Catapult Development Grant Program

Catapult Development Grant Program

Deadline: 8th September 2025
Funding: $5,000 – $25,000
Focus: Support for documentaries in development or early production

Program Overview

The Catapult Development Grant supports filmmakers developing character-driven, socially impactful documentaries of 28 minutes or longer. The grant emphasizes:

• Original and compelling storytelling

• Innovative creative approaches

• Contemporary relevance and social engagement

• Project feasibility and team capacity

• Ethical and accountable engagement with subjects

Purpose of funding: To create a fundraising piece, including writing, shooting, and editing, once the story and characters are defined.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 18 years or older and not enrolled in an academic institution

• Must own copyright and maintain artistic, budgetary, and editorial control

• Projects must be in early development, not post-production or impact campaigns

• Must have a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor to receive funds

• Excluded: Docuseries, fiction films, branded content, student projects, works-for-hire

Grant Requirements

• Two reports during the grant period:

  • Interim report + 30-minute progress call

  • Final report + 1-hour strategy call

• Submit the proposed fundraising piece at completion

• Acknowledge Catapult support in film credits, publicity, and promotional materials

• Provide tickets to the film’s premiere

Additional Support

Beyond funding, grantees receive:

• Editorial feedback

• Industry connections

• Tailored mentorship

Ideal for: Documentary filmmakers looking for early-stage support, mentorship, and funds to create a compelling fundraising piece that can attract further financing and public engagement.

for more info-