We believe in taking a chance on filmmakers who have ideas for artful and compelling nonfiction films that inspire us to think differently about the world. Catapult provides research and development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a meaningful story to tell, have secured access to their story, and are ready to create a visual sample to help unlock production support.

The Catapult Development Grant gives early support to propel projects forward that hold the promise of a story that should be uniquely told in film. We provide development funding, up to $20,000, to nonfiction filmmakers who have a strong story to tell, have secured access, and are ready to create a fundraising piece to help unlock critical production funding. We enable filmmakers to develop their projects to the next level, at the early stage when funding is hard to find. We support powerful and moving storytelling, by filmmakers with a strong voice across a broad spectrum of subject matter.

The Catapult Research Grant is the newest expansion of Catapult Film Fund’s on-going commitment to develop nonfiction films and filmmakers. Our new program seeks to develop the voices of diverse filmmakers by providing five $10,000 grants plus six months of mentorship and professional development. The grant is open to US-based filmmakers only.

Visit to apply: https://catapultfilmfund.submittable.com/submit