How to Find Funding For Your Documentary

You have a great idea for a non-fiction film, a subject that will find an audience and make a point and probably make some money. All you need now is someone with money who feels the same way that you do. Follow the guidelines below and you just might find the person with the faith and deep pockets that you need.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 1) LOOK FOR FOUNDATIONS DEDICATED TO YOUR SUBJECT.
   There are hundreds and thousands of non-profit organizations and private foundations whose goal is to provide funding to people who are furthering awareness of their chosen cause. If you have a film that matches their desired cause, they may be willing to provide you with money to help get it done. The best way to find out is to go online and find websites that list lists of grants for individuals from foundations and companies, and then cross-reference those with your project and try to find some places that would be in sympathy with your film.

2. 2) SEEK GENERAL DOCUMENTARY FUNDING.
   There are also organizations whose sole purpose is to help documentary filmmakers complete their works, since non-fiction is the less successful medium in the world of film. If your project summary is well executed and you can get to the right people, you may find funding from places like PBS and ITVS. Again, this is something about which you can find information on the internet.

3. 3) SEEK OUT INDIVIDUALS WITH INTEREST.
   Sometimes, individual people are known for their support, both monetarily and in recognition, behind projects that are close to their hearts. If you look around the internet for articles and press releases about subjects similar to your film subject, you may come across some names over and over. If they are personally invested in the subject matter, they may be willing to support your project themselves.

4. 4) TALK TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW.
   If you have people around you who believe that you’re talented and know your film is meaningful and profitable, they may be willing to financially support you as well. Though they may not have the money individually to fund the entire project, you can often gather a lot of money by getting multiple people to provide small donations. If everyone you know gives you $50, it adds up quickly.

Resources

• Studio Upstairs podcast
• Filmmaking Website

[silkroad3001]

on 1/24/2009 I am looking funding for Documentray project. The project is about the life and struggle of Gay people life in Turkey.
Please contact me if you know any organizations or person. [e-mail]
Robin