Southern Documentary Fund Production Grant

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) Production Grant supports nonfiction filmmakers with a focus on elevating stories and creators from the American South. Backed by prominent philanthropic organizations including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, JustFilms | Ford Foundation, and the Wyncote Foundation, this grant initiative is designed to increase visibility for Southern makers and their work. SDF is committed to stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of the region and seeks to empower documentarians whose voices may otherwise be underrepresented. This grant funds nonfiction documentaries—such as shorts, features, docuseries, and experimental works—that are currently in the production stage. It does not support research, development, post-production, distribution, or engagement/impact campaigns. Each selected applicant will receive a grant of $15,000. A total of seven grants will be awarded, amounting to $105,000. These funds can be used to support production activities, and filmmakers are allowed to use the funding to compensate themselves for their work on the project. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older, possess a U.S. Social Security number or federal tax ID, and not be enrolled in a film school or seeking funds for a student project. The Project Director must reside in or have deep roots in one of thirteen Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia. Only nonfiction documentary projects that meet these criteria will be considered. Projects already funded for production by SDF are ineligible, as are incomplete applications or those missing required materials. Applications open on July 14, 2025, and the final submission deadline is August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Late submissions will not be accepted. Two info sessions are scheduled to assist applicants: one on July 29, 2025, and another on August 13, 2025, both at 1:00 PM EST. Recordings of these sessions will be posted online when available. The application review will evaluate how well the project aligns with SDF’s mission, the clarity and research behind the proposal, feasibility of the budget and fundraising plan, the qualifications of the team, and the applicant's understanding of their target audience. Interested applicants should prepare a clear and complete application, including all requested documents and support materials. For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, applicants may contact Artistic Director Chris at chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org. Additional accessibility support is available by contacting info@southerndocumentaryfund.org or calling 919-308-3714.