Filmmaking Grants

Our 2023 SDF Production Grant is now closed. The grant will reopen Summer 2024.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY

  • Project Directors should reside or have deep roots in one of the following twelve Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Applicants must have a U.S. social security number or U.S. federal tax ID number.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Applicants must not be enrolled in a film school and/or seeking funds for a student project.

    *NOTE: If your project has special circumstances regarding eligibility, please feel free to reach out: sdfgrants@southerndocumentaryfund.org

WHAT WE FUND

This program is for Southern makers. We seek to bring visibility to makers and communities who are oftentimes overlooked. We will fund:

  • Nonfiction documentaries (shorts, features, docuseries, and experimental).
  • Projects must be in production. Proposals for research, development, post-production, distribution or engagement/impact funding are not eligible to apply for this grant.

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS

The following projects are ineligible for funding and will NOT be considered:

  • The applicant and project do not meet the above listed eligibility requirements.
  • Non-documentary projects.
  • Projects that meet our criteria, but have an incomplete application and/or are missing support materials.
  • Projects submitted after the submission deadline.
  • Projects that have already received production funds from SDF.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

REVIEW CRITERIA

  • Project falls within the scope of SDF’s mission and values.
  • Primary team members have a strong connection to the story.
  • Proposal is well-researched and clearly presented.
  • Project has a feasible budget and fundraising plan.
  • Project Director and collaborators possess the skills necessary to successfully complete the project.
  • The applicant shows an understanding of their intended audience and how to reach them.
  • A completed application and all requested documents.
  • A fulfillment of eligibility requirements.

GRANT INFORMATION SESSIONS

      Info Session #1: July 31 @ 1PM ET – RSVP

Info Session #2: August 15 @ 4PM ET – RSVP

These grants are made possible thanks to generous support from the MacArthur Foundation. For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please email: sdfgrants@southerndocumentaryfund.org

FAQ

We are looking for Southern Makers who reside or have deep roots in one of the following twelve Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you have any questions about your projects eligibility, please contact sdfgrants@southerndocumentaryfund.org.  

Applicants must not be enrolled in a film school and/or seeking funds for a student project. If your project has special circumstances regarding eligibility, please feel free to reach out to our Program Manager: chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org

No, you can not apply separately, we will accept one application per project, per grant cycle.

You do not have to be a non-profit or have an LLC to apply.

Yes, please be sure to include this in your proposed budget.  

Yes, we accept both short and feature film proposals as well as documentary series proposals.

There is not a turnaround time for a completed project. 

We are encouraging applicants to submit a sample of 5-10 minutes in length. Be sure to submit samples that best represent your work. 

Yes, this can be submitted as your previous work sample.

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