The Berkeley Film Foundation (BFF) is pleased to open applications for the 2026 Documentary Grant Program.
Donor Name: Berkeley Film Foundation (BFF)
State: California
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/13/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Berkeley Film Foundation supports East Bay-based emerging and established independent filmmakers whose work combines intellectual clarity with creative use of the medium.
Funding Information
The grants are determined on a competitive basis and range from $5,000 – $25,000.
Eligible Categories
- Short Documentary
- Long Documentary
Eligiility Criteria
The Berkeley Film Foundation only funds filmmakers who work or live in the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Alameda or Oakland. You must provide a physical address in one of these cities in the application – a P.O. Box unfortunately doesn’t count. The applicant must be the primary creator of the work as in the Director or Producer, i.e., the editor cannot apply for a grant. Additionally, the applicant must be:
- At least 18 years of age when submitting as a professional,
- Residing or working in a qualified city for at least one year prior to the application deadline,
- A credited Executive Producer is not eligible to apply.
Ineligibility
- Broadcast news journalism
- Broadcast reality entertainment
- Advertising Commercials
- Industrial or Corporate Media
- Music Videos
- Art/Media installations.
For more information, visit BFF.
