How to Get a Grant for a Documentary

Any documentary filmmaker can find a grant if he is prepared and persistent.

Documentary filmmaking is a unique storytelling medium that allows you to tell a true story using the language of film. Although today's production costs are lower than ever because of advances in inexpensive, high-quality digital video-recording equipment, a documentary still requires funding for travel, time spent filming and editing, and marketing and distribution. Because documentaries are often educational in nature, finding funding can be done by looking for grants that fund documentary filmmaking.

Instructions

1. Determine where you are in the filmmaking process. Some grants are given to first-time documentarians who have an idea and are just beginning the process. Other grants are available to allow documentarians to finish projects they have already filmed.

2. Note any unique aspects of your documentary. Some grants are available for films on certain topics (science, music or education, for instance) and other grants are available for documentaries that focus on a certain location or present a specific point of view. If your documentary fits in one of these categories, you will have more grant opportunities available to you.

3. Research grant opportunities. Many film schools and universities post grant opportunities on their websites. Create a list of all grants your documentary might qualify for based on its level of completion and topic, and note their deadlines.

4. Submit your grant application. Provide all requested materials and be sure to submit everything before the deadline. Have your application proofread and solicit feedback on any footage before submitting --the better your application, the better your chances.

5. Follow up on the grant applications. Make sure your submission is received.

6. If you do not receive a grant you apply for, thank the grant office for its consideration. If you develop a relationship with the grant agency, ask for feedback on your application and follow the advice to improve your submission.

7. Continue to apply for grants until you get one. If you receive a grant that only covers part of your funding needs, you may need to continue applying until you receive multiple grants.

Tips & Warnings

• The more grants you apply for, the more likely it is you will get one of them.

References

• Duke University: Center for Documentary Studies

Resources

• Loyola Marymount University: Find Funding- Film and Television Studies
• Duke University Research Funding: Arts & Humanities