The Minnesota Film Production Grant, administered by the Jerome Foundation, is designed to support early-career film directors based in Minnesota. This grant provides production funding of up to $30,000 for filmmakers who demonstrate a strong artistic vision, innovative storytelling, and creative risk-taking. The program encourages applicants to engage directly with those involved in their filmmaking process and to contribute meaningfully to their creative communities. The grant prioritizes projects that experiment with or reimagine the art of filmmaking.

Eligible applicants must be early-career film directors who are residents of Minnesota. The foundation seeks to support individuals who display clarity of purpose and a commitment to artistic exploration. While this program is distinct from the Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grant, applicants may not apply for both funding opportunities in the same cycle. The mentorship grant offers up to $10,000 for Minnesota-based filmmakers interested in professional development through mentorship.

The application process opens on January 6, 2025, and closes on April 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. The Jerome Foundation provides multiple resources to assist applicants, including an informational webinar on January 23, a workshop on February 4 to discuss application questions, and a live Q&A session on March 18. Additionally, applicants can schedule phone appointments through April 2 for direct guidance. An eligibility review must be completed by March 28.

Successful applicants will be notified of their grant status no later than October 20, 2025, with a public announcement in Fall 2025. The grant funds will be distributed between November 13, 2025, and April 2027. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full program and application guide for details on eligibility criteria and application questions. The Jerome Foundation provides a dedicated email and phone contact for inquiries. The foundation’s office is located at 550 Vandalia Street, Suite 109, St. Paul, MN 55114. For more information, applicants can contact the foundation at info@jeromefdn.org or call 651-224-9431.