and moving storytelling, across a broad spectrum of issues and perspectives.”

Deadline: Rolling

From the Filmmaker Fund:

“In the spirit of fostering great work, the Filmmaker Fund is committed to both proven and emerging filmmakers with assistance at every stage of production and post-production. Primarily, our role is to remove the obstacles that lie in the way of great work. From early stage funding, through production to the last edit, it is our aim to alleviate artistic encumbrances. To be selected as a project of the Filmmaker Fund is to have a partner in the entirety of the journey. That includes grants of up to $75K as well as an invitation to our annual retreat, festival navigation and distribution strategy.”

Deadline: September 26, 2016

NIST says:

“NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is offering a grant of up to $500,000 for the creation of a documentary film about the world-wide endeavor to redefine the kilogram and reboot the international measurement system. This is an opportunity to create a film that chronicles a fascinating and largely untold story in the world of science.”

Deadline: October 11, 2016

Fullbright wants you to know:

“The Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship was launched in 2013 as a new component of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. It provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to participate in an academic year of overseas travel and digital storytelling in one, two, or three countries on a globally significant theme. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society.”

Deadline: October 14, 2016

From EuroDoc:

“Some participants attending the workshops will come from the documentary departments of the broadcasters or from institutions defending, promoting and funding documentary productions. This will fulfill a long-lasting objective, that of decompartmentalisation of relations between producers, broadcasters and funding partners. These participants greatly contribute to the work of the group. Being in contact with their future partners, understanding their points of view and constraints can be very enlightening to the producers.

Deadline: October 24, 2016

Screen Australia says:

“Screen Australia’s Documentary Development program assists experienced documentary makers to achieve planned outcomes for the development of their projects. This could include further research, writing the next draft of a script or treatment, strategic shooting and/or editing to attract marketplace development or production finance, or compiling a sizzle reel.”

Deadline: Ocotober 31, 2016

From Frameline:

“This program seeks to provide a much-needed source of financial contributions to artists who often struggle to secure funding to complete their works. Grants up to $5,000 are available for the completion of films that represent and reflect LGBTQ life in all its complexity and richness.”

Deadline: November 1, 2016

California Humanities says:

“CDP Research and Development grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions in their earliest stages. Projects must actively involve at least three humanities advisors to help frame and contextualize subject matter throughout the research and development phase.”

Deadline: November 1, 2016

California Humanities says:

“CDP Production grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions and help propel projects toward completion. Projects must be in the production stage, have a work-in-progress to submit, and actively involve at least two humanities advisors to help frame and contextualize subject matter throughout the production process.”

Deadline: December 1

From the Pacific Pioneer Fund:

“To support emerging documentary filmmakers. The term “emerging” is intended to denote a person committed to the craft of making documentaries, who has demonstrated that commitment by several years—but no more than ten—of practical film or video experience.”

Deadline: December 7, 2016

From Film Independent:

“Through a series of meetings and workshops, the Documentary Lab provides creative feedback and story notes to participating filmmakers, while helping them to strategize for the completion, distribution, and marketing of their films.”

Narrative Film Grants

Deadline: Rolling

Panavision says:

“The New Filmmaker Program loans film or digital camera packages (based on availability) to filmmakers for student thesis films, “low-budget” independent features, showcase reels, Public Service Announcements, or any other type of short not-for-profit project.”

Deadline: Rolling

From the World Cinema Fund:

“The World Cinema Fund supports films in distribution, that could not be made without additional funding: films that stand out with an unconventional aesthetic approach, that tell powerful stories and transmit an authentic image of their cultural roots.”

Deadline: Rolling

From the Jerome Foundation:

“The Jerome Foundation’s Film and Video Grant Program is a production grant program for individual film and video artists who work in the genres of experimental, narrative, animation, and documentary production. Applicants must reside in one of the five boroughs and must be emerging artists whose work shows promise of excellence.”

Deadline: September 26, 2016 (Oct 10 for FIND members)

Film Independent says:

“Under the guidance of established industry professionals who serve as Creative Advisors, Directing Lab Fellows receive script feedback, discuss their visions, and select short scenes from their screenplays to workshop. Each director then casts actors and rehearses their scenes in the Lab before undertaking a mini-production: Film Independent provides Fellows with digital camera, lighting and sound packages and small stipends to shoot their scenes, and offers access to experienced casting directors, cinematographers, and editors with whom to collaborate and consult. The process creates an opportunity to see the work through from pre- to post-production, and culminates in a group screening for fellow Lab participants and Advisors.”

Deadline: September 30, 2016

From the Heart Production says:

“We fund compelling stories about little known subjects, historical films, and films that touch hearts. We like films that expose, and bring, important information to light; as well as films about little known people when there is a good story.”

