Nuvee
Starter
Fund.
A first step can change a film's future. We help independent filmmakers move their ideas forward with community-guided grants and creative support that extends beyond the award.
Two grant cycles each year. No application fee.
Great films need someone to believe in them.
The Nuvee Starter Fund is a biannual grant program for independent video artists. The NUKHU FOUNDATION reviews proposals, shares a shortlist with its voting community, and provides microgrants to projects selected through a process of public voting and final board approval.
The grant is only one part of the relationship. Recipients also gain opportunities for creative guidance, production planning and ongoing support through the Foundation's filmmaker community.
See how it worksAt least $500 toward an approved independent film project.
A microgrant recognizing a top-ranked finalist.
Further recognition and support for a finalist.
From application
to action.
Filmmakers submit their work. The Foundation curates the shortlist. Community participation helps determine who moves forward.
Submit your project.
Apply by April 15 or October 15. There is no submission fee.
Board shortlisting.
Eligible projects are evaluated for originality, clarity, craft and creative potential.
Community voting.
Finalist proposals are shared for public consideration and voting.
Board approval.
The top-voted projects advance to final Foundation board review and award approval.
Fund and support.
Recipients work with the Foundation and a Volunteer Producer on approved film expenses and next steps.
Ideas worth
moving forward.
Explore the proposals behind our most recent recipients. Recipient photography can be added as each filmmaker's press materials arrive.
Giants
and Lucho
Each project remains the property of its filmmaker. These application links are shared to help future applicants understand the variety of work supported by the Fund.
More beginnings.
More possibilities.
Browse past funded proposals, including grant winners and runners-up. Photography courtesy of the filmmakers.
En El Mundo
Funding guided by people.
After a new shortlist is announced, the proposals are shared for public voting. You can also support future grant cycles directly through a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation.
The next voting round is not yet open.
The previous round has concluded. A new shortlist and voting period will appear here once the Foundation opens the next round.
All disciplines.
Original vision.
We welcome eligible video artists in any location who have a U.S. Tax Identification Number. A completed film is not required. You may apply with a treatment or script, an active production, or footage that needs finishing support.
- A cohesive creative proposal. A clear vision, concept and approach to making the project.
- Work with a distinctive point of view. Thoughtful craft, originality and effective communication.
- Projects with defined practical needs. Development, filming, equipment, talent, post-production, training or festival submission expenses.
- Creative ownership stays with filmmakers. Winning does not transfer your underlying project intellectual property to the Foundation.
The essentials,
clearly.
Review the program policies before submitting. Award terms are confirmed through a separate agreement with selected recipients.
Eligibility and submission requirements
Artists with a U.S. Tax Identification Number may apply regardless of location. Submit a treatment and/or script, with any attached cast and crew, for a video project that can be produced for less than $500,000, or submit an assembly of existing footage that needs finishing funds. There is no application fee.
The Foundation reviews complete applications for coherence, craft, effective presentation, clarity of ideas and originality. Applicants are not guaranteed an award or exclusivity against similar concepts.
Deadlines, shortlisting and voting
The Foundation holds two application deadlines annually: April 15 and October 15. The board selects a shortlist, and shortlisted projects proceed to community voting. Top-ranked finalists receive final board consideration and approval. The Foundation generally notifies applicants about two to three weeks after the relevant deadline.
Submission materials may be shown to the voting community. Public promotion of shortlisted work is handled under the Foundation's applicable permission arrangements.
Grant awards and repeat eligibility
The primary grant award begins at $500. The second and third ranked approved recipients receive $100 runner-up microgrants each. A winner of the primary grant may not apply again; runners-up may apply in future grant cycles.
Eligible expenses and reporting
Recipients may use approved funds for filmmaking expenses including cast and crew, equipment rental, locations, post-production, education, training and submission fees. Meals, travel and lodging may qualify when directly related to the film project, not personal living expenses.
A detailed financial report describing expenditures is due within three months of receiving the grant funds. Recipients must remain in contact with the Foundation regarding progress.
Producer collaboration and film rights
The Foundation engages a Volunteer Producer to oversee approved purchases and basic project accounting. Producer involvement and credited status may continue through filmmaking, licensing and distribution stages for up to two years under the program terms. The filmmaker or applicant organization retains the intellectual property in the project.
Grant recipients may access Foundation staff for creative or administrative guidance and project feedback under the program's support arrangements.
Additional provisions for grants above $500
For awards greater than $500, the published grant terms provide for assistance with marketing and sales once the project is completed. The terms state that the Foundation receives a fee of 8% of gross revenue arising from applicable agreements with consenting third parties, capped at $100,000 per grant project. These additional revenue terms do not apply merely because someone receives a $500 or $100 microgrant.
The specific signed grant agreement governs each award. Read the full requirements carefully before accepting funding.
Your next step
starts here.
Next deadline: April 15, 2027. No application fee.