2024 Research and Development Grants

The California Documentary Project (CDP) Research and Development Grant is designed to support nonfiction media projects that explore California’s diverse cultures, histories, and stories. The grant seeks to fund film, audio, and digital media productions in their early stages that provide new perspectives on California's complexities. Projects must emphasize the humanities and involve at least two humanities advisors to provide critical context and analysis. Eligible applicants may apply for up to $15,000 in funding. Key Information: Application Deadline: Monday, November 4, 2024, by 5:00 PM PT. Grant Amount: Up to $15,000 (requires a 1:1 match from non-federal sources). Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, municipal/public agencies, or individuals applying through a fiscal sponsor. Project Focus: Projects must center on California topics and be relevant to both statewide and national audiences. Requirements: Projects must be in the research and development stage and include humanities content. The production team must have a prior completed work sample to submit. At least two humanities advisors are required to contribute to the project’s framing and research. Applicants must submit: An online application, A proposal narrative, A project budget, Optional support materials. Review Process: Applications will be evaluated on: Quality: Clarity of concept, humanities depth, project relevance to California, and the expertise of the project team. Capacity: Feasibility of the budget, timeline, and outreach strategy. Applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on September 17, 2024, and can find the application portal and additional resources at ch-grants.smapply.io​.