Documentary Funding, Documentary Film Grants,
Fundraising Ideas
So you're in need of funding for your documentary? Are you wondering where to start? Wondering where to find money so that you can make or finish your film?
Here's the great news. Money is everywhere! You just need to know a few tricks and tips to learn how to find it and attract it to you.
If
you are baffled by the fundraising process, you're not alone.
Funding is something every independent filmmaker worldwide must deal
with at one time or another.
Believe it or not, documentary fundraising first begins with YOUR MIND.
Do you believe you are worthy of receiving gifts of money for your project? Do you believe money is good or evil?
How you feel deep down in your soul about money will ultimately determine your success at raising funds for your documentary.
As Carol Dean, author of The Art of Film Funding, tells
filmmakers, “get very clear on any confusion you have about
attracting or receiving money.” Your fundraising success depends
on it!
The next big item on your list is to create your MISSION STATEMENT. This tip is from documentary fundraising guru Morrie Warshawski, author of Shaking The Money Tree. He says it's absolutely essential that you get very clear on exactly why you're doing what you're doing.
You'll
want to create both a personal mission statement and your
mission statement as a filmmaker. You can skip this step if
you want to, but if your values, beliefs and goals are not super
clear to you, then potential funders may not be clear either. You
and your project MUST be naturally aligned to trigger the flow of
money!
Documentary fundraising is nothing without relationships. This is perhaps THE biggest item to remember when you're raising money for your film.
Many filmmakers have the fantasy that one big check will come from
one big funder, perhaps a government grant, to cover the full cost
of their film. It rarely happens like that! Oftentimes, funding
will come in smaller amounts from a variety of sources. So, make it a
priority to build a network of friends and supporters.
There are so many fantastic ideas and fundraising strategies!
If you are SERIOUS about raising money for your documentary, check out our collection of Fundraising Templates and Courses which includes: Documentary Fundraising 101 Course, Documentary Proposal Template and Documentary Budget Templates Pack.
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