Filmmaking & Video Journalism Grants: Spring 2018 Deadlines

It’s time to get your documentary off the ground and onto the screen and these grants and awards can help you do just that. Here are the best places to apply for funding or recognition this Spring, whether you’re a video journalist or documentary filmmaker.

Pitching for Peace: A Competition for Journalists: March 1

War Stories, Peace Stories, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center, invites journalists working from any platform to pitch a project focused on an underreported nonviolent response or peace effort in an international conflict area. Three projects will be selected for funding, and will receive between $5,000 to $20,000, based on travel and related costs.

Sundance Documentary Fund: March 2

This fund from the Sundance Institute empowers non-fiction filmmakers around the world who are filming cinematic documentaries on contemporary themes. They’re currently offering up to $15,000 for development, $40,000 for production, and $20,000 for audience engagement.

World Cinema Fund Production Grant: March 5

The Goethe-Institut in joint connection with the Foreign Ministry and German Producers seek to develop cinema in areas where film has has a weaker presence, while supporting the cultural diversity in German cinemas. In particular, the grant supports films that otherwise could not be produced, have an unconventional aesthetic, and tell powerful stories of cultural roots.

Lorenzo Natali Prize: March 9

The Lorenzo Natali Prize is sponsored by the European Commission. It recognizes the dedication of journalists whose work helps create a better world. The prize acknowledges outstanding reporting on issues, such as poverty eradication, and the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. You may submit online, print, or audio-visual works and winners will be awarded at a ceremony in Brussels this June.

Courage In Journalism Award: March 16

The International Women’s Media Foundation created this award to honor the brave women who report on taboo topics, continuing their work in the face of adversity. The award celebrates the women whose commitment to press freedom makes them leaders in their industry. Nominate a female journalist before March 16.

Asian American Journalists Association TV/Online Video Award: March 18

The Asian American Journalists Association is a non-profit educational and professional organization with more than 1,600 members across the United States and Asia. AAJA has been at the forefront of change in the journalism industry. The TV/Online Video Award recognizes excellence in journalism.

Science Communication Award: March 30

The American Institute of Physics created the Broadcast and New Media category, which is for science-related works published or aired in 2017 and intended for a general audience. Entries may include TV programs, films, online videos, radio segments, podcasts, and works of new media. Winners will receive a prize of $3,000.

Asian Environmental Journalism Awards: March 31

The Singapore Environment Council’s awards aim to recognize and reward excellence in environmental journalism. From passionate citizen journalists to outstanding professional journalists to the environmental attitudes of media organizations, the AEJA highlights exceptional journalistic work, and encourages continued coverage of environmental issues in Asia.

The John B. Oakes Award: April 13

The Columbia Journalism School presents the John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism annually. The award honors news reporting that makes an exceptional contribution to the public’s understanding of environmental issues. Winners will receive a $5,000 prize.

Food Sustainability Media Awards: May 31

The Food Sustainability Media Award recognizes the work of professional journalists and emerging talent from around the world for excellence in reporting and communicating issues related to food security, sustainability, agriculture, and nutrition. There are two categories: written journalism and multimedia. Winners will receive a €10,000 cash prize for published work and unpublished work will be distributed on the ThomsonReuters Foundation and the BCFN Foundation websites.

Filmmakers Without Borders Filmmaking Grants: June 1

Filmmakers Without Borders supports independent filmmakers around the world through grants and other funding initiatives. They accept submissions from documentary filmmakers, narrative filmmakers, and creators working on new media projects with that have social justice, empowerment, and cultural exchange themes. Grants cover all stages of production from development to distribution and offer up to $5,000 in funding.

The Bertha BRITDOC Documentary Journalism Fund: Rolling Fund

The Bertha BRITDOC grant funds long-form journalism style documentaries that are exposing injustice or bringing eyes to previously unseen issues. Recoupable grants from £5,000 to £50,000 are available and it is a rolling fund, meaning there is no current application deadline.

Catapult Film Fund: Rolling Fund

Catapult helps propel projects forward that are uniquely told in film. The fund provides up to $20,000 for development to documentary filmmakers who have a strong story to tell, have secured access, and are in the process of completing a fundraising piece for production. They support powerful and moving storytelling by filmmakers with a strong voice across a broad spectrum of subject matter.

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By Lena Drake, Storyhunter Writer