IDA Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance grants for documentary filmmakers in imminent and extreme physical danger
Beginning Monday, March 10, 2026, IDA is piloting an emergency assistance program for documentary filmmakers whose work puts them in imminent and extreme physical danger. Eligible filmmakers may request a one-time emergency grant between $500 and $5,000 (USD). IDA will respond to all applications within 24 hours and handle them with strict confidentiality.
IDA Emergency Assistance protects freedom of expression by providing direct support to filmmakers at risk because of their work. It builds on IDA's existing partnerships with international filmmaker protection organizations and reflects our ongoing commitment to advocacy on behalf of the documentary community.
This six-month pilot is funded through our year-end fundraising campaign, which drew more support than in any previous year. Between now and September, IDA will assess needs in the field — and we intend to sustain and grow the program with support from our community.
Emergency Assistance Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate that:
- They are in immediate and extreme personal physical danger ー including serious risk of death, bodily harm, or detainment – related to their documentary project
- They have a concrete plan for how the funds will be used, and the requested amount corresponds to the cost of reaching a sufficiently safe situation
- They have an existing risk assessment plan for their project
- If the plan requires travel to another country, any necessary visas or entry documents must already be in place
- They can provide at least two references who can confirm the nature of their emergency (a funder of the project or a film partner organization, for example)
- They have a way to safely receive funds. IDA will publicly list countries to which we cannot wire funds.
The following circumstances alone do not qualify for emergency grants:
- Immigration or visa issues unrelated to immediate physical danger (for example: "My visa hasn't come through for a planned shoot.")
- Ongoing crises ー war, coups, political upheaval ーwithout a specific, immediate threat to the applicant
- Smear campaigns and reputational threat
- Censorship, de-platforming, or loss of project funding Current detention or incarceration, where IDA funds cannot practically be deployed
Filmmakers whose circumstances fall outside the current program are encouraged to contact us — we are building additional resources and partnerships to serve a broader range of needs.
Intake Form opens March 10, 2026. See the list of questions here.
For cases involving confidential information, please contact emergency@documentary.org. You will be given instructions on how to share your information using an end-to-end encryption app, such as Signal.
Review Process
All applicants will receive a confirmation receipt within 24 hrs of submitting the Intake Form. If approved, funds could be transferred in as few as five business days.
Requests submitted outside the Intake Form will still be addressed — please send them directly to emergency@documentary.org and include all relevant information. You will still be asked to submit the Intake Form, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Once received, eligible requests move through the following steps:
- Initial verification and fact-checking by IDA staff and legal support
- Reference checks with the contacts provided in your Intake Form
- A recommendation from the Artist Services team, reviewed by IDA's Executive Director and members of our international Advocacy Advisory Committee
- Notification to the applicant with an explanation of the decision
Questions about eligibility?
If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, email emergency@documentary.org before submitting the Intake Form. IDA recognizes that every case is different, and eligibility exceptions may be considered — reaching out first gives us the opportunity to discuss your circumstances.
Payment Information
IDA can issue international payments via wire or PayPal.
IDA cannot wire funds to all countries. The following list was posted in March 2026. For the most up to date list of sanctions, please visit: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information
- IDA cannot disburse funds directly to the following countries:
Afghanistan
Albania
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Central African Republic
Croatia
Cuba
Democratic Republic of Korea
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ethiopia
Greece
Iran
Iraq
Kosovo
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Montenegro
Myanmar (Burma)
Nicaragua
Republic of North Macedonia
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Ukraine
Venezuela
West Bank (Gaza)/Palestine/Palestine Territory
Yemen
What this program does not cover
The Emergency Assistance program provides only direct financial support. The following fall outside its scope:
Ancillary services — including letters of recommendation for academic fellowships, referrals to attorneys, or guidance on legal, insurance, or visa matters — are not provided through this program. IDA intends to make these resources available to members through other programs. In the meantime, the IDA team is happy to point filmmakers toward relevant resources where we can.
Public advocacy — including joint statements with partner organizations, amicus briefs, participation in lawsuits, and legislative engagement — may be undertaken by IDA separately, but is distinct from this program and not triggered by an emergency assistance application.
For the latest on IDA's advocacy work, visit our Advocacy blog.
Thank you to all IDA donors!
This program exists because of you. Our year-end fundraising campaign was the most successful in IDA's history — and this initiative was made possible by your supportis one initiative that your support made possible.