Impassioned by the subject they wish to document, documentary filmmakers must find ways to fund the story they want to tell. Many times, these subjects don't lend themselves to the commercial market, as they deal with controversial and provocative issues. Filmmaking is expensive, but grants are available to fund certain projects.
Sundance Institute Documentary Fund
Founded by actor/director Robert Redford, the Sundance Institute supports filmmakers in a variety of ways. For documentary filmmakers, the Sundance Institute grants funds for projects that its review committee finds has the "potential for social engagement" along with strong storytelling techniques, worldwide relevance and a focus on issues of social justice. The research and development grant funds projects in the development or pre-production stage, up to $20,000. The production and post-production grant funds eligible projects in these stages of completion.
John Hope Franklin Student Documentary Awards
Undergraduate filmmakers at North Carolina's Duke University and other state colleges and universities may apply for the John Hope Franklin Student Documentary Award. Since 1989, the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University has funded these grants, in the amount of $2,000, for both individual and group documentary projects that they work on during summer breaks. For these grants, documentaries are not limited just to film and video but also include oral histories, audio and creative writing projects.
Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund
Funding from this organization provides monies for filmmakers to complete feature-length documentary films at least 70 minutes long, focusing on human rights and social justice issues. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. "Eligible films highlight the most critical, important stories affecting the world we live in today told in a humanizing, illuminating way," according to the guidelines. While student films are ineligible, both first-time and experienced filmmakers may apply for grants. Applicants must submit for consideration a trailer lasting at least seven minutes.
PBS Program Challenge Fund
The PBS Program Challenge Fund may provide monies to pay all of a feature-length documentary's expenses. Funded in conjunction with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, these features will appear on the PBS television stations. The review committee meets four times a year to make decisions regarding funding applications. Complete proposals, timetables and budgets must accompany submissions, along with sample work and a business plan.
