California Stories, National Audiences

California Humanities invites applications for the 2024 California Documentary Project (CDP) grant program for film, audio, and interactive media projects that explore California in all its complexity.

Funding is available in two categories:

• Research and Development Grants up to $15,000
• Production Grants up to $50,000

California? It’s complicated, almost 40 million people and 40 million stories. California Documentary Project (CDP) grants support nonfiction film, audio, and digital media productions that explore California subjects and issues and tell stories from every corner of the state. We seek compelling projects that bring new and previously unheard perspectives to light; reveal the breadth and range of California’s cultures, peoples, and histories; and use the humanities to provide context, depth, and perspective. Projects should be accessible to both California and national audiences through broadcast, streaming, festivals, public and educational screenings and presentations, and other forms of distribution. Eligible formats include, but are not limited to, features, shorts, podcasts, web series, interactive media, and more. California residency is not required to apply.  

We are particularly interested in supporting stories and projects from communities, regions, and individuals whose voices and perspectives have traditionally been excluded from the broader California narrative. As we center equity in the work of California Humanities, we encourage stories that focus on and highlight Indigenous and Native American experiences in California.

For grant guidelines, application instructions, and a list of previously awarded projects please visit the California Documentary Project grants page.

Register here to attend a free online informational workshop on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 11:00 am PT on how to apply to the California Documentary Project grant.  Please review the grant guidelines and FAQ in advance and bring your questions with you!

To start an online application, visit: https://ch-grants.smapply.io/ Apply by November 4, 2024.