The BENT Film Festival Grant is offered through the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to continue the mission of the BENT Sacramento LGBTQ+ Film Festival, which was founded in 1993 and ran for 30 years. The BENT Festival was the longest-running film festival in Sacramento and the only one dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists and films. Its mission was to change the world through queer cinema, foster safe spaces for self-expression, inspire activism for equality, and celebrate LGBTQ+ heritage and cultures.
Following the festival's closure, its leaders established this grant opportunity to support LGBTQ+ filmmakers and artists in the greater Sacramento region. The grant aims to fund projects that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and elevate queer stories and history. Grants of $500 to $1,500 will be awarded, with a focus on supporting visibility through public exhibitions, screenings, or events. Preference will be given to projects that engage specific audiences such as college and high school LGBTQ+ groups, film and art instruction programs, and LGBTQ+ art galleries.
Applicants must self-identify as LGBTQ+ and reside in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, or Yuba counties. They must also be working on a specific film or art project that will be shared publicly. Applications must be submitted through the separate AcademicWorks platform, and applicants may need to create an account to apply. Paper or email applications will not be accepted.
The application period opens on May 26, 2025, and closes on June 30, 2025. The opportunity is offered on a recurring basis, with the next cycle anticipated in May 2026. Applicants should check back around April 2026 for updates regarding the next cycle.
Contact for questions about the grant or the application process is available through the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. General inquiries may be directed to info@sacregcf.org or (916) 921-7723.
