Here, you will find a list of detailed grants, sponsorships and programs that are available to filmmakers in Canada to assist in the development of your project.
Telefilm Canada Micro-Budget Production Program
This program is designed for first-time filmmakers. To be eligible for this program the producer and/or director must not have produced and/or directed a feature length film but have produced and/or directed at least one short film. To apply, you must submit a small trailer, a video that explains your vision for the project as well as how you plan to promote the project. Funding is determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the scope of each individual project with a maximum of $120,000 awarded. However, your total budget for the production must not exceed $250,000 to be eligible.
Designed for writers, directors and producers looking to begin work on a low-budget feature film.
To be eligible, the film must be at least 85 minutes in length (80-120 pages for the screenplay). The project must also be intended for theatrical release. Funding is provided on a case-by-case basis with the maximum of $600,000 awarded.
If you have previously enrolled in the Cineplex Entertainment Film Program Directors’ Lab program offered by the Canadian Film Centre, you are eligible to apply for this program.
Telefilm Canada Feature Comedy Exchange
This program is described as a “high-level cross border project and business accelerator for established producers and their feature comedy properties… building traction for comedy projects by offering producers and their teams access to respected creative counsel as well as financing and packaging expertise from key decision-makers and comedy experts.”
To be eligible for this program, your production must be no less than 85 minutes (or 120 pages) and intended for theatrical release. Funding is awarded up to a maximum of $600,000.
This program supports the development of cable network programming. Funding is provided in the form of a cash equity investment of up to 20% of the total budget to a maximum of $500,000.
This program provides grants to aide in the production of both French and English language documentaries. The production must either consist of one feature length or no more than five episodes if it is a mini-series. Funding is awarded up to $75,000.
This program is specifically designed for children’s programming and productions that are intended for television. Funding is award up to $19,000 per episode.
Toronto Arts Council Media Artists Program
This program exists in two forms:
Level One: Designed for emerging artists who have produced a small body of work and achieved local recognition. Artists in this category should have had public screening or exhibition experience. In general, artists in this category will have had two to seven years of professional arts experience.
Funding in this category is awarded up to $6,000
Level Two: This tier is designed for mid-level artists who have between eight and 14 years of professional experience. Artists in this category will have produced a large body of work, received recognition outside of their immediate community as well as produced screenings and/or exhibitions outside of their community.
Funding in this category is awarded up to $12,000
The Canada Council For The Arts Grants To Film & Video Artists
Travel Grants to Media Arts Professionals
If you are a filmmaker and your film has been selected to screen at a film festival, the Canada Council awards grants to ensure you are present at the festival. Grants are awarded in lump sums in amounts of $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, and $2,500.
Visiting Foreign Artists Program
If you are a foreign filmmaker or producer working in Canada, the Canada Council awards grants to assist you in completing your project. To be eligible for this program you must have received at least one grant from the council in a three year period. Funds are granted in amounts ranging between $500 and $3000.
Grants to Film and Video Artists: Script Writing Grants, Production Grants and Research Grants
Taking into consideration the many stages involved in completing a film, the Canada Council awards grants to assist you in all stages of the filmmaking process. To be eligible you must meet the Council’s definition of a professional artist. Funds are awarded in amounts ranging between $3,000 to $60,000.
This grant is awarded to filmmakers who are staging productions in Quebec. To be eligible you must have received a broadcasting licence with the intent to broadcast your project within two years of completion. Funding is awarded based on the budget of the project up to a maximum of $200,000.