California stories, national audiences
California? It’s complicated, almost 40 million people and 40 million stories. California Documentary Project (CDP) grants support nonfiction film, audio, and digital media productions that explore California in all its complexity and tell stories from every corner of the state.
We invite applications for the 2024 round of CDP grants in support of film, audio, or digital media projects that document California subjects and issues, have the potential to bring essential California stories to audiences throughout the state and beyond, and that use the humanities to provide context, depth, and perspective. California residency is not required to apply.
We are particularly interested in supporting stories and projects from communities, regions, and individuals whose voices and perspectives have traditionally been excluded from the broader California narrative. As we center equity in the work of California Humanities, we encourage stories that focus on and highlight Indigenous and Native American experiences in California.
Funding is currently available in two categories:
CDP Research and Development Grants
Research and Development grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions in their earliest stages. Eligible applicants may apply for funding up to $15,000. Deadline November 4, 2024.
CDP Production Grants
CDP Production grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions and help propel projects toward completion. Eligible applicants may apply for funding up to $50,000. Deadline November 4, 2024.
- 2024 Production Grant Guidelines
- 2024 Production FAQ
- 2024 Production Budget Template (hit File > Download > Excel)
Join our next CDP informational session!
| Grant Program | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Application Notification | Grant Period |
| CDP Production | September 1, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | By April 1, 2025 | April 1, 2025-March 31, 2028 |
| CDP R&D | September 1, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | By April 1, 2025 | April 1, 2025-March 31, 2027 |
For almost 50 years, California Humanities has been the leading funder of documentaries by, for, and about Californians. Since 2003, we have supported over 250 documentary media projects through the CDP grant program, each adding a new layer to a growing portrait of this state, and that together help us better understand who we are and where we live. Documentaries supported through CDP include the films FREE CHOL SOO LEE, CRIP CAMP, FRUITS OF LABOR, ROMEO IS BLEEDING, TRY HARDER!, WE WERE HERE, UNITED SKATES, and HOLLYWOOD CHINESE; radio productions and podcasts THE OTHER CALIFORNIA, THE STOOP, and WHAT FIRE REVEALS; and the interactive media productions K-TOWN 92 and THE MOJAVE PROJECT.
See a list of recently supported CDP projects
Grantees, please find information on managing your grant and logos in the Grant Portal.
For more information about the CDP grant program, contact Director of Media & Journalism Programs, John Lightfoot at jlightfoot@calhum.org.
