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The Rogovy Foundation The Rogovy Foundation
  • Home
  • Documentary Fund
    • Overview
    • Eligibility
    • Film Qualities
    • Application
    • Film FAQ
  • Focus Grant
  • Frontier Grant
    • Overview
    • Eligibility
    • Inquiries
    • Frontier Grant FAQ
  • Grantees
    • Film Fund
    • Focus Grant
    • Frontier Grant
    • Watch Now
  • About Us
    • Ideals & Values
    • Staff
    • Contact Us
  • News

Film FAQ

If I’m a first-time filmmaker, can I still apply?
We do consider both first-time and accomplished filmmakers. However bear in mind our selection criteria includes strength of proposal. Your experience will be a factor in our evaluation.
Do you accept International productions?

Yes, we accept International productions as long as the film is either in English or includes English subtitles. The project must have global audience appeal, extending beyond the film’s location.

If you are based internationally and do not have IRS 501(c) (3) status, you will need to work with a Fiscal Sponsor who does.

We will only consider submissions which are written in English.

What is a Fiscal Sponsor?

A Fiscal Sponsor is an organization that qualifies as an IRS public charity 501 (c) (3) and can accept funds on your behalf. The funds are then re-distributed to your project, thus ensuring a tax-efficient transaction for the Film Fund.

You may submit your film without 501(c) (3) status and without a Fiscal Sponsor. However you will need one should your application be accepted.

At what point in my project should I apply?

Submit your film only when you have written or visual material that demonstrates your storytelling intent. You may submit at any stage from advanced development through post-production. All proposals must convey a vision for a finished film. Projects that have not yet secured characters or subjects, are unable to articulate a story structure, or unable to explain the story’s driving central question are discouraged.

May I ask you to review an element of my proposal before I apply? For example, my website, synopsis, visual sample, etc?

No. We only review complete proposals submitted through our Submittable platform.

What kind of projects is the Miller / Packan Fund interested in funding?

We look for powerful stories with character-driven storytelling, a fact-based exposé or an informational point-of-view upon a controversial subject. We look for quality filmmaking comprised of inspiring characters, a fascinating story, a strong visual style, tight editing and generally high production values. We’re looking for a collective story that may be told through individuals, not stories primarily about individuals.

We like investigations into the cost structures of our social institutions, such as healthcare and education. We appreciate the celebration of public heroes and find inspiration through their stories. We favour topics that bring our global community together.

Are animated documentary films eligible?

Yes we do consider animated films for awards.

Is there an application fee to apply?

No. It is free to apply.

How will I know that you received my application?

Once you submit your application on our Submittable platform you will receive a confirmation email. If we have follow-up questions or need more information or materials we will contact you.

Can I submit more than one proposal per cycle?

Yes, you can submit more than one proposal in the same round as long as they are for separate projects.

Is it necessary to apply using your Submission form?

The only fair way to evaluate these proposals is to use a structured proposal checklist, which is what most other funds also require. This is designed to encompass the key issues involving your film’s request: how it meets the mission of the fund; how it will be financed; what its audience engagement plans are; who the key filmmakers are; what the film is about; and a short sample of footage.

Our submission process is similar to that used by other funds, so your effort can be reused when making other applications.

How many times may I re-apply?

You may re-apply if your first application is denied. However we will only accept two submissions per project.

If my application is denied, when can I submit it?

You can re-submit your application during any Open Call period.

Can I make changes or update my application?

If a decision is still pending and you have more information that would make a material difference to our evaluation, you are welcome to send us the update and we will do our best to incorporate that information into our evaluation process.

How do I write an effective logline?

Your logline should be a brief (1-2 sentences) summary of your film. It should state the central conflict, a synopsis of the plot, and an emotional hook. A good logline should provoke the viewer’s curiosity. (For more tips, here’s a great article on crafting loglines.)

Can I check on the application progress or discuss?

