Guidelines and Eligibility for the Catapult Research Grant:
Please carefully review the following section to determine if the Catapult Research Grant is a good fit for your project before applying.
Eligibility
- Applicants (Project Director) must be 18 years or older and cannot be enrolled in an academic institution.
- Applicants must be based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories.
- Applicants must be able to commit attendance and participation for the full program (March - September 2024).
- Projects must be feature-length or short-form documentaries in the research or early development stage; we do not support series at this time.
- 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»
Selection Criteria
- Artful, compelling storytelling that moves you, with a preference for character-driven narratives over lesson or agenda-heavy projects
- Filmmakers with a connection to the story
- Timeliness of the story and contemporary relevance
- Uniqueness and creativity of the cinematic approach
- Clarity and specificity of how the Catapult grant will impact project at this stage
- Clarity and specificity of how mentorship will impact the filmmaker and their goals
Guidelines
- Grantees will receive $10,000 USD per project. 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 the use of funds, reporting, and deliverables.
- Program commitment includes attendance of orientation, mentorship meetings, and group sessions, as well as a final presentation in September.
- Upon completion of the award period, grantees must submit a report outlining use of the funds. 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.