The CAAM Documentary Fund, supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, offers project funding for independent documentary films that focus on the Asian American experience. This funding is specifically aimed at projects intended for public television broadcast. The grant awards typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, providing financial support for both production and post-production phases of documentary filmmaking.

The primary purpose of the CAAM Documentary Fund is to promote and support the creation of documentaries that reflect the diverse narratives and experiences of Asian Americans. The fund seeks to encourage filmmakers to tell compelling stories that resonate with both Asian American audiences and the broader public television viewership. By funding these projects, CAAM aims to enhance the representation of Asian American stories in the media landscape.

Eligible projects can receive funding for various stages, including production and post-production. To qualify, applicants must maintain artistic, budgetary, and editorial control over their projects and must own the copyright. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old and either citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories. Projects in production must include a 10-15 minute sample, while those in post-production must provide a full-length rough or fine cut. Previous experience in film or television is required, and first-time applicants must submit a video sample demonstrating their storytelling abilities.

The CAAM Documentary Fund prioritizes projects that are intended for public television and adhere to PBS standard broadcast lengths. Projects that are not eligible include those not focused on the Asian American experience, those intended solely for theatrical release, and projects that are in the script development stage. Additionally, projects must not be foreign-based or promotional in nature, and only one proposal per applicant is accepted per funding round.

The evaluation criteria for the grant include the project's alignment with public television's audience, the originality and engagement of the story idea, the effectiveness of the visual treatment, and the feasibility of completing the project within a realistic timeline. The applicant's demonstrated skills through the submitted sample will also be a significant factor in the evaluation process.

The application deadline for the CAAM Documentary Fund is October 20, 2024. Interested applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare their submissions accordingly. For further details and to access the application, potential applicants can visit the Center for Asian American Media's website.