Sundance Institute Documentary Fund 2026

The Sundance Institute Documentary Fund provides non-recoupable funding to independent filmmakers for cinematic documentaries from development through release. It supports feature-length projects (52 minutes and longer) and accepts projects at development, production, or post-production stages, prioritizing creative independence and potential social impact. Applications are open with a deadline of June 15, 2026, and grants typically target budgets under $1.2 million USD excluding distribution and impact expenses.

Grants to support development, production, or post-production; non-recoupable funding with potential broader support from the Sundance Institute.

Projects must be feature-length documentaries and eligible for consideration based on format, creative independence, and project stage; applicants should have a clear story and structure and be able to articulate central driving questions.

Applications are submitted for the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund.