You’ve got an amazing idea for a film and you can’t stop talking about it. The script is done. You’ve found the perfect actors and crew. You even know what kind of camera you want to use. The only problem: you’re broke. With a job that barely pays the bills, there’s no way you’ll be able to fund this film on your own.

As filmmakers ourselves, we get it – film funding is tough. That’s why we compiled our second annual GIANT list of film grants with upcoming or rolling deadlines! So get into writing mode and start applying to these grants!

When you win that grant, KitSplit will make your money go even farther. Our insurance rates are the lowest in the industry. Plus, many of the thousands of KitSplit owners offer amazing deals –often 30-50% better rates than what you’d find elsewhere. The owners on KitSplit are filmmakers like you. So they’ll probably be just as excited about your project as you are. Who knows they might even want to help you out on set!

RENT & SAVE

You should also know that for a limited time we’re offering free concierge service. Our concierge gear experts will do all the research and find the best gear deals nearby. It means that we’ll take care of the hassle of gear logistics, so you can stay focused on the story and the vision.

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TFI/ESPN Short Documentary Program

Deadline: January 28, 2018

“The TFI/ESPN Short Documentary Program supports short documentaries that elevate stories about sports-driven topics, individuals, and communities. The program serves emerging storytellers whose perspectives and backgrounds have been historically underrepresented on both sides of the camera, and will award up to $20,000 plus support and mentoring to each of the winning projects.”

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CAAM Documentary Fund

Deadline: February 1, 2018

“With support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), CAAM provides production funding to independent producers for national public television. Documentaries are eligible for production or post-production funding and must be intended for public television broadcast.”

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Screen Australia: Documentary Development

Deadline: February 2, 2018

“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.”

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ITVS Open Call

Deadline: February 9, 2018

“We’re looking for exceptional storytelling that’s in line with our mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, and are seldom seen in public media. We know how hard you’ve worked on your project, and we’ll partner with you to help you finish it, then distribute it on public television.”

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Visions Sud Est Fund

Deadline: February 28, 2018

“The Swiss fund Visions Sud Est was initiated by the Foundation trigon-film Baden and the Fribourg Film Festival, with the collaboration of Nyon’s Visions du Reel and the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. It supports film productions from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, aims at making them visible worldwide and guarantees their distribution in Switzerland.”

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Pacific Pioneer Fund

Deadline: June 1, 2018

“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.”

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“LEF invests in documentary film and video projects that demonstrate excellence in technique, originality of vision and voice, and creativity in form. The strongest proposals will be those that clearly articulate the ways in which the proposed project aligns with the program’s funding criteria.”

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Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund

Deadline: June 20, 2018

“Production grants will be distributed to Canadian documentary filmmakers, up to $20,000 will be granted to three or four projects each year.”

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The Alter-Ciné Foundation

Deadline: August 15, 2018

“The Alter-Ciné Foundation offers $10,000 to filmmakers born and living in Africa, Asia or Latin America with a documentary project in your native language that fits in with the aims of the Foundation.”

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Sundance Documentary Fund

Deadline: Rolling

“The Sundance Documentary Film Program supports non-fiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries on contemporary themes.”

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The Fledgling Fund

Deadline: Rolling

“The Fledgling Fund offers grants to support outreach and engagement for social issue documentary film projects that have the potential to inspire positive social change around issues that affect the most vulnerable.”

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The Filmmaker Fund

Deadline: Rolling

“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 access to low cost DCP services, an invitation to Sonoma retreats, festival navigation and distribution strategy.”

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Catapult Film Fund

Deadline: Rolling

“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 films to the next level at a moment where funding is hard to find.”

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The Scottish Documentary Institute Consultancies

Deadline: Rolling

“At SDI we are dedicated to supporting fellow filmmakers and their projects. If you have the passion and commitment to tell powerful stories in an innovative way then we want to help develop your idea by sharing our expertise and contacts with you.”

Link: https://www.scottishdocinstitute.com/opportunities/consultancies/

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Bertha Doc Society Journalism Fund

Deadline: Rolling

“The Bertha Doc Society Journalism Fund is an international film fund dedicated to supporting long form feature documentaries of a journalistic nature.”

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IFP Fiscal Sponsorship

Deadline: Rolling

“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.”

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Film Independent Fast Track 2017/Sloan Fast Track Grant

Deadline: January 9, 2018 (non-members); January 23, 2018 (members)

“During three days of intensive meetings with top executives, financiers, agents, managers, distributors, granting organizations and production companies, participants gain valuable exposure and build vital relationships as they propel their films towards completion.”

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Doha Film Institute Grants Programme

Deadline: January 28, 2018

“The Institute’s approach is to champion projects whose thrust is to explore, expand and cultivate authentic storytelling, with a keen interest in propelling forward contemporary work that demonstrates a deep understanding of the specific possibilities of the medium of cinema. The Programme provides creative and financial assistance to filmmakers from Qatar, and to first- and second-time filmmakers from around the globe.”

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SFFILM/Westridge Development Grant

Deadline: February 2, 2018 (Regular), February 23, 2018 (Late)

“In addition to financial support, recipients receive a range of benefits through SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs, as well as support and feedback from SFFILM and Westridge Foundation staff. The SFFILM / Westridge Grant is open to US-based filmmakers whose stories take place in the United States. All grantees will spend one week in the Bay Area attending a programmed retreat geared towards honing their craft, strengthening their scripts, and making connections to other filmmakers and industry professionals. Travel and accommodation for the retreat will be provided.”

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SFFILM/Rainin Filmmaking Grant

Deadline: February 2, 2018 (Regular), February 23, 2018 (Late)

“The SFFILM / Rainin Filmmaking Grants program provides meaningful support to projects that benefit and uplift the Bay Area filmmaking community in a professional and economic capacity. The grant is open to filmmakers internationally whose films explore social justice and can commit to spending time developing the work in San Francisco, with priority given to Bay Area based filmmakers.Please note: Post-production funding is now open to films without Bay Area spending but that exemplify the strongest social justice storytelling.”

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The Film Fund

Deadline: February 26, 2018

“Starting out as an independent filmmaker not based in Los Angeles or New York, I found myself struggling to raise financing and find resources for my film projects, and it appeared that many contests were dominated by those who already had industry experience or access to better resources and crew. The Film Fund is designed to level the funding field, as no advantage is given to entrants based on industry experience. Effective storytellers should be able to succinctly convey the vision they have for their projects, and that is the basis of the contest.”

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Bureau of Creative Works Short Film Grant

Deadline: March 1, 2018

“The Bureau brings together some of the best independent filmmakers working in short film. We are fighting to redefine the value and importance of short films as a stand-alone medium.”

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Roy W. Dean Grant

Deadline: April 30, 2018

“The Roy W. Dean Film Grants funds independent feature films, documentaries, web series, and short films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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Film Independent AbelCine Camera Grant

Deadline: Rolling

“Film Independent will select a qualified filmmaker who will be loaned a digital camera package (based on availability) to use for his or her feature film production or web series.”

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Film Independent Fiscal Sponsorship

Deadline: Rolling

“You must be a current Film Independent Member to apply for fiscal sponsorship. The program is open to independent narrative and documentary projects of any length and at any stage of development.”

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Art Works

Deadline: February 15, 2018

“The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to support activities that reflect the dynamic, diverse, and evolving nature of the media arts field. Applicants may apply in this Art Works category for media arts projects that support creation, exhibition, education, and distribution of historic and contemporary artworks in all genres and forms that use electronic media, film and technology (analog & digital; old and new) as an artistic medium or a medium to broaden arts appreciation and awareness (of any discipline). All genres are welcome to apply; all phases of project support are eligible.”

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“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.”

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“​Supported media types include opera, dance, music, museum exhibits, interactive games, smartphone apps, ebooks, web-native video, conferences, art and science festivals, and other cultural events. Grantmaking focuses on taking advantage of unique opportunities to incorporate scientific content or themes into public programs and extending the reach of science-themed content to new audiences and demographics.”

Link: https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/new-media#grants

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Showtime Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions

Deadline: January 15, 2018 (late deadline)

“Showtime Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions recognize emerging writers in four unique categories as the best from the pool of submissions each year. Finalists in each competition are read by prestigious juries, receive top industry recognition, and participate in a Festival focused specifically on screenwriting that includes cash prizes for all competitions and a Mentors Brunch with a prominent screenwriter.”

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The Launch Pad Pilots Competition

Deadline: January 28, 2018

“3 Grand Prize Winners will receive flights to Los Angeles for a meet and greet with some of the biggest agents, managers, and execs in the industry. Guaranteed Option Add-On: Our partner will option at least one pilot from the competition. Guaranteed Signing Add-On: Your chance to get a rep. Our partner will sign at least one writer from the competition. Mentorship Prizes Add-On: Our three mentors will each select a writer to advise and support through their journey in the industry.”

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Nickelodean Writer’s Program

Deadline: January 31, 2018

“Our global Writing Program is one of the best in the biz. Consider the facts: alum have gone on to create their own Nickelodeon shows and write for all sorts of TV series and films. While in the Program, writers meet our series creators, work in writers’ rooms, and receive hands-on experience writing spec scripts and pitching story ideas in both live action and animated television. Basically, they write a lot and do cool things, all while being provided a salary!”

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BlueCat Screenplay Competition

Deadline: February 1, 2018

“Founded by a writer, the BlueCat Screenplay Competition’s passionate commitment to develop and discover the unknown.”

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NEA ART WORKS Grants

Deadline: February 15, 2018

“The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to support activities that reflect the dynamic, diverse, and evolving nature of the media arts field. Applicants may apply in this Art Works category for media arts projects that support creation, exhibition, education, and distribution of historic and contemporary artworks in all genres and forms that use electronic media, film and technology (analog & digital; old and new) as an artistic medium or a medium to broaden arts appreciation and awareness (of any discipline). All genres are welcome to apply; all phases of project support are eligible.”

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Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Competition

Deadline: March 8, 2018

“From choosing our judges to creating opportunities, our top priority has always been the writer. We surround ourselves with reputable and successful companies, including the many producers, literary agents, and managers who read your scripts.”

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“NYTVF Scripts is accepting original, half-hour comedy series and hour-long drama series scripts for consideration by broadcast, cable, and digital platform buyers. A select number of both drama and comedy scripts will be chosen as Official Selections and the writers will be invited to participate in the Festival as Official Artists.”

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Screencraft Film Fund

Deadline: June 30, 2018

“Every 6 months, up to two filmmakers will be awarded this production grant of up to $30,000 in production funds. We announce the winner(s) 6 weeks after each final deadline.”

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Big Vision Empty Wallet Kickstart Diversity Program

Deadline: January 31, 2018

“In 2018, we will select 5-10 Big Vision Fellows and spend the year developing feature films and series with them through a fun and rigorous program.”

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The Sondra Kelly Award

Deadline: March 1, 2018

“The Sondra Kelly Award provides $5,000 to a woman screenwriter in mid-career for research/development on a self-initiated project.”

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Digital Bolex Grant for Women Cinematographers

Deadline: Rolling

“The Digital Bolex Grant for Women Cinematographers offers approximately $10,000 worth of gear and accessories loaned on a rolling basis to any narrative short, music video, or feature film project to be shot by a female cinematographer. Recipients of the grant receive a loaned camera package for up to 21 production days.”

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Fractured Atlas Fiscal Sponsorship

Deadline: Rolling

“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.”

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Women Make Movies Fiscal Sponsorship

Deadline: Rolling

Fiscal Sponsorship is designed for women filmmakers who are actively fundraising for their film or video project and need 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt status.

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

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