The Catapult Research Grant is now closed. Decisions will be announced in spring 2024.
Launched in 2020, the Catapult Research Grant expands upon our commitment to provide early support to nonfiction filmmakers and films. This six-month program offers five grants of $10,000 USD and dedicated mentorship to U.S.-based filmmakers in the early conception phase of a documentary feature or short. We do not support docuseries at this time. Learn more about previous Catapult Research Fund grantees»
Our latest program seeks to address filmmaker sustainability and diversity in the field. The grant can be used for a variety of needs for developing new nonfiction film ideas including: research, writing, travel, crew, identifying and gaining access to protagonists, and any preliminary production costs associated with shaping the artistic vision or capturing early footage. Learn more about Frequently Asked Questions»
Key Dates
This year, Catapult is shifting to a two-step application process. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). After an internal review, selected projects will be invited to submit the full application for funding consideration.
- October 10, 2023: LOI Application Opens on Submittable
- November 3, 2023: LOI Deadline at 5 p.m. PT
- Late November: Full Application Invitations Sent
- February 2024: Grantees notified
- March 2024: Grantees announced
- March - September 2024: Program commitment