First of all, you will gain invaluable experience that will help you going forward. If you survive the first round of finding funding for your film project, you will be searching again and again, as each project comes to light. You see, this is a bug. Once you have it, it will plague you to feed it.

So, where do you start? First off, you should know that it’s all in the numbers (no pun intended). Don’t limit yourself to one source, since the first will not be the last. Start your search by seeking out foundations that support the arts, especially film. You can check online for databases that list opportunities, and make sure you check local stations, as they might provide support for the right person. Also check film related publications and libraries, as these have long been a great place to start.

Look for a match between your project goals and that of a grant fund. The best projects align with the money in a way that both goals are achieved. An example of this is a film or documentary highlighting Native American culture. You can approach Native-owned businesses, tribal council’s, and the local Economic Development corporation. All are interested in furthering the education of people, whether local or otherwise, on the area-specific culture.

Make sure you inquire about the maximum amount of the grant to ensure it will cover the project. You may seek out multiple grants, but this is more time, which, in the end, costs more money. While your at it, ask the organization if they know of other foundations offering grants.

In the end, it is up to you to keep your nose to the ground searching out opportunities. You might also ask others in online communities like Indie Q where they got their funding and if it might fit your project also. The bottom line is this: don’t give up, be diligent, and network, network, network! It’ll come… if you don’t give up.

Here’s a link that will get you started in finding those who fund film:
http://www.filmindependent.org/content/filmmaker-grants-and-awards

If you do a search on “film grants,” there are many opportunities as well (http://www.google.com/search?q=film+grants)

August 18, 2009, SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today announced a call for proposals for the New Visions/New Mexico contract award program provided by the NM Filmmakers Program at the NM State Film Office. Now in its fourth year, the program annually awards a total of $160,000 (up to $20,000 per project) to local filmmakers to help fund their original narrative, documentary, animation and experimental film projects. The program is open to all filmmakers in the state and awards can be used toward the completion of existing projects or the development of new ones.

“Homegrown filmmakers are key to the future of the film industry in New Mexico and I am committed to making sure they have every opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Richardson. “We have world-class talent in our state, and this program is a unique and important way to support worthy individuals working on promising projects.” In exchange for funding, applicants are required to provide a service to the state as part of their contract, such as training other New Mexicans in the industry or providing mentorship, public screenings or lectures free of charge to state residents. “The New Visions New Mexico program provides the boost that can help new filmmakers complete their first projects and help others reach the next level in their growth and experience,” said Lisa Strout, director of the New Mexico Film Office. “Past winners have had their work screened at festivals around the country and some have used it to leverage more funds and discover new opportunities.” Panavision, a major supplier of cameras and lenses for the film industry world-wide, is once again partnering with the NM Film Office to provide the use of two motion picture camera packages (HD, 16 mm or 35mm) with no rental charge to two of the filmmakers that receive funding. The deadline for proposals is October 16th, 2009. A selection panel will review each proposal based on a number of criteria, including the artistic quality of the project, the applicant’s demonstrated ability and creativity, managerial and fiscal competence, the quality of service offered to the state and the applicant’s effort to reach a broad diverse audience. Recipients will be announced in late November 2009 and contract work will begin in early 2010. Trish Lopez, NM Filmmakers Program Director at the NM Film Office, will conduct free informational sessions about preparing a New Visions/New Mexico application and about the NM Filmmakers Program on the following dates: Monday, August 31st – 12:00pm Albuquerque: UNM Arts Lab Tuesday, September 1st – 6:00pm Santa Fe: Jean Cocteau Theatre 418 Montezuma Wednesday, October 7th – 7:00pm Las Cruces: CMI Theatre in Milton Hall on NMSU Campus Space is limited, so please call (505) 476-5600 to reserve a seat for any of the three sessions or for additional information. Applications can be printed online at www.nmfilm.com or picked up in person at the NM Film Office at 418 Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe, NM.

Contact: Pahl Shipley, NM Film Office (505) 476-5613

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