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