SFFILM Rainin Grants
Forecasted
SFFILM Rainin Grants support independent filmmakers with funding for narrative feature screenwriting, development, and post-production to advance social justice and benefit the Bay Area film community.
Funder: Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Regular deadline) | May 2027 (Final deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per project; 15–20 projects awarded annually
Summary: Supports independent narrative feature films addressing social justice issues and benefiting the Bay Area filmmaking community.
Key Information: Screenwriting and development recipients must complete a four-week Bay Area residency; housing and additional travel stipends are not provided.
Description
Supported by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation and managed by SFFILM, this program funds independent narrative feature films from across the United States and internationally. It supports screenwriting, development/packaging, and post-production, recognizing narrative film’s potential to inspire social change. Projects must address social justice—the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges—in a positive, meaningful way through plot, character, theme, or setting.
The program also seeks professional and economic benefits for the Bay Area filmmaking community. Applicants and stories need not be based there, but projects should explain how they will contribute to that community. Established in 2009, the partnership combines cash grants with FilmHouse access, mentorship, and SFFILM artist development support. Awards are made once annually in the fall.
