Film Grant Program

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) Film Grant is the first American Muslim Film Grant supporting Muslim filmmakers in the United States. ISF, founded in 2014, launched this initiative to help change the narrative about Muslims and support authentic storytelling through film. Since its inception, the program has awarded $625,000 to emerging filmmakers and is currently supporting a network of over 111 filmmakers. The grant is part of ISF’s broader mission to foster positive representation and influence public opinion and policy through the arts. The purpose of the Film Grant is to support Muslim filmmakers who are crafting artistic, engaging, and positive stories about their communities. The grant supports both narrative and documentary films, with additional categories for impact campaigns, distribution, and social justice short films. The overarching goal is to enable filmmakers to challenge stereotypes and present nuanced, complex representations of American Muslims. The funding is complemented by mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals to further the development and success of the films. The ISF Film Grant is open to all filmmakers regardless of their experience or career status. Eligible projects include narrative feature-length films, short films, animations, and documentaries. Web series are not accepted. Applicants must ensure that at least 50 percent of the project is filmed in the United States and that the story features American Muslim characters and themes. Projects must be in the production or post-production phase, except for those applying under the social justice category. Additionally, projects must align with ISF's mission of using art to influence public policy and public opinion. Applicants must own the copyright of their proposed project and be at least 18 years old. They must also be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories. Funding for the Documentary Film Grant category can reach up to $20,000 per project. Priority is given to films that demonstrate journalistic integrity, originality, and the potential to inform and engage diverse audiences. The grant does not cover development or artist support expenses, and applications must clearly outline production or post-production needs. In addition to financial support, grant recipients benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities designed to help advance their scripts and films within the industry. Applications for the 2025 Film Grant are currently open, with a submission deadline of June 30th. The selection process includes a remote interview phase following application review. Prospective applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review eligibility requirements and ensure that their projects align with ISF’s mission and criteria. For further inquiries about the grant or application process, applicants can contact the ISF at Film@IslamicScholarshipFund.org or by phone at (650) 995-6782. The ISF office is located at 1935 Addison St Suite A, Berkeley, CA.