Grants & Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Cinereach fund nonfiction (aka documentary) films?
A: Yes.

Q: Does Cinereach fund fiction (aka narrative) films?
A: Yes.

Q: Does Cinereach fund films that incorporate both nonfiction and fiction (aka hybrid)?
A: Yes.

Q: Are international filmmakers eligible to apply for a Cinereach grant?
A: Yes. Cinereach can consider projects made in any country, by filmmakers of any nationality.

Q: Does Cinereach fund student films?
A: No.

Q: Does Cinereach fund short films?
A: No. Cinereach’s grants program is not currently accepting applications for short film projects.

Q: What is the minimum total running time required in order to be eligible for a grant from Cinereach?
A: Cinereach’s grants are currently designed to funds feature-length versions of films with a minimum running time of 70 minutes.

Q: Does Cinereach fund screenwriters?
A: Cinereach has previously funded the development of a script by a filmmaker (ie: Laurie Collyer, Joshua Marston, Ramin Bahrani). However, we have not funded the development of a script when there has been no other talent (ie: Director, Producer, etc) attached to the project at the time of submission.

Q: Can I apply with more than one project in a grant cycle?
A: Yes, you may apply for more than one project. You must submit a separate LOI for each project.

Q: Can I re-apply with a project that I submitted an LOI for in a previous grant cycle?
A: Yes, you are welcome to reapply with a project and submit a new LOI for it in another grant cycle.

Q: Does Cinereach provide feedback on why my project wasn’t selected to submit a full proposal?
A: Unfortunately, due to the large volume of submissions, Cinereach is unable to provide individualized feedback to applicants.

Q: Do I need a fiscal sponsor in order to apply for a Cinereach grant?
A: You do not need a fiscal sponsor in place in order to apply for a Cinereach grant. Should your project be selected to receive a grant, it would be necessary for it to be fiscally sponsored by a certified 501(c)(3) organization, or alternatively for you to provide proof of your tax-exempt status under United States Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Upon selection for support, Cinereach can work with you to secure a fiscal sponsor. To learn more about fiscal sponsorship, please visit the Resources page on our website.

Q: Do you have a time limit for the work samples?
A: There are no running time restrictions for your work samples.

Q: I have both a trailer and a scene assembly/rough-cut available, which one should I submit as a work sample?
A: Please submit both the trailer and scene assembly/rough-cut of your proposed project as work samples.

Q: I do not yet have sample footage from the proposed project. Can I submit a previously completed film as a work sample?
A: Yes, you can submit a previously completed short and/or feature-length film as a work sample. The credited director of the previously completed film should be the same director attached to the proposed project.

Q: I am applying with a fiction project but I do not have a script excerpt to share. Am I still required to provide something?
A: Applicants applying with a fiction project are not required to provide a script excerpt but are strongly encouraged to do so if an excerpt is available.

Q: Can I provide an excerpt that is something other than the first 10-20 pages of the script?
A: No. If you are providing an excerpt, please only provide the first 10-20 pages of the script.

Q: I have additional project materials (script excerpts, brochures, one sheets, etc.) that I could provide. Should I send these along with my sample work?
A: No. Please do not send printed project materials in support of your LOI application. The Grant Committee should be able to gain an initial understanding of your proposed project from its LOI application and supporting sample work.

Q: I am having trouble with the online LOI form. Can I submit by email or mail?
A: LOIs must be submitted through the online form. If you are experiencing difficulty using the online form, please email us.