Believing in the power of filmmakers to make a difference, The Humane Society of the United States is once again presenting the Animal Content in Entertainment (ACE) Documentary Film Grant.

Launched in 2006, the ACE grant is awarded to filmmakers for the creation of a documentary that highlights animal advocacy. The $20,000 prize will be given to a filmmaker that best succeeds in merging animal issues with a compelling narrative. Second and third place will respectively receive $2,500 and $1,000.

We are now accepting submissions for our 2011 grant. All applicants must enter through Withoutabox. Finalists will be selected by the ACE committee and a panel of industry professionals. Past judges include representatives from Discovery Channel, AFI, HBO, National Geographic, PBS, and Animal Planet. The winner will be announced in December at The HSUS Hollywood office's VIP Cast & Crew Party.

In addition to the cash endowment, the ACE program can help the winning filmmaker with distribution, promotions, and screenings of the film upon completion. Writers, producers, and directors can also use ACE as a resource for fact-checking, stock footage, referrals to experts, and script consulting. ACE seeks to inspire filmmakers to find creative and engaging ways to portray animal issues in their films.

For guidelines and FAQs, click here.