Chicago Digital Media Production Fund

Information on Applying:
Independent digital media and film makers based in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are invited to apply for the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund.

Innovative media projects intended for online distribution by established, emerging, and young artists may qualify for cash grants of up to $10,000 toward the project's production and completion. All genres will be accepted, but content must be aimed at advancing progressive social change and should be appropriate for youth (though not necessarily intended specifically for youth). Distribution plans must include free availability on the web by May 15, 2015.

For complete guidelines and FAQs, visit Chicago Filmmakers' website. To submit a proposal, please visit the Production Fund Application Site.

Short productions, interactive apps, and games are preferred, but features and other media will also be considered. Individual applicants must reside in Cook County and production and/or post-production must take place in Chicago. Individuals are also eligible to apply in partnership with a non-profit organization, as long as the organization is based in Cook County. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2014. Winning projects will be announced in late April. There is no application fee.

The Chicago Digital Media Production Fund is a project of the Voqal Fund, administered by Chicago Filmmakers. The Voqal Fund is dedicated to supporting the dissemination of alternative ideas and building a more engaged public to effect progressive social change and disrupt the status quo. Through various grant-making and fellowship initiatives, Voqal Fund supports nonprofit organizations and individuals using media and technology to empower those who are politically, economically or socially disenfranchised. For more information, please visit voqal.org.


Open to Youth!
Don't forget that there is no minimum age requirement for applying. We are hoping to get some more great proposals from individual youth applicants and youth organizations.

Help Us Spread the Word!
Although the Production Fund is now in its third year of funding, we still need your help getting the word out to as many people as possible. YOU can help by sharing information on the Fund with film and other digital media makers you know via Facebook, Twitter, word-of-mouth, e-mail, newsletters, websites, etc. This is particularly helpful if you are a group or organization.

FAQ & Helpful Tips!
We have updated the FAQ & Helpful Tips section on our website. These are designed to help clarify the guidelines and offer suggestions for proposals. You can find them here: http://chicagofilmmakers.org/cf/content/chicago-digital-media-production-fund-faq-helpful-tips