No. We will inform you of our decision within three months of your submission. If you have a query regarding your current application, please use the applicant login to access your submission status.

Do I need to request a specific amount of money with my application?

Yes. We want to best match the grant to your requirements.

My project is finished. Can I apply for funding to pay for film transfers or reimburse debt?

No. The Miller / Packan Fund is only set up to assist with the production of a project. If your project is completed, we would hope you can repay debt or handle unpaid bills from distribution arrangements or other sources of funding.

Can the funding be allocated to marketing and distribution expense?

No we do not fund outreach or audience engagement activities. Nor do we fund expenses related to fund-raising, distribution, publicity or marketing.

When is the best time to submit?

Do not wait until the last minute to submit your project — you will get more attention if you apply earlier. Avoid the last minute rush, get a better ‘read’ — Approximately 40% of our Open Call applications are submitted on the last day.

When are submissions due?

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. The Summer Open Call has now closed. To be considered for the Winter Awards, please submit your application by 23:59 EST on November 15th 2020. If you fail to meet the deadline, please apply before May 15th 2021 to be considered for the next awards in June 2021.

When are the awards announced?

The awards are announced bi-annually, in June and January.

Can I send materials on a DVD?

No, we do not accept materials sent by mail. All submission material must be sent via our online application system.

Can I contact you directly about my project?

You may contact us if you have  a specific question regarding our fund.  Please do not contact us with general questions regarding the suitability of your project. We ask you to go  through the application process.

Where can I find additional answers to questions? Can I call or Skype with you to discuss my film?

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to inquiries via telephone or Skype. If you have read our FAQ and you still have specific questions, please email info@rogovy.org and we will try to answer them.

What is the process to apply for funding?

You should first review our Ideals and Values page in order to see whether your proposal matches up with the Foundations’s mission and goals. If you feel your project is a good match, the next step is to contact us via email with a Letter of Inquiry. Letters of Inquiry are accepted on a rolling basis.

Based upon the information in your inquiry, we may invite you to submit a full proposal Application regarding your organization’s project and goals.

What happens after you’ve received the Letter of Inquiry?

We will send an acknowledgement email once the inquiry has been received. We will respond with a determination on whether you are invited to submit a full proposal Application within 30 days.

How long does it take to make a decision on full applications?

We will notify you of our decision within 60 days of your received application.

Do you make grants to individuals? 

No, we can only grant to organizations that have IRS 501 (c) (3) status, or have an affiliation with a Fiscal Sponsor.

What is a Fiscal Sponsor?

A Fiscal Sponsor is an organization that qualifies as an IRS public charity 501 (c) (3) and can accept funds on your behalf. The funds are then re-distributed to your project, thus ensuring a tax-efficient transaction for the Frontier Fund.

You may submit your proposal without 501(c) (3) status and without a Fiscal Sponsor. However you will need one should your application be accepted.

Do you accept applications from International organizations?

Yes, we accept International organizations. However, if you are based internationally and do not have IRS 501(c) (3) status, you will need to work with a Fiscal Sponsor who does.

You may submit your application without 501(c) (3) status and without a Fiscal Sponsor. However you will need one should your application be accepted.

If my application is denied, can I re-submit it?

We accept only one submission per project proposal.

Can I make changes or update my application while it’s under review?

If a decision is still pending and you have more information that would make a material difference to our evaluation, you are welcome to send us the update and we will do our best to incorporate that information into our evaluation process.

Do I need to request a specific amount of money with my application?

Yes. We want to best match the grant to your requirements.

When are the awards announced?

The awards are announced on a rolling basis, beginning January 2016.

Can I check on the application progress or discuss?

Unfortunately, we are unable to respond verbally to any inquiries. You best option to contact us is via email:  info@rogovy.org

What is the best way to be in touch with you?

If you have additional questions, we are happy to discuss them with you. The best option to reach us is via email:  info@rogovy.org

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