Tips to get the best grants for your documentary

Some of the most successful independent television and film producers are also grant writers. Grants for documentary filmmakers are available from various sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private funding. Once you’ve identified the grants that are a good fit for your project, it’s time to start applying for them.

Filmmakers frequently visualize about one big wealthy donor or a major foundation writing one big fat check to cover the film’s entire budget. Please don’t misunderstand me. It is possible. And it never hurts to ask, but here’s the strategy that’s most likely to work best for you, especially if you’re a new filmmaker.

  1. Request small, specific amounts of money from various people, and set deadlines for when the money is required. Even if the funds for documentary films budget is $250,000, do not request the entire amount at once. Most people will be intimidated by such a large number.

  2. Raise funds in manageable chunks based on how much you need at the time and how much you believe your donors can give. Assume you require $5,000 in documentary funding to film your first ten interviews. Tell people what you’re doing and that you’re raising money for that specific cause.

  3. Establish trust and confidence. This is extremely important for fundraising. Make sure to notify your donors once you’ve raised funds and completed the tasks you promised. They might be willing to give again or, at the very least, fundraise on your behalf!

  4. Utilize crowdfunding. If you are a first-time filmmaker with no track record, you will need to launch a grassroots fundraising campaign among your friends and family.

  5. It is critical to creating the best trailer possible when fundraising for a documentary. People must see what you’re attempting to accomplish and be inspired to assist you. It would help if you persuaded others that you have the passion and determination to complete your project.

  6. Keep in mind that success breeds success. If you can raise the first $5,000 - $10,000, you will have more credibility (especially with more prominent donors) when you ask for the next $10,000, $20,000, or $50,000.

  7. There is no substitute for picking up the phone, selling your idea, and requesting a specific amount of money for a particular purpose. Filling out grant applications can take days, if not weeks, and you will be competing with who knows how many other projects. A passionate 10-minute personal plea to someone already sold on your documentary idea will often produce better and faster results.

  8. As a general rule, cold calling is ineffective for fundraising. Send a letter of introduction first (hopefully along with your trailer) to a new contact with no prior relationship or credibility, and then call and follow up as needed.

  9. Conduct thorough research and approach people on their level. Before approaching someone for funding, ensure that your project is a natural fit for them and that you have a general idea of what they might be willing to give.

  10. Finally, but not least, convey excitement and urgency. Making a genuine person-to-person request is one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do, but it’s also one of the most powerful and effective ways to obtain funds for documentary films.

Find people who have a natural connection to the subject of your documentary project and send them your proposal. They already know the film’s subject matter is important; all you have to do now is persuade them that you know how to get the job done.

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