Financial Resources

Funding and support for filmmakers

Access funding, grants, and distribution tools—plus resources for navigating downtime between productions.

FILM FINANCE

GRANTS & AWARDS

The Grant Portal 

Start your funding search here! Database of local/state arts grants; eligibility often includes 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and many grants are offered to individuals.

Roy W. Dean Film Grant - Deadline June 30th

For over 30 years, the Roy W. Dean Grant has funded independent films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made. Open to documentaries, narrative features, short films, or web series. Projects with budgets of $500,000 or less are eligible.

Award

• $3,500 Check from From the Heart Productions
• 35% discount on lighting services from Paskal Lighting Hollywood
• 30% discount on music post-production services from AudioKut
• $1,295 Writers Boot Camp scholarship
• $500 in grip, lighting, or expendables from Filmtools
• Additional donated products and services from heartfelt industry supporters

Three filmmakers will also receive Stories That Matter Awards, each with a $500 cash prize, honoring films that illuminate important social issues, communities, and human experiences.

Every filmmaker who applies receives guidance in a 15-minute consultation to gain valuable insight on funding strategies, building donor and investor support, strengthening their project presentation, and moving their film towards completion.

APPLY NOW

SFFILM Documentary Film Fund - Deadline Jul 7

The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach. Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund has distributed more than $900,000 to advance new work by filmmakers nationwide.

• Grant opens March 3rd, 2026
• Regular Deadline June 9th, 2026 (Application Fee $30)
• Final Deadline July 7th, 2026 (Application Fee $50)
• Finalists Notified in late September 2026
• Recipients Announced in late October 2026

APPLY NOW

Assembly for the Arts Creative Impact Fund - Deadline Jul 17

Assembly for the Arts is investing in local artists with $10,000 unrestricted grants for 22 creatives in 2026. The Creative Impact Fund (CIF) is an unrestricted grant open to Cuyahoga County artists of all disciplines. It is designed to support an artist’s creative practice and increase their impact on the region.

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The Boost Fund for Artists

Assembly for the Arts is excited to continue the Boost Fund in 2026. The program provides a Boost of funding to help Cuyahoga County artists bring their projects and events to life and to help offset the costs of artist-specific needs.  

The Boost Fund will be offered in 3 cycles (spring, summer and fall), funding a total of 144 Cuyahoga County artists with $1,500 each. Between 40-50 recipients will be randomly selected in each cycle. Check Assembly’s website for details about upcoming virtual information sessions and answers to frequently asked questions.

APPLY NOW

Artists with Disabilities Access Program

Provides funding that gives individual artists with disabilities the resources they need to further their artistic development. Creative expression by artists of all abilities is essential to building dynamic and diverse communities throughout Ohio. ADAP awards help artists with disabilities advance their artistic practices, making Ohio a more accessible and inclusive place to build an artistic career. 

Assembly for the Arts: Financial & Funding Resources

Assembly for the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a focus on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity initiatives, research, marketing that elevates the region, and services for nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses.

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Grants

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture believes that investing in arts and culture inspires our community, builds stronger neighborhoods and ultimately enhances the quality of life for all Cuyahoga County residents. This is achieved through our primary grants: General Operating Support, Project Support, and Cultural Heritage.

Decentralized Pictures Foundation

Decentralized Pictures (DCP) is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization seeking to discover new and innovative filmmaking talent. They run a democratic film fund that allows their online community of creatives, film fans, and industry professionals to decide who is most deserving of their support. Submit your film idea, and if the world loves it, they’ll help you make it.

Film Independent 

Explore opportunities for Fellowships and Grants through Film Independent!
Film Independent awards over $845,000 in cash and production services to filmmakers each year. Film Independent Grants & Awards allow filmmakers to advance their current projects and help recognize professional accomplishments in independent film. With questions and for more information about Film Independent Grants & Awards, please email us at artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.

Ohio Arts Council Grants

• The Ohio Arts Council’s grant programs are grouped into four categories supporting organizations, arts learning, and individual artists:

  • Operating Support | Awards to support an organization’s operations
  • Project Support | Awards to support organizational projects
  • Arts Learning | Awards to support purpose-driven experiences for educators and learners of all ages
  • Individual Artists | Awards that recognize excellence, preserve cultural traditions, and offer developmental support
  • Learn more about the grants they offer in each category by clicking here.

  Funding Resource Videos – OAC YouTube Channel

  • Artist Opportunities: Funding for Professional Growth
  • Ohio Arts Council Grants
  • Public Funding: The NEA & OAC

Rapid Action Grants

The Rapid Action Grant is designed to help boost artists’ ability to fund their creative projects and fill in the gaps when immediate needs arise. Cuyahoga County-based artists can request funds up to $2000* for immediate expenses. Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received and on a rolling basis throughout the year until all program funds have been distributed.

Spaces - Opportunities For Artists

SPACES commissions artists from around the world—at all stages of their careers—to make new work that is responsive to timely issues. They use these projects as a jumping off point to create educational initiatives that help develop a more informed citizenry. They also distribute grants to artists outside of their residency and exhibition programs.

DISTRIBUTION

Film Festival Submission Process

Enter the world’s best festivals. Over 12,000 of the world’s best film festivals and screenplay contests, including 197 Academy Award / BAFTA Award accredited festivals, use FilmFreeway to reach over two million filmmakers worldwide.

Think Outside The Box Office

In writing his book Think Outside the Box Office (TOTBO), Jon Reiss drew on his own experiences distributing his film Bomb It, in addition to interviews with countless other filmmakers, distributors, publicists, web programmers, festival programmers and marketing experts to create the first step-by-step nuts and bolts guide to marketing and distributing a film in the 21st century. Jon’s goal was to provide a written resource to help other filmmakers and media content creators achieve their goals in distributing and marketing their films.

This mission continues but now includes a live educational experience to accompany the information found in the book.