Deadline: November 11, 2016 (Typically)

Dance Films says:

“DFA recognizes that funding is crucial at all stages of film production. Whether you need to write a script, pay for a location, or secure an editing suite, our Production Grant can help you secure resources. We encourage creativity in your submission application, but require a detailed budget. Feel free to use this opportunity to relay your film’s tone and aesthetic.

Deadline: November 6, 2016

Tribeca Film Institute says:

“Tribeca All Access® seeks feature-length narrative and documentary submissions from established and emerging filmmakers whose team includes a director, producer or screenwriter from a community that is statistically underrepresented in the film industry. Projects may be in any stage of development, from treatment/screenplay to post-production. Projects of any genre and or budget range are welcome to apply.”

Deadline: November 6, 2016

Tribeca Film Institute says:

“The TFI Latin America Fund supports innovative filmmakers living and working in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America who are working on feature-length scripted, documentary or doc-fiction hybrid films. Funded films are story-driven and in the advanced stages of development, production or post-production with no existing US or Latin American distribution in place. Whether through unconventional forms or more traditional means, selected storytellers are encouraged to invent, explore and redefine visions and stories that reflect their diverse cultures.”

Deadline: November 6, 2016

Tribeca Film Institute says:

“The TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund provides grants and professional guidance in support of innovative and compelling scripted features or series that offer a fresh take on scientific, mathematic and technological themes. In addition to financial support, grantees will receive professional guidance and mentorship through the Tribeca Film Institute, as dictated by the unique needs and status of the project and the level of experience of the filmmaking team. This ancillary support may include project notes, networking assistance, and exposure to financing and distribution executives.”

Virtual Reality & Interactive Film Grants

Deadline: Rolling

From OnWevr:

“OnWevr is a grant program for VR producers. Launch your unique VR experience through our support. The program is our commitment to the world’s VR creative community. Whether it’s your first VR experience or simply your latest, our community and our grant program is wide open to you. With OnWevr, a VR producer could receive anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 towards their project.”

From JustFilms:

“The Ford Foundation seeks to reduce inequality in all of its forms, and artist-driven documentary and emerging media projects are a crucial to this effort. As part of the Creativity and Free Expression program, JustFilms funds social justice storytelling and the 21st century arts infrastructure that supports it. The projects and people we support inspire imaginations, disrupt stereotypes, and help transform the conditions that perpetuate injustice and inequality.”

Deadline: September 30, 2016

From 3D Stereo media:

“The 3D Film Booster (3DFB) is an international training and pitching event dedicated to stereoscopic-3D (S-3D) projects for cinema and virtual reality (VR). 3DFB is the new formula of the former 3D Content Financing Market, initially launched in 2011 under the sponsorship of the MEDIA Program of the European Commission, which provided partial financial support for the first two years. 3DFB is the only program of its kind anywhere in the world.”

Deadline: October 27, 2016

From SIMA:

“We are looking for original, wise, brave, eye-opening and creative productions that increase the awareness of viewers to global injustices, to the resilience of humans facing deprivation, to the politics of international development, and to efforts and agents of change worldwide. We seek productions that raise important questions about the state of our contemporary world, and inspire people to reflect on the meaning and potential of social activism, social justice and social transformation.”

Deadline: November 10, 2016

From Big Vision Empty Wallet:

“We are accepting applications from creators who are developing TV series, digital series, interactive projects, and innovative multi-platform projects. For 1 year, participants will receive mentorship and development support from the Big Vision Team, and will be granted access to exclusive pitch opportunities with networks and platforms.”

Screenwriting Grants

Deadline: September 27, 2016

From BAFTA:

“Three projects will be selected to be showcased at an event at BAFTA and given industry introductions. Forum List writers will go on to be involved in a wide range of development opportunities including workshops and events. BAFTA & Rocliffe are looking for new talent that demonstrate industry potential.”

Deadline: October 11, 2016

From 7K Film Grants:

“7k Film Grants is a script competition like no other. The winner gets $7,000 to make a feature film, plus support from a top-notch Advisory Board of indie producers, directors, and writers who have been there, in the indie trenches. Why did we launch this competition? It comes down to a passionately held ethos: for indie filmmakers just starting out, the best thing you can do is get out there and make stuff, and when you do, make it with the resources you have. Yes, that means you’ll likely have to shelve your alien invasion script. Don’t wait around for funding, or to “get discovered,” or – and this is the real danger – delay and delay until you feel like everything is just perfect.”

