Funding & Opportunities

The New Hampshire Film Bureau provides these notices for informational purposes only. The listings do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by the Film Bureau or the State of New Hampshire. Please direct any inquiries about these opportunities to the contacts provided.

Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant 

The Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant seeks films from student filmmakers enrolled in university, college, community college, extension courses, or high school that need help starting or finishing their film. Films must be unique and make a contribution to society.  Films can be short or feature length narratives or documentaries, but must be budgeted at $50,000 or less. Student Filmmakers from any country are welcome to apply. 

What the Recipient Receives

• $3,000 Cash Award
• Donated services and products 

All applicants will also receive:

• Exclusive access to the crowdfunding section of How to Fund Your Film by Carole Dean — packed with practical tools to build and fund their dream projects (copy to be sent at grant close)
• The offer of a 15-minute consultation on their project.  Applicants can discuss how to fund their films, marketing them, or how best to advance their career.

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026
Application: Grant Application
Contact Information: info@fromtheheartproductions.com or call (805) 984-0098 

Roy W. Dean Fall 2026 Call for Submissions

The Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall 2026 is now open for submissions through October 31, 2026. As the final Roy W. Dean Grant in the 2026 cycle, it gives independent filmmakers access to cash, donated production services, and expert guidance to help advance their projects. Since 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grants have supported distinctive independent films that make a contribution to society. The grant is offered by From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps filmmakers complete their films and reach audiences. Documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series are eligible. 

Eligibility 

• Budget Must Be Under $500,000
• Open to Filmmakers from Any Country
• For Any Phase of Production from Development to Post-Production
• Films Can Be Any Length
• Live Action or Animated

What the Recipient Receives

• $3,500 in cash
• $15,000 in original music from composer David Raiklen, exclusive of recording costs
• $500 in grip, lighting, or expendables from Filmtools
• Additional donated products and professional services from film-industry donors

Britt Penrod Award

A $500 Britt Penrod Award will recognize an additional project distinguished by its originality and exceptional contribution to society.

Three Additional $500 Awards

Three projects will also receive The Stories That Matter Awards, each accompanied by a $500 cash prize. These awards recognize films that reflect real lives, communities, and pressing social issues and have the potential to resonate beyond the screen.

Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026
Submission Form: Fall Grant Application
Contact Information: info@fromtheheartproductions.com or call (805) 984-0098 

Submit your Film to GHB's Local Lens

GBH seeks films by filmmakers from the New England region or stories pertinent to New England audiences for Local Lens, a curated series of local, independent documentaries that capture the essence of the region. With a rolling open call process, GBH is currently accepting submissions for completed non-fiction feature length, short films, and docuseries. The films air on GBH2, GBH44 and stream on our digital channels, including the PBS App, PBS.org/GBH.org, and GBH's YouTube Channel (when applicable). License fees are negotiated with filmmakers upon acquisition. You can learn more about the series and our latest films in this highlight from last fall, here. 

Submission Deadline: Rolling 
Submission Form: GBH's Local Lens
Contact Information: info@wgbh.org or call (617) 300-3300

Moving Image Fund

The Moving Image Fund was founded in 2001 to provide funding and support for New England-based independent documentary film makers and video artists through all phases of production. The fund also provides career development support for filmmakers to help build a sustainable and strong community for independent artists in New England.

Eligibility:

• Projects must be long format; 40 minutes or longer
• Primary creative personnel (director and/or producer) must reside in New England
• Projects with directors or producers enrolled in high school, undergraduate or master’s degree programs at the time of application are ineligible for consideration
• Multi-channel or installation work will not be considered
• LEF no longer requires you to have a confirmed fiscal sponsor at the time that you submit a letter of inquiry or application
• For prior grantees, a final report on previous LEF grant funding is required

Submission Deadline: Rolling
Contact Information: gen@lef-foundation.org or call (617) 492-5333