California Documentary Project Grants 2026 to 2027

Applications are open for the California Documentary Project Grants 2026 to 2027, a competitive funding opportunity supporting nonfiction film, audio, and digital media projects that explore the histories, cultures, ideas, and experiences that shape California. The programme is administered by California Humanities and uses a humanities based approach to support documentary storytellers in developing projects that deepen public understanding of California and its diverse communities.

The California Documentary Project is designed for storytellers and organisations developing documentary media that can provide context, depth, and perspective on California subjects and issues. Supported projects may explore histories, cultures, communities, identities, social experiences, and other issues that contribute to a broader understanding of the state.

About the Opportunity

The California Documentary Project has supported documentary media projects since 2003. Its work includes nonfiction films, audio productions, podcasts, and digital media projects that document California and its people, cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences.

California Humanities describes the programme as a way of supporting documentary storytellers whose work uses humanities perspectives to strengthen understanding and engagement. Previous supported projects have covered subjects including Indigenous histories, immigration, civil rights, community life, environmental issues, cultural identity, social movements, and California history.

Opportunity Benefits

• Research and Development Grants of up to $15,000

• Production Grants of up to $50,000

• Financial support for strengthening humanities content and approach

• Support for documentary film, audio, and digital media projects

• Opportunity to develop projects documenting California subjects and experiences

• Support for projects that can reach audiences across California and beyond

• Opportunity to connect documentary storytelling with humanities research, context, and public engagement

Grant Categories

Research and Development Grants

Research and Development Grants provide up to $15,000 for documentary media projects in their earliest stages. The funding is intended to help applicants conduct research, develop their projects, strengthen the humanities content and approach, and prepare for production.

This category is suitable for projects that are still in research, development, or early planning.

Production Grants

Production Grants provide up to $50,000 for documentary media projects that have progressed beyond research and development and are actively in production.

The funding helps strengthen the humanities content and approach of projects as they advance toward completion. Previous California Documentary Project awards have supported feature films, documentary series, podcasts, audio projects, and other nonfiction media productions.

Programme Areas

Supported projects may take the form of:

• Documentary film

• Audio and radio projects

• Podcast projects

• Digital media projects

• Nonfiction storytelling

Projects should document California subjects and issues while using humanities approaches to provide meaningful context and perspective.

Eligibility Criteria

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisations may apply.

• Individuals may apply when working with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

• Public agencies are eligible applicants.

• The project director must be a California resident.

• The applicant organisation must be based in California when it is not working through a fiscal sponsor.

• Project personnel are expected to be California based to the extent possible.

• Projects must be nonfiction media projects connected to California subjects, cultures, histories, communities, or experiences.

• Applicants must provide a minimum 1:1 match through cash and or in kind contributions from non federal sources.

• The project should fit the development stage of the selected grant category.

The California Documentary Project has historically supported a broad range of independent filmmakers, podcasters, public media organisations, and nonprofit partners working on California focused documentary projects.

Required Application Information

The 2026 to 2027 application process begins with a Letter of Intent submitted through the California Humanities grant portal.

Applicants should be prepared to provide information relevant to the proposed documentary project, including:

• Project information and description

• Current stage of development

• Humanities content and approach

• Description of the California subject or issue being explored

• Project director and applicant organisation information

• Information about the project team

• Funding and matching support information

• Supporting information requested through the California Humanities grant portal

Applicants should review the current grant guidelines and application instructions carefully before submitting the Letter of Intent.

How to Apply

1. Review the California Documentary Project guidelines and determine whether your project fits the Research and Development or Production category.
2. Confirm that you meet the applicant and California residency requirements.
3. Review the matching requirement and identify eligible cash or in kind contributions from non federal sources.
4. Prepare the required project information and supporting materials.
5. Submit the Letter of Intent through the California Humanities grant portal.
6. Complete the application process according to the instructions provided by California Humanities.
7. Submit your application before the deadline of October 14, 2026.