Film and Video Grants for Nonprofits

Film is one of the most moving mediums out there, able to tell stories in a truly visceral way. Indeed, film is very important to the nonprofit space as well, being a powerful way to promote advocacy and raise awareness. However, it is not an easy medium to get started in, with the costs of quality filmmaking often exclusionary. For nonprofits that wish to open up access to the world of filmmaking, film grants are essential.

Film grants can help a nonprofit provide support to up-and-coming filmmakers in a variety of ways. These include education, access to equipment, workshops and mentorship. These all help break down barriers to entry for filmmaking.

Nonprofits can find film grants from a variety of sources. Examples include the Ford Foundation’s JustFilms Program, the Sundance Institute or the National Endowment for the Arts. There are a wealth of philanthropies and private foundations out there focused around the arts that will often offer some sorts of film related grants.

When writing proposals for film grants, it’s ideal if you can bring up some examples of successful filmmaking projects that your nonprofit has been involved with. You want the grant providers to gain a real connection to the filmmakers you are helping and feel a part of the process of bringing their stories to life. For such an artistic process, hard facts on profits are sometimes less convincing than demonstrating there is true art to be made, if it only gets the chance.

If you want more tips on writing grants, make sure to browse our extensive set of guides on writing winning proposals. You can also browse an extensive selection of potential film grants above.