California Documentary Project (CDP) Grants 2026-2027
Brief Description
Applications are officially open for the California Documentary Project (CDP) Grants 2026-2027. Run through the California Humanities grant portal, this initiative supports nonfiction film, audio, and digital media projects that explore the histories, cultures, ideas, and experiences shaping California. If you are a storyteller looking to bring diverse community narratives to audiences across the state and beyond using a humanities-based approach, this opportunity is built for you. You can secure critical funding to take your project from its earliest research phase all the way through to final production.
Name of Host Institution
California Humanities
Grants and Funding Categories
Research & Development Grants: Up to $15,000 for documentary media projects in their earliest stages, helping strengthen their humanities content and approach before moving into production.
Production Grants: Up to $50,000 for projects that have moved past research and development and are actively advancing toward completion.
Requirements/Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and individuals working with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor or a public agency.
California residency is required for the project director and the applicant organization (if not fiscally sponsored).
Project personnel should be California-based to the extent possible.
Both grant categories require a minimum 1:1 match of cash and/or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources.
Application Process
The application process for the 2026, 2027 CDP cycle begins by submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the California Humanities grant portal. You will need to prepare your project materials and outline your humanities approach clearly within the portal to kick off your submission.
The program supports nonfiction film, audio, and digital media projects that explore the histories, cultures, ideas, and experiences shaping California.
Q: What is the financial difference between the two CDP grant categories?
Research & Development Grants offer up to $15,000 for early-stage projects, while Production Grants provide up to $50,000 for projects actively in production.
Q: How do you initiate the application process for these grants?
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