Catapult Development Grant

Catapult Development Grant is sponsored by California for the Arts. Provides early-stage support to documentary filmmakers in development with a documentary feature or short, excluding docuseries.

Sugarcane, directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie Natchez, director Suzannah Herbert The Dating Game, Director Violet Du Feng Union, director/producer Stephen Maing, Brett Story Black Snow, director Alina Simone Guidelines and Eligibility for the Catapult Development Grant: Please carefully review the following section to determine if the Catapult Development Grant is a good fit for your project before applying.

Applicants (Project Director) must be 18 years or older and cannot be enrolled in an academic institution. Documentaries must be in development or early production with an intended length of 28 minutes or longer. Grant funds must specifically be used to create a fundraising piece, which may include writing, shooting and editing once story and characters are in place.

Directors can only submit one application per cycle. Catapult does not support filmmakers who are actively contracted with another CFF-supported project and have not completed the final deliverables listed in the Guidelines sections. Previously submitted applications must demonstrate significant changes to the story, characters or project development.

If the application has been declined multiple times, we highly recommend you to evaluate whether your project aligns with our guidelines. Applicants should have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer) as demonstrated via key creative personnel filmography and/or visual samples.

This may include, but is not limited to, credits and/or materials from the filmmaking team’s previously completed feature-length documentaries. Catapult does not make grants to individuals. If selected, applicants must be able to accept grants through a 501(c)(3) organization such as a fiscal sponsor.

Projects may apply without a fiscal sponsor but must confirm the designated organization in order to receive funding. Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions» Catapult exclusively focuses on early-stage support and does not support projects in production, post-production, completed, or for impact campaigns.

We do not fund docuseries, fiction films, branded content, student projects (including dissertations), or works-for-hire (commissioned by a third party, e.g. NGOs). Hybrid and experimental formats will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Artful, compelling storytelling that moves you, with a preference for character-driven narratives over lesson or agenda-heavy projects Originality of approach, content, and form with creative and innovative storytelling techniques; we usually do not fund projects that rely purely on interviews as the primary narrative device Creative and innovative storytelling techniques Contemporary relevance with a unique perspective, style, and/or tone; we usually do not fund historical and biographical films, unless there is a unique angle or approach that makes the subject matter timely and relevant Project feasibility with respect to budget, financing, schedule, and scope Demonstrated ability of the creative team to implement previous projects, such as key personnel credits or prior work samples Credible access and rapport with the proposed subject(s) of the story, with attention to accountability and ethics Significant impact of the Catapult grant on the development stage of the project Potential of the project to generate public discourse and social engagement Grant awards range from $5000 to $25,000.

If selected, grantees must have a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor to officially accept the award. Once accepted, Catapult will provide a letter of agreement that clearly outlines use of funds, reporting, and deliverables. Report deadlines are determined by the grantee, based on project goals and timeline.

During the course of the grant period, grantees must submit two reports (with narrative and financial updates). The interim report will be followed by a 30-minute progress call to discuss project updates, use of funds, and current stage. The final report should coincide with the completion of the final deliverable and will be followed by a one-hour strategy call with the Catapult team.

Upon completion of the award period, grantees must submit the proposed fundraising piece. Grantees agree to return any funds not used for the purpose of the grant. Grantees will be expected to acknowledge Catapult support with text and/or logo recognition in film credits, publicity, and promotional materials, as well as tickets to the film’s premiere.

Beyond the grant, Catapult serves as an early and engaged champion for our grantees by providing editorial feedback, industry connections, and mentorship based on project needs. We recommend that applicants check if their projects should meet the eligibility and selection criteria before applying, and understand the grant guidelines and expectations. Learn more about Procedure and Checklist »