Tips on How to Get Funding/Grants for your Independent Film Project

So you've got a dream to fulfill. A project that you want done. What do you need to do to realize your dream? How will you achieve it? Do you have the time and resources to do it? These are a few questions that you'll encounter while planning your project.

If you've got friends who share the same passion, have the same dreams and are willing to work hard to fulfill them, consider yourself lucky. If you can find even more people who can be part of this team, that's even great. What's important at this stage is to create a group with one goal and one vision, all working towards accomplishing your dream project.

Of course, we've got to face reality. Money will play an important role to help you achieve what you want. You will need to search for financing to start and sustain your project until it is completed. There are many Grant-giving institutions that give grants for worthy causes, especially if your project is in line with their thrust. For Tuldok Animation Studios Inc. (Tuldok), we pitched our project to several organizations before we filed a grant with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

please click on the icons to direct you to the NCCA website

Our journey was not a walk in the park. Competition was tight and we had to justify and defend our project with the three (3) different levels of the NCCA Grants Program before our grant was awarded. Coming from our successful experience, we would like to share with you some tips on how you can have a better chance of being awarded a grant not just with the NCCA but with other Grant-giving institutions as well.

1. Unique Idea/Project Proposal

Grant-giving institutions are always on the look out for unique projects that promote their causes/thrust. This is a very important aspect. Apply ONLY with Grant-giving institutions that have similar goals with your project’s output, if not chances are your proposal will be rejected or be overlooked. As you begin working on your project proposal, ask yourself these questions – “Why should I give grant to this project?” and “What sets this project apart from the others?” For example, if you’re filing for an independent film grant, you should have a good reason why your film deserves it. Your proposal should be different, fresh, and addresses a certain need in society.

Your project proposal should be comprehensive. Research on every aspect: the budget, production plan, the production team, etc. Your budget should also show the prevailing industry rates to give the financier an idea of the costs and savings you plan to achieve. Aside from showing them that you are serious about the project, an organized cost estimate will help you plan your expenses when you do get the funding.

An important reminder: do NOT include food allowances in your budget proposal. It’s better to put your sponsor’s money where you need it the most. In Tuldok’s case, money was spent towards labor and equipment rental. Include a production timetable, a list of suppliers, financiers, etc. Also include how much money you’ll be getting from other sources, if there are any. Remember to make your presentation as professional as possible. Impress them!

2. Credentials

You have more of a chance of being awarded a grant if you can prove that you’ve already accomplished something. Having experience in the field of what you want to pursue shows that you’re focused and assures the grant-givers that you won’t waste their money. If you have no previous experience, it is better to study and gain experience first.

3. Demonstrate Organizational Skills

Sponsors and investors will ask if you have the ability to finish the project. Have you accomplished anything as a group? Do you have enough people to do it? Are they capable and well-suited to the tasks at hand? The more experienced the people involved, the greater the chance of you convincing investors to finance your project.

4. Equity/Personal Contribution

This is another overlooked aspect but an extremely important one. Most grant-giving institutions want to see what you’re contributing. If they’re supplying you with the money, what are you giving back? Is the labor you are putting in of considerable value? It would be much better if you can demonstrate to them that they are not the only ones taking the risk and that you and other stakeholders are, too. Liquidation reports are important in showing where the money from the grant is going. Always be organized and professional. Arrange receipts, and if possible, seek professional help from an independent accountant/auditor.

5. Quality of Endorsements

It would help if you know people who can attest to your ability in completing projects. An endorsement is a vote of confidence for you and your team. Make sure that your endorser is related to the industry/discipline of your project. The more experienced they are in their industry, the higher the chances of you gaining approval for your grant. It is not in the number of endorsements, but the quality of endorsers that count.

These are just a few factors that made us successful in obtaining our NCCA grant. We hope that you too can be successful should you apply for a grant in the future. A successful grant undertaking will open more doors for you and your organization to obtain more grant/funding in the future. Again, this is a case-to-case basis with each Grant-giving institution either private or government. Should you have questions, don’t hesitate to email us at tuldok.animation@gmail.com. We will do our best to respond to your query.

We believe that there should be more people/organizations creating Original Filipino-made Content and not a single group alone. The more producers there are the better for the film/animation industry and for our Country. We hope that in our small way we were able to help you. We wish you all the best in your undertakings! Please spread the word about this article so that we can inform and help more people.