[Sundance Institute](https://www.sundance.org)

July 14, 2025 (Documentary Fund) | April 13, 2026 (Sandbox Fund — Spring Cycle)

Typical grants: up to $40,000 (development), up to $100,000 (production/post-production); 25–30 projects funded per year.

Supports independent nonfiction filmmakers worldwide with grants, labs, and strategic guidance for impactful cinematic documentaries.

--- ## Description The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) is a leading global initiative supporting independent nonfiction filmmakers who create feature-length documentaries on contemporary themes. The program offers a range of support, including non-recoupable grants, creative labs, and strategic mentorship from development through distribution. DFP is dedicated to fostering documentaries that elevate cultural dialogue, inspire innovation, and address issues such as human rights, social justice, civil liberties, and freedom of expression. The program also includes specialized funds, such as the Sandbox Fund, which supports science-themed nonfiction storytelling. --- ## Due Dates - **July 14, 2025**: Documentary Fund application deadline - **April 13, 2026**: Sandbox Fund — 2026 Spring Cycle application deadline Applicants are typically notified of decisions 4–8 months after submission, depending on the fund. --- ## Funding Amount - **Documentary Fund**: Non-recoupable grants, typically up to $40,000 for development and up to $100,000 for production or post-production. - **Sandbox Fund**: Grants up to $40,000 (development) and up to $100,000 (production/post-production). - **Annual Funding**: 25–30 projects are selected for funding each year from approximately 2,000 applications. --- ## Eligibility - Open to independent filmmakers worldwide. - Projects must be feature-length documentaries (52 minutes or longer); hybrid, animated, and experimental documentaries are eligible. - Films can be in any language, but applications and visual materials must be in English or include English subtitles. - The DFP prioritizes projects with budgets under $1.2 million USD. - The project must not be a fiction film, short film, series, NGO/advocacy/educational film, or branded content. - Applicants may submit at any phase from development to post-production, but not after picture lock or premiere. - Projects previously funded by the Documentary Fund are not eligible to reapply. - Starting in the 2025 cycle, projects declined in a previous round are not eligible to reapply unless explicitly invited. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the [Sundance Institute application portal](https://apply.sundance.org). - Required materials include a written proposal (in English), a comprehensive budget (in USD), and visual samples (online streaming links only; length requirements vary by stage). - There is no application fee if submitted before the deadline. - Proposals are reviewed in a multi-stage process by a committee of filmmakers, curators, and issue-area experts. - Selection criteria include artistic vision, storytelling strength, originality, feasibility, and potential for impact. - Applicants may submit multiple projects in the same round, but each must be a separate proposal. - Decisions are typically communicated 4–8 months after the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Receiving a grant does not guarantee selection for the Sundance Film Festival. - Grants do not encumber distribution rights; grantees are encouraged to seek additional funding and distribution partners. - Grantees join the Sundance Alumni community and may access additional resources and opportunities. - Special opportunity funds (e.g., partnerships with Gucci, Luminate, Sandbox Films) are available via the main application. - Incomplete applications or proposals for story research are not reviewed. --- ## External Links - [Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program Overview](https://www.sundance.org/programs/documentary-film/) - [Documentary Fund Application FAQ](https://apply.sundance.org/res/p/2025dfgfaq/) - [Sandbox Fund — Science Storytelling Grants](https://www.sundance.org/sandbox-fund) - [Apply to Sundance Institute Programs](https://www.sundance.org/apply) - [Sundance Institute — About](https://www.sundance.org/about/us#our-story) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [institute@sundance.org](mailto:institute@sundance.org) | | Documentary Film Program (DFP) | [dfp@sundance.org](mailto:dfp@sundance.org) | | Technical support (applications)| [applicationsupport@sundance.org](mailto:applicationsupport@sundance.org) | ---

Documentary Film Program

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