Deadline: October 1, 2016

From ScreenCraft:

“Adi Shankar’s Bootleg Universe has teamed up with ScreenCraft Media and Buffalo 8 Productions to produce the winning story or short screenplay as a short film, to be distributed to millions of fans worldwide on Adi Shankar’s Bootleg Universe YouTube channel with over 30 million views to date.”

Deadline: October 20, 2016

From ScreenCraft:

“We’re looking for action movies and carefully crafted thrillers. Whether you have a tense thriller or a big, effects-driven action film, we want to read your screenplay.”

Deadline: November 4, 2016

From Cinequest:

“The Cinequest Screenwriting Competition continues to empower global connectivity between screenwriters, filmmakers, producers, and innovators. Cinequest loves writers, and we welcome you to submit your screenplay or teleplay to our renowned competition. The Top 10 Finalists receive many empowering benefits including: VIP All Access passes to the Cinequest Film Festival and exclusive Writers Celebration, plus exposure to leading industry players and inspiring luminaries.”

Short Film Grants

Deadline: September 30, 2016

From ScreenCraft:

“Every 4 months, at least one filmmaker will be awarded this production grant of up to $20,000 in production funds. We announce the winner(s) 6 weeks after each final deadline.”

Deadline: October 21, 2016

From NisaMasa:

“Selected on the basis of their short film projects, 16 European talents gather to discuss, rewrite, and learn to promote their stories on a European level with the support of 4 tutors. They eventually pitch their projects in front of a panel of professionals: over 55 producers, financiers, buyers, and distributors. European Short Pitch aims to bring young European talents into the spotlight, give them a high-end promotion opportunity, and develop short film coproduction in Europe. This initiative is about enhancing economic viability and European visibility for short film projects.”

Deadline: November 15, 2016

From Stage 32:

“Short film content is on the rise and is steadily and successfully being used as a calling card, or as the insiders call it “proof of concept”, into the industry every day. Stage 32 has a proven track record of providing guidance, resources, opportunities and educating new voices. With this new contest offering, Stage 32 is guaranteeing a professionally produced short film that’ll be film festival ready and most importantly, that you’ll be proud of.”

Women & Underrepresented Filmmaker Grants

The trailer for “Brothers” Season 1, winners of the Kickstart Diversity Program

Deadline: Rolling

From Big Vision Empty Wallet:

“Selected projects will receive significant discounts (15%-75%) from vendors and service providers nationwide to create savings in all stages of production, including AbelCine, Hive Lighting, Gotham Stages, and Nice Shoes. Recipients will be granted access to an exclusive Distribution Lab, presented in both NY and LA, focusing on audience building and distribution strategies. Participating companies include Lionsgate Films, FilmRise, Seed & Spark, VHX, Zeitgeist Films, and Cinetic. In addition, our sister company Big Vision Creative will choose several projects per year to co-produce and/or represent for distribution.”

Deadline: Rolling

From Digital Bolex:

“The relationship between a director and cinematographer is the most important on any film set, and the most famous director/cinematographer pairs have collaborative relationships spanning decades. We would like to see women cinematographers and directors involved in that kind of intimate collaborative process, and hope that we can start to help move our industry in that direction.”

Deadline: November 17, 2016

From WIFV:

“Carolyn’s First Decade Fund was established in memory of long-time WIFV member and documentary filmmaker Carolyn Projansky as a way to honor her passion for visual storytelling, commitment to education and dedication to mentoring young filmmakers. Carolyn’s First Decade Fund is designed to help advance the careers of individuals in their first decade of working as media professionals and provide them with access to continuing skills development and to the larger film community.”

Deadline: February 15, 2017

From WIDC:

“This program targets emerging Canadian talent, supporting them in the production and promotion of their first feature-length film, with an emphasis on the use of digital platforms for marketing, distribution and audience engagement.

Telefilm will support between eight to ten projects through the main component, and up to three projects in the Aboriginal component. Support will be through a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $120,000 per project. Projects to be submitted to Telefilm for evaluation will be recommended by a diverse group of industry partners [of which Creative Women Workshops Association / WIDC is one].”

Fiscal Sponsorships

Deadline: Rolling

From Fractured Atlas:

“Fractured Atlas wants to help you raise money for your artistic work. As the country’s largest arts fiscal sponsor, we provide accessibility, efficiency and affordability. We work with thousands of artists and arts organizations to provide education and support for raising funds.”

Deadline: November, 30, 2016

From IFP:

“IFP Fiscal Sponsorship is exclusively for creative, artistic and/or educational film, video and transmedia projects, giving filmmakers the benefit of our focused experience and reputation in the field. Granting organizations carefully examine institutional factors before awarding grants including whether your project has community support.”

Did we miss any? Need help with something? Wanna say hey? Email us! Contact@kitsplit.com

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