Where can I find grants to fund documentary work?

S

szimmer

Well-known member
Hello,

My wife and I have a part-time video company (corporate videos mostly) and also a non-profit organization (appropriate water solutions for rural communities in developing countries) where we create videos.

We really like doing documentaries and are interested in finding grants to do more documentary work in the states and also internationally.

Does anyone have some good advice and/or sources where we can apply for grants to make documentaries?

We realize it is a competitive and difficult to receive grants. We know this from our non-profit work however we are willing to give it a try.

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,

Simon
 
It is the million dollar question. The biggest difficulty is writing the funding proposal. My wife was a fund raiser for a time and even we haven't mastered all of this. Certainly, you will need to have the proposal written, I would include a teaser and seek organizations that are interested in your proposal. I would do some reading on the subject because this is the very thing that could make or break your reputation. Good luck!
 
Hello,

Do you know of any foundations/organization that support such work?

I understand a written proposal needs to be written first. The "teaser" part surprises me a bit. How can you have a teaser without actually doing the documentary first?

I will definitely read more on the topic but just curious to hear what other people are doing.

Thanks again,

Simon
 
I'm not sure what you mean..... are you looking to be commissioned to do a documentary or seeking the funding for your own documentary idea?

Most would not do a teaser.... I would even if the money came out of pocket to sell an idea that I am very passionate about.

szimmer said:
Hello,

Do you know of any foundations/organization that support such work?

I understand a written proposal needs to be written first. The "teaser" part surprises me a bit. How can you have a teaser without actually doing the documentary first?

I will definitely read more on the topic but just curious to hear what other people are doing.

Thanks again,

Simon
Click to expand...
 
Hello,

Sorry for being unclear. I guess both to be honest.

I also would be interested in hearing more about your experience if possible.

Thanks for your time.

Simon
 
I don't know about a teaser, but most requests for proposals I've seen have asked for some kind of reel or sample footage, even if it's from another film, just to give them an idea of what to expect as far as style. It also lets them know you're serious and have some experience.

Nyfa.org is more directed toward other types of art, but there are some opportunities there for filmmakers. You might also try Sundance and the National Endowment for the Arts. See if there are any arts organizations in your area that support local artists (we have ovac here in Oklahoma). Even if you don't get any money from these kinds of groups, ovac's monthly newsletter by itself is a good resource for finding funding and other opportunities.

Another thing is to find nonprofits that are similar to yours and find out who funds them. I think they have to reveal this information and it's usually on their websites.

Once you start looking around, you'll start noticing foundations and opportunities all over the place.

Good luck!
 
In my experience I rarely am approached for commissioned work... but it has happen and I have turned my nose up to at least one big name. I would have probably broke even on that one which wasn't worth my effort. I stay away from those companies that don't want to pay well. Most will usually fit the project to the foundation.... hopefully several.

The Ford Foundation from my understanding gives advise in getting grant money if you are near NYC.... there are also many publications and periodicals on the subject... some of these can be found at large libraries.

szimmer said:
Hello,

Sorry for being unclear. I guess both to be honest.

I also would be interested in hearing more about your experience if possible.

Thanks for your time.

Simon
Click to expand...
 
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