August 10, 2026
Updates on 2026 IDA Grants Cycle
 

2026 has been a challenging year for documentary filmmakers around the world. IDA’s granting programs remain committed to meeting these challenges and supporting filmmakers as they find ways to create and complete urgent and impactful work.

Following several program changes and the successful hiring of a new Deputy Director for IDA, we are hopeful that our granting programs will have a more sustainable and robust framework in the near future.

For now, the Artist Services team, formerly known as the Funds department, is focused on administering the Emergency Assistance program, which supports artists facing unexpected emergencies as a direct consequence of their film work.

The Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund is expected to reopen in late 2026 with a new theme. The program will support projects that are closer to the end of production and approaching a premiere. More information about the new theme and selection process will be shared on documentary.org and through our regular communication channels in the coming months.

We remain committed to providing documentary filmmakers with access to resources and support as we continue to strengthen our funding programs. In the meantime, please visit our Other Grants Directory, and for specific questions regarding existing grants, please contact artistservices@documentary.org.

***Please note that the email address “funds@documentary.org” will soon be discontinued.