catapult development grant

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.

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.

Key dates:

• Mid-October: Invitations sent to top projects for Step 2 (full application)
• Winter 2025: Applicants notified of status, finalists may receive follow up questions
• Early 2026: Full slate of 2025 Development grantees announced