Description

• FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. FWB filmmaking grants provide funding and support for independent filmmakers to share their stories. Funds are available for narrative, documentary, experimental, and new media projects in various stages of production.

Goals & Objectives

• to empower the next generation of digital storytellers
• to promote diverse communities and cultures
• to share unique perspectives and stories
• to support independent voices from around the world

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants from any country are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants should be 18+ years old.
• Applicants should be proficient in relevant digital technologies.
• Applicants should be able to provide samples of their work.
• Applications and supporting materials must be produced in English.
  • NOTE: Completed films may be in any language.

FWB is committed to diversity and equality.

• FWB provides equal consideration for all qualified candidates. FWB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, or other protected status.

Proposed projects should address one of the following themes:

• social justice
• women’s voices
• youth voices
• identity
• cultural exchange
• climate change

Proposed projects should be aligned with the following guidelines:

• demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity
• demonstrated commitment to cultural sustainability
• demonstrated commitment to empowerment
• adherence to the American Anthropological Association’s Code of Ethics

Proposed projects should meet the following requirements:

• 100% of funds dedicated to the film project (not to salaries or large equipment purchases)
• scheduled for completion within 365 days of application deadline
• subtitled in English

Grants are available for all of the following stages of production:

• Development
• Production
• Post-production
• Film Festival Applications

Grants are available for all of the following types of projects:

Grants are available in the following amounts (Tier 1 – Tier 4):

• Development: $250, $500, $750, or $1000
• Production: $500, $1000, $2500, or $5000
• Post-production: $250, $500, $1000, or $2500
• Film Festival Applications: $100, $250, $500, or $750

Additional Funding

• Please note that additional specialized grants are also available for alumni of the following initiatives: Tribeca All Access, Women in Film Finishing Fund, Sundance Native Program, NYWIFT Disability Awareness Grant, National Geographic Explorer, & the Fulbright Scholars Program.
  

  

  

  

  

  

How to Apply

1. Prepare all supporting materials
2. Submit an online application

Timeline

• Upon successful submission of 1. the online application and 2. all supporting materials, the candidate’s application will then be forwarded to the relevant committee for initial review. The review process can take between 6-8 weeks from the application deadline depending on the application cycle and number of applications being processed. 
• Unsuccessful applicants are generally notified of their application status within 8 weeks of the application deadline.
• Successful applicants generally receive formal offers about 2-3 months after the initial application deadline.

Supporting Materials

• Submit an updated CV/resume
• Submit a link to work samples, previous projects, or a portfolio
• Submit a 5-10 page treatment/outline of your proposed project
• Submit a reference letter from a mentor, community leader, employer, or teacher in support of your specific film project.
• Submit a 3-5 minute video essay outlining your background and proposed project. This video is intended to be creative and to showcase your personality and technical skills. It may be filmed on a DSLR, pocket camera, or other comparable camera but should include an edited combination of all of the following:
  1. the applicant speaking directly to camera
  2. voice over narration
  3. photos
  4. b-roll footage
  5. text elements
• Submit three short-answer essays responding to the following questions:
  1. How does your film project demonstrate a commitment  to cultural diversity? (1-2 pages)
  2. Why does this specific story need to be told and why are you the best person to tell it? (1-2 pages)
  3. How does your film project address your chosen theme? Include a minimum of x5 examples. (2+ pages)
• Submit an estimated budget for each of the following (x2 total):
  • an estimated budget for the highest amount of funding available for your project’s stage (e.g. production: $5,000). This budget should clearly itemize all anticipated costs. 
  • an estimated budget for the lowest amount of funding available for your project’s stage (e.g. production: $500). This budget should clearly itemize all anticipated costs. 

Application Deadlines

• There are three grant cycles throughout each year (Spring/Summer/Fall).
• Each cycle has its own unique application deadline:
  • Spring: January 1st
  • Summer: June 1st
  • Fall: August 1st
• Completed online applications and supporting materials received by the corresponding deadline will be forwarded to the relevant selection committee for initial review. All grant cycles receive equal consideration.

What are FWB Filmmaking Grants?

• FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. FWB filmmaking grants provide funding and support for independent filmmakers to share their stories. Funds are available for narrative, documentary, experimental, and new media projects in various stages of production.

What types of projects are eligible for grant funding?

