2025 SDF Production Grant
Ends on
Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) cultivates documentaries made in or about the American South. This grant is for Southern makers of nonfiction documentaries projects in production. Grants are awarded for $15,000 each to seven projects. The grant opens on July 14, 2025 at 8:00am EST and closes on August 15, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. This grant is made possible thanks to the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation, JustFilms | Ford Foundation and Wyncote Foundation.
ACCESSIBILITY
We understand that Submittable may not be accessible for all applicants. If you require assistance applying, or an alternative method (i.e. video or audio application), please contact us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org.
WHAT WE FUND
This program is for Southern makers. We 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.
We seek to bring visibility to Southern makers and communities who are oftentimes overlooked. We will award up to seven makers with grants of $15,000 each to assist them in production.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for our 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.
- This grant prioritizes stories made in or about the American South.
- 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.
If your project has special circumstances regarding eligibility, please feel free to reach out to our Artistic Director: chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
INELIGIBLE PROJECTS
The following projects are ineligible for funding and will NOT be considered:
- The applicant and project do not meet the above listed eligibility requirements.
- Non-documentary projects.
- Projects that meet our 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
Projects will be chosen based upon the following:
- 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.
- A fulfillment of eligibility requirements.
Information sessions will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 1pm EST and Wednesday, August 13, 1pm EST. You will need to complete Zoom registration.
For questions regarding the application process, email: sdfgrants@southerndocumentaryfund.org