The Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grant, administered by the Jerome Foundation, provides up to $10,000 to support early-career film directors in Minnesota. This grant is designed to assist filmmakers working in short and/or long-form experimental, narrative, animation, documentary, or hybrid forms in strengthening their directing craft and professional skills. The grant funds self-designed mentorships with experienced directors or other film professionals, focusing on skill development in connection with a specific film project.

The Foundation seeks applicants who take creative risks, adopt innovative approaches, and demonstrate a strong vision for storytelling. Applicants should be actively engaged with those involved in their filmmaking process and committed to fostering relationships within the creative community. The grant encourages filmmakers to pursue mentorship opportunities that will significantly enhance their directing abilities and career growth.

Applications open on January 6, 2025, and close on April 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. A critical requirement of the application process is a mandatory phone conversation with Jerome Foundation staff before receiving access to the application. This call must be scheduled and completed by March 28, 2025. Additionally, phone and Zoom appointments are available for applicants seeking guidance through April 2, 2025.

Applicants may not apply for both the Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grant and the Minnesota Film Production Grant in the same funding cycle. The two grants serve distinct purposes, with the mentorship grant focusing on professional development and the production grant supporting film production.

Successful applicants will be notified of their grant status no later than October 20, 2025, with a public announcement of grantees in Fall 2025. Grant funds will be distributed between November 13, 2025, and April 2027. The Jerome Foundation does not accept late applications.

For more information, applicants can review the full program and application guide. The Jerome Foundation’s office is located at 550 Vandalia Street, Suite 109, St. Paul, MN 55114. Questions can be directed to info@jeromefdn.org or by calling 651-224-9431.