Catapult Development Grant ($25,000)
Description
The Catapult Development Grant is now open. The Catapult Development Grant will accept applications from Wednesday, August 6th through Monday, September 8th at 5:00pm PST. Please carefully review Guidelines and Eligibility and Frequently Asked Questions before applying.
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. Learn more about previous Catapult Development Fund grantees»
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. Learn more about Frequently Asked Questions»
The Catapult Development Grant has moved to a two-step application process. Please review each opportunity’s 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.
Key dates
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August 6, 2025: Step 1 application opens on Submittable
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September 8, 2025: Step 1 application closes at 5 p.m. PT
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Mid-October: Invitations sent to top projects for Step 2 (full application)
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Winter 2025: Applicants notified of status, finalists may receive follow up questions
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Early 2026: Full slate of 2025 Development grantees announced
