Hey creators!
We are back with another playlist, this time specifically for filmmakers.
Currently, there are (17) featured filmmaker grants.
If you are new here, welcome to Grants For Creators, a grant curation newsletter where we research and curate grants and other funding opportunities for US-based creatives and small biz owners.
We aim to keep you informed about the funding sources available, so you can support your projects or ideas.
In addition to publishing a monthly newsletter, we create these “playlists” so you can quickly find relevant awards based on craft or identity.
Browse through all our playlists here. We keep these updated with new opportunities as we find them.
Some of our other playlists include:
Resources For Filmmakers
Tongal
Pitch your best ideas for video projects with noteworthy brands. If you’re a writer, that means submitting ideas, concepts, taglines, scripts, and more for brands and studios to expand on and turn into marketing campaigns. If you’re a filmmaker or animator, that means pitching creative briefs for the opportunity to be financed to produce video content. Learn more about Tongal here.
1. [NEW] The BlackStar x FotoKem Short Film Contest - For Filmmakers of Color
This one-time services award supports filmmakers of color in the United States and Canada working on a short narrative project. The Short Film Contest provides filmmakers with the Lodge Finishing Grant, a package of post-production services valued at $12,000. The contest will accept only projects in post-production; films must be picture-locked. There will be one winner. The awarded project should be no longer than 30 minutes. The recipient(s) will be given 12 months after notification to complete their films (which will expire on November 18, 2027).
Deadline: October 1, 2026
2. [NEW] The Black Public Media 2026 Open Call - For Nonfiction Filmmakers
Filmmakers are invited to submit feature-length nonfiction projects in a range of formats, styles, subject matter, and genres. BPM is particularly interested in stories that explore critical issues, promote cultural understanding, and engage national audiences and/or local communities. All projects — which may be in pre-production, production, or early post-production — must be suitable for public media distribution. Up to five (5) projects will receive $20,000 in production funding and an invitation to pitch at BPM’s 10th PitchBLACK in June 2027.
Deadline: October 1, 2026
3. [NEW] The Bloomberg Green Docs Competition - For Filmmakers
This competition is open to all eligible filmmakers who want to compete for a $25,000 grand prize for a short climate documentary. Bloomberg Green wants to explore our climate future with documentaries that reveal the world we are making today. Ecosystems are being restored and tomorrow’s zero-carbon communities are being formed. At the same time, extremes in our habitats warn of cascading climate consequences. Films should address the urgency of climate change and be under 10 minutes, including credits.
Deadline: October 2, 2026
4. [NEW] newportFILM’s Cinematography Lab - For Image-Centered Filmmakers
This opportunity offers creative support and mentorship to early- to mid-career, image-centered filmmakers currently working on a short- or feature-length documentary film. Accepted fellows will share their work in progress for feedback from peers and mentors and will have valuable time to reflect on their process, craft, and the aesthetic and industry issues facing DPs today.
Critically acclaimed filmmakers will lead workshops and discussions and serve as mentors and advisors throughout this enriching three-day retreat. Applications are open to early- to mid-career DPs and image-centered filmmakers nationwide who shoot their own work. Filmmakers based in New England are especially encouraged to apply. newportFILM provides all meals and lodging. Fellows receive a $500 travel stipend.
Deadline: October 2, 2026
This is as far as free subscribers go. To access our complete list of grants, become a paid subscriber of Grants For Creators. We spend dozens of hours a month researching and curating this resource. Thank you for supporting our work.