The deadline for applications for The Roy W. Dean Summer Grant is June 30, 2012. It is set up for documentaries, shorts 
and low budget features. The grant award is $1,000 cash and over $30K in donations for music, website creation, editing & post-production services – plus a lot more resources that are essential for you to make your film. “We want films that are unique and make a contribution to society,??? explains Carole Dean, president of From the Heart Productions – which manages the grants. “We have been giving grants for 20 years and are proud of the films sponsored by us who have been shown on Discovery, Court TV, TLC and PBS.??? Full information on applying for grants and prior winners can be found here: fromtheheartproductions.com/grants.shtml
Carole Dean is also the author of The Art of Film Funding. Her book is full of financing information along with guidance on music rights, legal requirements, fair use and other pitfalls that often cost filmmakers. When you enter the grant you get a free 15 minute consultation with Carole Dean to improve your paperwork or discuss funding ideas.
Dean’s From the Heart Productions (a 501c3 non-profit) recently partnered with Indiegogo to support films that are fiscally sponsored by the organization. Fiscal sponsorship is an ideal approach for financing documentary films. This is a way for artists to apply for funding through a company that has a 501 (c ) (3) nonprofit status, which can make donations tax deductable. Unlike Kickstarter, Indiegogo campaigns do not have to reach their full goals to receive the contributions. So far, From the Heart Prod. has successfully helped filmmakers raise over $150,000 through Indiegogo.
Check out From the Heart’s – ‘teaching the art of crowdfunding’ video here:
For more information on ‘fiscal sponsorship’ through From the Heart Productions – go here.
