Deadline: October 14, 2026
Applications are open for the California Documentary Project (CDP) Grants 2026-2027. The California Documentary Project (CDP) supports nonfiction film, audio, and digital media projects that explore the histories, cultures, ideas, and experiences that shape California. Through a humanities-based approach, CDP supports storytellers in bringing California’s diverse experiences, forms of knowledge, communities, and histories to audiences across the state and beyond.
CDP funding is available in two categories, supporting projects at different stages of development:
- Research & Development Grants: Research & Development grants support documentary media projects in their earliest stages, helping strengthen their humanities content and approach as they move toward production.
- Best for: Projects in the research, development, and early planning stages.
- Production Grants: Production grants support documentary media projects in production, helping strengthen their humanities content and approach as they advance towards completion.
- Best for: Projects that have moved beyond research and development and are active in production.
Grants
- Research & Development Grants: Up to $15,000
- Production Grants: Up to $50,000
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and individuals working with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor or a public agency.
- California residency for the project director and the applicant organization (if not fiscally sponsored) is required.
- They also prefer project personnel to be California-based to the extent possible.
- Both CDP grant categories require a minimum 1:1 match of cash and/or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources.
Application
The 2026–2027 CDP application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Applicants submit an LOI through the California Humanities grant portal.
Start your application: R&D Grants or Production Grants
For more information, visit California Documentary Project Grants.
