Applications are open for the California Documentary Project (CDP) Grants 2026 - 2027 from California Humanities - funding for nonfiction film, audio, and digital media that deepen understanding of California’s histories, cultures, ideas, and communities.
Two pathways: Research & Development (up to US$15,000) and Production (up to US$50,000). Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline: Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. PT. Applications opened 14 September 2026.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official California Humanities CDP page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - California Documentary Project Grants 2026 - 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funder | California Humanities |
| Programme | California Documentary Project (CDP) |
| R&D grants | Up to US$15,000 (early research / development) |
| Production grants | Up to US$50,000 (active production toward completion) |
| Media types | Documentary film/series, podcasts/audio, web, interactive, multiplatform |
| Match | Minimum 1:1 cash and/or in-kind from non-federal sources |
| LOI deadline | 14 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Full proposals (invited) | 1 February 2027 |
| Official page | calhum.org/california-documentary-project |
| Apply - R&D | 2026 CDP Research and Development Application |
| Apply - Production | 2026 CDP Production Application |
What CDP Funds
CDP supports California-focused nonfiction storytelling through a humanities-based approach. Projects may explore any subject but must have a meaningful connection to California and use humanities or public humanities approaches. At least one humanities advisor must be actively involved on the project team.
Funding Categories
- Research & Development (up to US$15,000): earliest stages - research, development, and early planning to strengthen humanities content before production
- Production (up to US$50,000): projects beyond R&D that are active in production and moving toward completion
Eligibility
- Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or individuals with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor or public agency
- California residency required for the project director and the applicant organization (if not fiscally sponsored)
- California-based project personnel preferred where possible
- Minimum 1:1 match (cash and/or in-kind) from non-federal sources
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 14 September 2026 |
| Letter of Intent deadline | 14 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. PT |
| First-round decisions | 14 December 2026 |
| Full proposals due (invited) | 1 February 2027 |
How to Apply
- Review guidelines and FAQs on the official CDP Grants page.
- Choose the pathway that matches your stage: R&D or Production.
- Submit a Letter of Intent via the California Humanities grant portal by 14 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. PT.
- If invited, submit a full proposal by 1 February 2027.
Programme questions: programs@calhum.org · Portal/reporting: grants@calhum.org
Official Links
Apply - CDP Research & Development (up to $15,000)
Apply - CDP Production (up to $50,000)
Programme overview - California Humanities
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FAQs - CDP Grants 2026 - 2027
When is the LOI deadline?
Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
How much funding can I get?
Up to US$15,000 for R&D or up to US$50,000 for Production.
Do I need a California connection?
Yes - projects must meaningfully connect to California, and California residency rules apply to the project director / applicant organization.
Where do I apply?
Start from the CDP Grants page, then use the R&D or Production portal links above.
