Explore a curated list of grants, funding and on set opportunities for independent filmmakers. Whether you're working on a documentary or short film, we regularly update this page with new options to help bring your project to life.

Filmmaker Opportunities

Grants & Funding

  • MOVING THE NEEDLE MICROGRANTS

    For women, trans & non-binary music producers/engineers
    Funding for studio, travel, gear, or unpaid internships
    Grant: $500–$1,000

    Quarterly – Open now

    Click Here

  • The Film Fund – Narrative Short Film Funding Contest

    Looking for a shot at funding your next short film? The Film Fund hosts a quarterly competition offering funding to standout narrative short concepts. Submit a single sentence pitching your short film idea, and you could receive financing to bring it to life.

    Deadline: Runs quarterly – ongoing

    Click Here

  • Southern Documentary Fund - Filmmaking Grant

    Southern U.S. filmmakers

    $5,000 – $10,000

    Deadline: Oct 2025

    Click Here

  • Early State Doc Projects

    Need funding for your documentary in production or post? Impact Partners is offering $100K–$300K to get it across the finish line.

    Deadline: Rolling

    Click Here

  • SFFILM Rainin Grant

    Narrative films with social impact (script needed)

    $10,000 – $25,000

    Deadline: Sept 2025

    Click Here

  • Future of Film is Female Grant

    Women-identifying directors with in-progress films


    $1,000 – $5,000 + support

    Deadline: Sept 15, 2025

    Click Here

  • Reel Impact Grant

    Social justice-themed shorts or features
    $2,500 – $7,500
    Rolling – open now

    Click Here

  • HURSTON/WRIGHT FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIPS

    Workshops, awards & summer programs for Black writers
    Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting
    Grant amounts vary

    Rolling – check site for deadlines

    Click Here

  • BLACK CREATIVES FUND – WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS

    Grant program for emerging Black authors & illustrators
    Funding, mentorship & career support
    Grant: Varies
    Rolling – check site for updates

    Click Here

  • CAVE CANEM FELLOWSHIP

    Premier fellowship & retreat for emerging Black poets
    Workshops, mentorship, & national poetry community
    Tuition, lodging, and travel covered

    Deadline: Typically November

    Click Here

  • THE WATERING HOLE RETREAT

    Winter poetry retreat & community for Southern writers of color
    Workshops, peer review & performance
    Cost varies, scholarships available

    Deadline: Typically Fall (Oct/Nov)

    Click Here

  • MACDOWELL FELLOWSHIP (DIVERSITY FOCUS)

    Prestigious artist residency with added support for writers of color
    Writers work on-site for 2–8 weeks with full room & board
    Fellowship: Housing + travel grants

    Deadline: Typically September & February

    Click Here

  • VONA (VOICES OF OUR NATIONS) WORKSHOPS

    Intensive workshops for writers of color across genres
    Mentorship from acclaimed authors & editors
    Tuition + scholarships available

    Deadline: Varies annually

    Click Here

  • BLACK WRITERS WEEKEND (ATL)

    Annual gathering for Black authors, screenwriters & creatives
    Panels, workshops, pitch sessions & networking
    Tickets required (some events free)

    Next: 2025 – Atlanta, GA

    Click Here

  • Unknown Nightmare – Horror Feature Competition

    Calling all horror writers and filmmakers! Unknown Nightmare is a free-to-enter competition focused on unproduced horror features. Submit your screenplay or concept for a chance to connect with industry producers and development opportunities.

    Entry: Free

    Deadline: October 15th, 2025

    Click Here

Work opportunities

  • Catbird studio is hiring!

    A vibrant creative arts space and event venue offering a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. From classes and individual lessons to photography sessions, parties, theatre productions, concerts, ladies’ nights, parents’ nights out, and more, we are a hub for creativity and community.

    apply here