International Documentary Association’s Direct Access Fund

The Direct Access Fund awards small targeted funds for access accommodations and services that would otherwise be unfunded.

They underwrite disabled media makers who practice fact-based storytelling, including but not limited to: documentary, nonfiction podcasting, new media, immersive, and other types of nonfiction practice, and are currently working on a project at any stage. This includes distribution and festival support.

They acknowledge that access is situational and can be defined in different ways, such as:

• Infrastructural: Allowing participation and use by a particular individual and presentation in such a way as to provide full participation for all.
• Interpersonal: Allowing for the need to be addressed and supported through the administration and support of life-promoting services.

Funding Information

• They are awarding up to $5,000 of direct funding toward the development of practices that allow non-fiction media makers and their teams to widen access capacity within their projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• All career levels are encouraged to apply. You do not need an official diagnosis to apply to the fund. If disability, neurodivergence, or chronic illness is something that resonates with your experience, please apply.
• Applicants cannot be enrolled in a full-time degree-granting program.
• Applicants should be 18 years of age or older to apply.
• Applicants can be individuals or collectives operating under a $50,000 operational budget.
• Applicants may have a fiscal sponsor, but not required.
• The applicant should be either the director or producer of the project.
• Applicants must be actively working on a non-fiction-based media project.
• Applicants can apply from anywhere in the world.
• The applicant is not required to be a member of IDA.
• Funding must be used to fulfill an immediate need and used within 3-6 months of receiving the funds.

For more information, visit International Documentary Association (IDA).