Purpose of the Grants: To assist worthy students in completing their student thesis film, TV 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 and television 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 or interactive project for their degree and must be either the producer or director of the film.

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 15, 5:00 PM for a Spring grant and October 15, 5:00 PM for a Fall grant. Please see Grant Application for additional information. APPLICATIONS MAY NO LONGER BE HAND DELIVERED. Materials must include (3 copies each, in this order):
1. Application
2. Storyline Synopsis (2-3 sentences)
3. Complete Shooting/Final 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. 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.).

Prints: Award winners must supply the Caucus Foundation with a finished print or tape and a DVD of the project which the Caucus will be able to screen at Caucus or Foundation events.

Credit: The Caucus for Television Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation and any other Endowment/Named Fund credit The Caucus Foundation has agreed to provide 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 this website. Return the completed application and supporting materials to The Caucus Foundation, 2829 N. Glenoaks Boulevard, Suite 106 PMB #137, Burbank CA 91504-2660. Phone: 818-843-7572. Faxed and/or emailed applications are not acceptable. APPLICATIONS MAY NO LONGER BE HAND DELIVERED

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

Grant Application
Click here to download application in Adobe Acrobat [pdf] format [update coming soon]