SFFILM is inviting applications for is Westridge Grant program.

Through the program, grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded in support of documentaries, short films, or series in the screenwriting phase that explore current social issues through plot, character, theme, and/or setting. In addition to financial support, grantees receive a range of benefits through SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs, as well as support and feedback from SFFILM and Westridge Foundation staff.

Projects must have strong and recognizable social value, contributing, for example, to a greater public understanding of a disenfranchised group, identifying an area where social change is needed, and/or bringing to light a complex and/or inspirational story, condition, or issue.

Grants will be awarded to writers or writer/directors who have at least one draft of their screenplay completed and an expectation that, at the end of the six-month grant period, they will have completed a final or nearly-final draft of their script.

To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S.-based filmmaker who is at least 18 years old and whose story takes place in the United States. Applicants must be the writer or writer/director on the project. If there is a co-writer, director who is not a writer, or producer attached to the project, they must be listed as a co-applicant(s). Project budgets must be $3 million and under, including all phases of production.

Regular Deadline: Wed, Jan 22, 2020 at 5:00 pm (PST)

Final Deadline: Wed, Feb 12, 2020 at 5:00 pm (PST)

Application fee is $25 through the regular deadline; $45 through the late deadline. Fees are waived for SFFILM members. All applicants will be notified of their status by email within approximately three months from the final deadline.

See the SFFILM website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.