IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund Production Grant Application Guidelines

The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund supports in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories that integrate journalistic practice into the filmmaking process. 

During the last decade, the contraction of print and broadcast media and the expansion of digital platforms spurred an unprecedented crossover between journalism and independent nonfiction filmmaking. Documentarians, working alone or in small teams, are increasingly taking on high-stakes storytelling once the domain of legacy media. Very often, they do so without the support, resources, and protection of established institutions. The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund seeks to support this critically important work, while helping filmmakers retain their independent voices and artistic visions.

The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund, with major support from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, provides production and development funds to documentary films taking on in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories and integrating journalistic practice into the filmmaking process. In addition to funds, grantees will receive additional resources and expertise tailored to the needs of the project. Inclusion and diversity, both in terms of the filmmaking team and subject matter, are a priority of the fund. 

The fund was established by Carrie Lozano, previous Grants Director, in 2017.