• Short Film Projects (6-40 minutes)
  • Narrative
  • Documentary
  • Animation
  • Experimental

• Feature Film Projects (90+ minutes)
  • Narrative
  • Documentary

• New Media Projects (various)
  • Narrative
  • Documentary
  • Experimental

For which stages of production are grants available?

• Development
• Production
• Post-production
• Film Festival Applications

What grant amounts are available in each stage of production?

• Development: $250, $500, or $1000
• Production: $500, $1000, $2500, or $5000
• Post-production: $250, $500, $1000, or $2500
• Film Festival Applications: $100, $250, or $500

Who should apply?

• FWB encourages novice and experienced filmmakers from any country to apply.

When are the application deadlines?

• There are three application cycles throughout each year. Applicants may find more detailed information above.

I’m not from the U.S., can I still apply?

• Yes, FWB accepts grant applications from citizens of any country.

I work with a co-director, collaborator, or collective. Can we apply together?

• Yes, FWB welcomes applications from filmmaking teams. In this case, you should only designate x1 single individual to apply on behalf of your team and then include all relevant members of the team and their background/roles in the video essay.

Is there any application fee to apply?

• No, there is no application fee and all applications are entirely free. However, as a 501c3 nonprofit, every donation counts. If you’re able, please consider making a small donation (click here) to support FWB’s educational initiatives across Africa, Asia, and Latin America (not required but truly appreciated).  Note: All grant applications receive equal consideration irrespective of donations submitted.

Is the video essay really required? Can I submit footage or a completed film instead?

• The video essay is required of all applicants and is not optional. It is one of the most important pieces of the application and is an opportunity for you to communicate directly with the selection committee. Separate footage or completed works may be included in the portfolio but may not replace the video essay.

Any advice or tips for producing the video essay?

• The video essay is a key element of the selection process and should showcase the best of your creative and technical abilities. We advise all applicants to produce a new video essay specifically for the FWB grant application and to address FWB directly. Please do not simply submit a link to a general trailer or promo video for your project. Additionally, please ensure that you give yourself enough time to produce a video that demonstrates what you are truly capable of. Do your best to let your personality shine through and to communicate why your story needs to be told. Previous successfully-funded projects have communicated a strong understanding of FWB’s core values and what makes their project special.

Can I submit a completed script in lieu of the film treatment?

• Unfortunately, no. While you are welcome to include a completed script in your portfolio, all applicants must submit a film treatment.

To whom should my reference letter be addressed?

• All reference letters may be addressed to the Filmmakers Without Borders Grant Selection Committee.

I’m confused about the budget. What should I submit?

• FWB provides funding in specific incremental amounts. Grant applicants apply and the selection committee then decides to award projects funding from these available amounts. Therefore, your project is eligible to receive any incremental amount: from the maximum amount available to the minimum amount available.
• Effectively, we want to see how you would prioritize spending and how you’d plan to spend the funds, if awarded – both in the best and worst case scenario. Budget #1 should itemize how you would spend the maximum amount available. Budget #2 should itemize how you would spend the minimum amount available.

I’m having trouble finding the prompts for the x3 essays. What are they, again?

• Please review the section titled “Supporting Materials” above.

I missed the grant application deadline, can I still apply?

• Applicants who are unable to submit their grant application and supporting materials by a particular deadline will be considered during the next application cycle.

When will I receive a decision?

• Upon successful submission of 1. the online application and 2. all supporting materials, the candidate’s application will then be forwarded to the relevant committee for initial review. The review process can take between 6-8 weeks from the respective application deadlines depending on the application cycle and number of applications being processed. 
• Unsuccessful applicants are generally notified of their application status within 8 weeks of the relevant application deadline.
• Successful applicants generally receive final offers about 2-3 months after the relevant application deadline.

Can I apply to more than one grant?

• Yes, applicants are welcome to apply to be considered for more than one grant (e.g. stage, theme, and/or project category). However, you will need to submit a separate application for each specific grant and should only apply to one stage of production at a time (e.g. do not apply to all four stages at once). Applicants should pay special attention to the short answer essays and ensure that they submit project-specific rationales.

If my project receives funding, how will I document my project’s progress?

• As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, accountability and documentation are core elements of our operations. All grant recipients are required to submit regularly-scheduled progress reports and other items. However, we are careful to ensure that all documentation is scaled to the relevant level of funding provided and that all required items can be easily completed. All grant recipients are provided more detailed information upon receiving their award offer.