Filmmakers Without Borders Grants

FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. FWB filmmaking grants provide funding and support for independent filmmakers to share their stories. Supported projects include narrative films, documentary films, and new media projects that align with themes of social justice, empowerment, and cultural exchange. FWB aims to empower the next generation of digital storytellers, promote diverse communities and cultures and support independent voices from around the world.

FWB encourages both novice and experienced filmmakers from around the world to apply for grant funding. Proposed projects should address social justice, women’s voices, youth voices, identity, cultural exchange and climate change. They should also demonstrate commitment to cultural diversity, cultural sustainability and empowerment and adhere to the American Anthropological Association’s Code of Ethics.

Eligibility requirements:
[1] Applicants should be 18+ years old.

[2] Applicants should be proficient in relevant digital technologies.
[3] Applicants should be able to provide samples of their work.
[4] Applications and supporting materials must be produced in English. Completed films may be in any language.
[5] 100% of funds dedicated to the film project, not to salaries or large equipment purchases.
[6] Projects should be scheduled for completion within 365 days of application deadline.
[7] Projects should be subtitled in English.
[8] Projects may be Short Film Projects (6-40 minutes), Feature Film Projects (90+ minutes) or New Media Projects.

Grants are available for all of the following stages of production in the following amounts:
[1] Development: $250, $500, or $1000
[2] Production: $500, $1000, $2500, or $5000
[3] Post-production: $250, $500, $1000, or $2500
[4] Film Festival Applications: $100, $250, or $500
Additional specialized grants are also available for alumni of the following initiatives: Tribeca All Access, Women in Film Finishing Fund, Sundance Native Program, NYWIFT Disability Awareness Grant, National Geographic Explorer and the Fulbright Scholars Program.

Upon successful submission of the online application and all supporting materials, the candidate’s application will then be forwarded to the relevant committee for initial review. The review process can take between 2–6 weeks from the application deadline depending on the application cycle and number of applications being processed. Unsuccessful applicants are generally notified of their application status within 6 weeks of the application deadline. Whereas successful applicants generally receive formal offers about 1-2 months after the initial application deadline.