Catapult Development Grant

About the Open Call

Launched in 2010, the Catapult Development Fund provides early-stage support to documentary filmmakers when funding is hardest to find. Catapult has two funding cycles per year, with application deadlines in the winter and summer. In 2025, we will offer fifteen (15) grants of up to $25,000 USD to filmmakers in development with a documentary feature or short. We do not support docuseries at this time. Our flagship program is geared toward independent filmmakers who have a strong story to tell, have secured access, and are ready to unlock critical production funding. This grant can be used for a variety of development needs and must result in the creation of a fundraising piece as the final deliverable. We prioritize artful, moving storytelling and are not tied to any specific social issue agenda.

What is Offered

Fifteen (15) grants of up to $25,000 USD

Requirements

Independent filmmakers who have a strong story to tell, have secured access, and are ready to unlock critical production funding. The grant must result in the creation of a fundraising piece as the final deliverable. Does not support docuseries.

How to Apply

The Catapult Development Grant has moved to a two-step application process. Please review Guidelines and Eligibility and submit Step 1 by the deadline. Selected projects will be invited to advance to Step 2 and submit a full application for funding consideration. Step 1 applications open on Submittable on August 6, 2025 and close on September 8, 2025 at 5 p.m. PT.