The MAKE Thesis Grant

The MAKE Thesis Grant is an annual international funding opportunity created to support senior animation students producing original animated thesis projects. Initially launched in 2024, the program continues in 2025 as part of MAKE’s broader mission to champion emerging talent in the animation industry. This grant is specifically designed for students in the final year of their undergraduate or graduate animation programs who are undertaking a thesis film as part of their academic requirements. The MAKE Thesis Grant provides three tiers of funding: $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. The financial support is intended to cover essential post-production costs and festival submissions. Eligible uses include editing, sound design, music licensing, color grading, and fees for film festival entries. Recipients may not use the funds for unrelated personal expenses, and MAKE retains no editorial or creative input during the production process. Finalists are selected based on creative originality, technical skill, and the overall professionalism of their submissions. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled as senior BFA/BA or MFA/MA students in animation, digital arts, or a related discipline at an accredited institution. Both individual and team submissions are accepted, but each project should be submitted once only. The program is open to students worldwide. Due to restrictions on international fund transfers, MAKE directly covers approved production expenses on behalf of non-U.S. recipients, including payments to vendors and contributors. Application materials must include a detailed story concept and treatment presented as a single PDF file, a personal portfolio of past work, a statement of purpose outlining creative vision and motivation, and a funding proposal detailing how the grant will be used. All materials are submitted through the MAKE application platform. The 2025 application window opened on August 14th and will close on November 4th, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. ET. Winners will be announced on November 15th, 2025, by a panel of industry professionals affiliated with MAKE. Upon completion of their projects, grant recipients agree to participate in a short interview for MAKE’s social media promotion. All intellectual property rights remain with the students, and promotional materials will only be used with mutual consent.

Focus on originality, clear presentation, and creative vision. Teams must submit only once. Use professional formatting and upload a single PDF for project materials.