Purpose of the Grants: To assist worthy students in completing their student thesis film, TV program, video or interactive projects. The award will provide completion money after other means of fundraising have been exhausted. This program is intended to combat the lack of diversity in content and creative people in our industry.

Rationale for the Grants: The Caucus recognizes its responsibility to take action to promote diversity behind the camera in our industry. We look to the accredited film, television, media programs at our universities and colleges as the source of the talented writers, directors and producers of the future. While scholarships are becoming more and more plentiful, support for students in completing their portfolio project is scarce. These projects serve as a calling card for entry in the industry. Further, the selection and identification process will, of itself, validate and recognize young talent and provide a source of mentors as they make the transition from student to industry professional.

Eligibility: Applicants must be registered in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program that requires the student to complete a thesis film, television program, video or interactive project for their degree and must be either the producer or director of the film. Applicant must also be a US Citizen.

Submissions: May be a structured film as currently understood, or TV Program of any genre i.e. game show, reality program, situation comedy, variety program, documentary or any commonly produced form in contemporary broadcasting including webisodes.

Criteria for selection for an Award:
1. Demonstrated financial need. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds will be given extra consideration.
2. The creative strength of the project as determined by the selection committee.
3. The completeness and feasibility of the production plan.
4. The completeness and reliability of the financing plan. Additional weight will be given to students who have demonstrated diligence in fundraising from other sources including in-kind contributions.

Amount of Award: The award can range from $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000 based on the completion needs of the individual project. However, no one grant can amount to more than 40% of the amount awarded at that session.

Timing of Awards: Awards will be made twice a year in Spring and Fall.

Application Procedure: Students must submit all materials by May 1st, 5:00 PM for a Spring grant and December 1st, 5:00 PM for a Fall grant. Please see Grant Application for additional information. Materials must include 3 copies each, in its own manila folder (no ring binders and DVDs must be in paper sleeves) in this order:
1. Application
2. Storyline Synopsis or Program Idea (2-3 sentences)
3. Complete Shooting/Final Script/TV Production Script
4. Complete/Final Budget
5. Current Expenditure & Costs to complete budget
6. Financial Plan including funds raised and committed and gifts in kind
7. Shooting Schedule and Post Production Schedule
8. Crew list to include writer, director, producer, editor and cinematographer and student status of each
9. Rough Cut on DVD in NTSC format on a DVD-R disc. Since the grant is to assist in completion monies for your film, a rough cut is required. Running time must be stated.
10. Letter from Applicant stating why this project is important to them. Applicants should defend any special cost items (35mm, hi definition, special effects, etc.) and their appropriateness for the project. The letter should also contain information as to the degree program they are enrolled in along with a copy of the degree requirements.
11. Proof of Financial need
12. Proof of Degree Requirements
13. Letter of Support of teacher of course or project mentor

Transfer of Funds: Funds or in-kind services will be transferred to the student based upon certification by the teacher/mentor that agreed upon markers have been reached (i.e. start of principal photography, completion of photography, locked cut or delivery of answer print or program status, pre-production, post production, editing, sweetening, mix).

Prints: Award winners must supply the Caucus Foundation with three DVDs of the completed/final project which the Caucus will be able to screen at Caucus or Caucus Foundation events.

Credit: The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation and any other Endowment/Named Fund will have a credit on the film as a financial supporter in size and prominence compatible with its contribution to the total funding.

Application Information: Applications can be downloaded from the Caucus Foundation website or sent by mail. Return the completed application and supporting materials to The Caucus Foundation, 928 N. San Fernando Boulevard, Suite J-639, Burbank CA 91504-4318. Phone: 818- 843-7572. Faxed and/or emailed applications are not acceptable.

Website: www.caucusfoundation.org For speed of response we strongly urge that questions or inquiries be directed to the Foundation at CaucusFoundation@aol.com.


Grant Application
Click here to download application in Adobe Acrobat [pdf] format
Click here to download the above in Adobe Acrobat [pdf] format