Applications open for SDF Production Grant Program – US

SDF cultivates documentaries made in or about the American South. This grant is for Southern makers of nonfiction documentaries projects in production.

What they Fund?

• They 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.

Funding Information

• Grants are awarded for $10,000 each to five projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for their grant:
  • Project Directors should reside or have deep roots in one of the following Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, 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.

Ineligibility Criteria  

• Non-documentary projects.
• Projects that meet their 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.

Selection 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.

For more information, visit Southern Documentary Fund.