Funding your short film can happen in many different ways. There's no one way to get funding. It's all about applying for grants, submitting in competitions, and working towards crowdfunding and campaigns. There may be better methods to receive the financing you need for your short film, depending on your project. You want to make sure you are not worrying about money to the point where you can't complete your vision.

Here are the next steps you should take to get grants and funding for your short film.

So, what exactly are film grants?

Film grants are often unrestricted funds or services that can develop a production. That money or equipment those grants provide you with doesn't have to be repaid. These film grants allow you to achieve the goals you have for your short and assure you can make the film and take it where you want it to go.

What type of grants do you qualify for?

Now that you know you need to apply for grants, it's time to figure out which film grants you qualify for. Grants for filmmakers can be offered based on a lot of different criteria. So you must find which categories of film best fit you and your project. First-time filmmakers specifically shouldn't overlook the many available opportunities for funding.

If you are a first-time filmmaker and have worked with others industries such as writing, publishing, or theater, there's a chance you could qualify for funding based on some of those achievements alone.

When searching for the film grant that fits you best, consider factors like personal interest and timing to narrow down the ones you want to qualify for.

How to apply for Short Film Grants?

If you're looking to finance and secure a short film, sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out how you're going to fund all these ideas you have. Every organization giving funding to filmmakers has its specific requirements. It's crucial to carefully consider the application materials they ask for months in advance.

Before applying for a grant, make sure you first have these things set in place.

First, create an artist statement. A statement is essential for applicants looking for funding, and a letter introducing who you are and what your project is about will give you a better chance. Make it clear in the statement why your project is so important to you and others who can benefit from it. Inform the reader how you could accomplish the goals you set for your short film.

Next, write a film treatment. You will need treatment for your short film to sum up your story in a page or two. If you're going after film grants, you must have excellent treatment. After you have completed your treatment, you can use it for all the grants you apply for. So, once it's done, it's done. Make sure to take your time and get the details just right.

Last, it's essential to have a reasonable and thought-out film budget to show how you will use your funds—the more professional and detailed your budget, the better chances of getting a grant. Budgets must be industry-standard and specific to your short project. Those viewing your film grant application should know precisely what your budget looks like.

Short film grants are a great way to secure the funding you need without worrying about investors wanting a return on your film. You can focus on the craft and production of your film without as many financial difficulties.

Search for a grant that aligns with your values and your film. Put together your application around the core values of your organization and your overall mission. If you feel your project fits into the criteria they're asking for, you have a better chance of getting one.

Here are some grants available to short filmmakers in 2022:

The Jerome Foundation Film and Video Grant Program

This grant is a production grant program for individual film and video artists who work in experimental, narrative, animation, and documentary production. This grant is for personal film and video artists who reside within five boroughs of New York City and Minnesota.

Though this is specific to those residents, applications may be submitted at any time during the year. This grant has no deadline for NYC residents and schedules three reviews per year.

The Independent Filmmaker Project (Now GOTHAM)

The IFP's Fiscal Sponsorship program focuses exclusively on documentary films and other works of nonfiction, short films, and low-budget fiction/narrative features (50 minutes+).

IFP's Fiscal Sponsorship program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves and provides support and oversight for independently produced film projects.

This grant also offers financial, administrative, and mentorship services.

Deadline: 15 September

GLAS Animation Grant Program

For the GLAS Animation Grant cycle, two separate $2500 grants will be awarded to two filmmakers living and working in the U.S. to create independent short films.

This program looks to fund independent animation filmmakers making films outside of academic institutions. This program wanted to provide more opportunities for funds geared explicitly towards independent animators working outside of a commercial context, making bold, artistic work.

This grant is unique because it's the only grant exclusively for animators in the U.S.

Deadline: 30 May

Keep in mind the deadlines for these applications and work towards these steps to receive a grant. Don't send anything late because that means you can longer apply.

Now that you have the base knowledge on getting funds to make your short film, explore more grants that are specific to you and your short film production. Take the next steps into the application process. Whether you are a first-time filmmaker or experienced, it’s the perfect time to start your next project.

By Claudia Estrada