Supporting documentaries that deepen our understanding of California
The California Documentary Project (CDP) supports nonfiction film, audio, and digital media projects that explore the histories, cultures, ideas, and experiences that shape California. Through a humanities-based approach, CDP supports storytellers in bringing California’s diverse experiences, forms of knowledge, communities, and histories to audiences across the state and beyond.
Application Opens: Monday, September 14, 2026
Letter of Intent Deadline: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 5 PM PT
Funding Opportunities
CDP funding is available in two categories, supporting projects at different stages of development.
Research & Development Grants
Up to $15,000
Research & Development grants support documentary media projects in their earliest stages, helping strengthen their humanities content and approach as they move toward production.
Best for: Projects in the research, development, and early planning stages.
Production Grants
Up to $50,000
Production grants support documentary media projects in production, helping strengthen their humanities content and approach as they advance towards completion.
Best for: Projects that have moved beyond research and development and are active in production.
Key Dates
|
Milestone |
Date |
|
Applications Open |
Monday, September 14, 2026 |
|
Letter of Intent Deadline |
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 5 PM PT |
|
First-Round Decisions Announced |
Monday, December 14, 2026 |
|
Full Proposals Due for Invited Applicants |
Monday, February 1, 2027 |
What We Fund
CDP supports nonfiction storytelling focused on California through documentary film, audio, and digital media. Eligible projects may include documentary films and series, podcasts and audio productions, web-based projects, interactive media, and multiplatform projects. Projects may explore any subject, but they must have a meaningful connection to California and use humanities or public humanities approaches to deepen understanding of their subject.
At least one humanities advisor must be actively involved in the project team.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and individuals working with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor or a public agency. California residency for the project director and the applicant organization (if not fiscally sponsored) is required. We also prefer project personnel to be California-based to the extent possible.
Both CDP grant categories require a minimum 1:1 match of cash and/or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ELIGIBILITY FOR R&D OR PRODUCTION
How to Apply
The 2026–2027 CDP application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Applicants submit an LOI through the California Humanities grant portal. Following review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Before applying, please carefully review the grant guidelines and FAQs for the funding opportunity that best matches your project stage.
START YOUR APPLICATION: R&D or Production
CDP Informational Webinar
More Than Two Decades of California Stories
Since 2003, California Humanities has supported more than 250 documentary media projects through the California Documentary Project. Together, these projects create a robust and ever-growing portrait of California—its peoples, places, histories, cultures, challenges, and possibilities.
Supported projects include award-winning films, podcasts, radio productions, and interactive media, including Crip Camp, Free Chol Soo Lee, Fruits of Labor, Try Harder!, United Skates, The Stoop, The Other California, K-TOWN ’92, and The Mojave Project.
EXPLORE PREVIOUSLY FUNDED CDP PROJECTS
Questions?
- For questions about CDP eligibility, grant guidelines, requirements, or the program in general, contact Cinthia Carvajal, Program Officer, at programs@calhum.org.
- For questions about the online application process or grant reporting, contact Elisa Kutza, Grants Manager, at grants@calhum.org.
- Current grantees can access grant management information and resources through the California Humanities Grant Portal.