A GUIDE

FOR FILMMAKERS

When a foundation, individual or corporate donor makes a philanthropic gift, they are not seeking a financial return. They are seeking to bring about positive social change. When assessing documentary film projects, donors do not focus on the profit-making capacity of the film. Instead, they are looking for a return on social capital; at whether the project can educate a wide audience, make an impact and inspire real change in the community. The advantage of supporting a documentary is its power of leverage and sustainability.

This guide aims to give documentary filmmakers ideas on how to approach donors and charities when seeking grants for their documentaries. It suggests ways of working collaboratively with charities and grantmakers over the life of a project. A life that extends from early research through to a strategic outreach plan that goes beyond television and cinema to reach the widest possible audience.

GRANTMAKING IS DIFFERENT FROM INVESTMENT

Grantmakers make non-refundable grants. They are not repaid and do not receive any interest or return on the grant. Investors are entitled to get their money back and, if the film goes into profit, will receive a return on their investment. With grantmaking there are no strings attached. Grantmaking is not sponsorship. Grants, because they are not repaid, increase the producer’s equity in the project.

"Foundations are not supporting projects that profile the organisation; they are seeking projects that profile an issue and make a difference to someone’s life." – Christine Edwards, Community Foundation Forum 4 Aug 2006