The Local Filmmaker Fund, offered by the Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF), provides financial support and industry development opportunities to filmmakers based in the Greater Philadelphia region. This initiative includes both a grant and a 12-month cohort program designed to help recipients refine their craft through capacity-building workshops, skill-sharing, and networking. As part of the program, grantees also have the opportunity to showcase their work at IPMF’s annual Fall Film Screening, which provides public exposure for their projects. The fund is intended to support filmmakers at any stage of production, from pre-production to post-production.

The fund employs a community-led grant-making process, with a panel of four local filmmakers and film advocates responsible for selecting grantees. These individuals are chosen for their deep knowledge of the local filmmaking landscape and their commitment to ethical storytelling and social justice. IPMF staff and board members do not participate in the selection process. In addition to accepting applications directly from filmmakers, the panelists may also nominate local filmmakers for funding. The selection criteria focus on the filmmaker’s body of work, connection to the Philadelphia region, commitment to community or social justice, financial need, and relevance of their project.

Applications open on January 28, 2025, at 12 PM (EST) and close on February 28, 2025, at 5 PM (EST). The selection panel will review applications in March, with final decisions announced in April. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials such as rough cuts, visuals, or look books to strengthen their proposals. Depending on the stage of production, different types of supporting materials are recommended, such as teaser videos, sample scenes, or rough cuts. Additionally, applicants should include an estimated budget that accounts for potential fiscal sponsorship fees.

Eligible applicants must reside in the Greater Philadelphia region, which includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey; and New Castle County, Delaware. While filming does not need to take place within this region, the panel considers how the grant will impact the local filmmaking community. Both short and feature films, including documentary, narrative, and experimental projects, are eligible for funding.

Filmmakers who received a Local Filmmaker Fund grant in 2024 are not eligible to apply in 2025. However, those who have received grants in prior years may be considered. Additionally, past IPMF grantees seeking finishing funds for previously supported projects should contact IPMF directly. Awardees will be required to submit a report at the end of the grant period detailing how funds were used.

While a fiscal sponsor is not required at the time of application, selected applicants must secure one before receiving funding, as IPMF does not distribute grants directly to individuals. Grant funds may be used for various expenses, including filmmaker compensation, project costs, and professional development. Prospective applicants can attend virtual office hours on January 31 and February 25 for guidance on creating a strong submission.