Calendar – Past Event

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation: Open Call for Documentary Film Proposals
Event Type:  Funding
12/02/2011
Chicago , IL

The Media, Culture, and Special Initiatives program at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is accepting proposals for documentary film projects until December 2, 2011.

The program seeks to fund documentary projects that address the significant social challenges of our time or explore important but under-reported topics. Domestic and international topics are welcome, and preference will be given to projects that align with one of MacArthur's grantmaking areas. Support will be provided primarily for production and post-production activities, and to experienced filmmakers based in the US with a track record of completing feature-length films that have been broadcast nationally and internationally.

This is a highly selective process. In the last open call, the Foundation supported eight projects (out of nearly 400 proposals received).

Proposals must be submitted electronically via documentarygrants@macfound.org with "Documentary Grant Proposal: [YOUR ORG'S NAME]" in the subject line (e.g., Documentary Grant Proposal: Hopeful Films).

The deadline for proposals is December 2, 2011.

The Foundation will not be responding to phone or email inquiries about the program or the process, so please read the criteria and guidelines (and the FAQ section) carefully and proceed using your best judgment.

Criteria

In selecting documentary films for support, the Foundation looks for the following:

  • Projects that address important, contemporary social topics - international or domestic
  • Projects that align with MacArthur's programmatic interests in the US and International Grantmaking areas
  • Projects that follow an issue over time, providing in-depth reporting that goes beyond conventional news coverage
  • Projects that utilize compelling personal stories to engage viewers and create empathy
  • Projects that appeal to a broad audience because they are accessible, interesting, and balanced (treats different points of view respectfully)
  • Projects that have a strong likelihood of broadcast in the US and elsewhere, and thoughtful plans for broad dissemination in educational, community, or policy settings

    • For the complete guidelines, click here.

    Location Name:  JOhn D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
    Address: 140 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago , IL 60603
    More info: http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.943279/k.C2BD/G...
    Tags: funding