Funding Resources for Documentary Creators
Do the line items never seem to end? Learn how to strategize and secure diversified funding for your documentary.
Fiscal Sponsorship
Fiscal sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which a public charity agrees to sponsor a project for the purpose of fundraising through grants and donations. This is an effective alternative to starting your own nonprofit; it allows you to seek private and government grants and tax-deductible donations for your documentary. While there are several forms of fiscal sponsorship in the US, the most common arrangement for documentary projects is known as "comprehensive fiscal sponsorship" or Model C. In Australia, the term auspicing is used instead of sponsoring.
For over 40 years, IDA's Fiscal Sponsorship Program has helped independent documentary projects of all types get funded, finished and seen. Our sponsored projects have access to a comprehensive fundraising platform that includes individual donations, recurring donations, peer-to-peer fundraising, crowdfunding campaigns, and ticketed events. Additionally, we have partnerships with both Kickstarter and Seed & Spark.
IDA Funds
Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund
The Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund supports feature-length documentary films that reflect the spirit and nature of legendary documentary filmmaker Pare Lorentz's work.
Find Other Funders
The Documentary Core Application Project
The Documentary Core Application is a collaborative effort by grantors who regularly fund documentary projects to standardize application requirements, with the aim of fostering greater access and a more equitable and sustainable documentary field.
IDA Grants and Fellowship Directory
Looking for funding, fellowship or workshop opportunities for your documentary? IDA has the most comprehensive database for filmmakers around the world.
How to Raise Funds
101
- Navigating the Correct Path to Packaging and Funding Documentaries Read More
- A Primer on Financing Your Documentary Read More
- Watch IDA panel on "Stayin' Alive - Monetizing the Doc Career"
Budgeting & Scheduling
- IDA's Introduction to Documentary Budgeting and Scheduling: learn how to prepare a professional documentary budget and schedule from scratch, from considering the fundraising process and spending scenarios to the budget topsheet to detailed line items. Read More
Grant Writing
- Watch IDA's Grant Writing Basics Master Class
- Watch the 2021 Grant Writing Workshop on How to Adapt to the Changing Documentary Funding Landscape
- Should I Hire a Grant Writer? Read More
- How much should I ask for? Read More
- The Early Bird Guide to the Nonfiction Core Application Read More
Pitching
- Five Essential Steps to Better Pitching Read More
- Selling Your Project in Seven Minutes or Less at Pitch Forums Read More
- The Risks and Rewards of International Pitch Forums Read More
- Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating Oversees Incentives for Documentary Productions Read More
Crowdfunding
- IDA's Comprehensive Crowdfunding Tool Kit: Tips From the Professionals Read More
- Kickstarter's Liz Cook Charts a Sustainable Path for Documentary Crowdfunding Read More
- Funds from the Madding Crowd: Raising Money through the Internet Read More
Foundation Support
- Watch IDA's seminar on "Getting Foundation Support for Your Doc"
- Foundation Directory Online is a paid service provided by Candid that contains information about over 189,000 foundation grantmakers.
- Funding models that identify niche demographics and provide ongoing support once the funds are distributed Read More
Equity Investment
- A Guide on How to Treat Your Equity Investment Funders Read More
Corporate Funding
- Taking the Corporate Route to Funding Your Project Read More