Tell Your Story Grant
(Application link will be live at 9a PST on June 1)
Program Guidelines
The Creative Opportunity Program is offering two $15,000 grants to Oregon-based creators. The Grant is designed to support a non-project specific virtual residency, allowing filmmakers to develop, explore, and/or shoot the stories they want to tell, in any format they choose. All filmmakers are welcome to apply, with special emphasis on applicants from historically underserved communities and projects that center or uplift those communities.
This is a program of the Creative Opportunity Program and Oregon Film.
Tell Your Story Grant(s) Will:
- Support early or mid-career filmmakers (not entry level) looking to move forward in the film, media, and entertainment fields in Oregon.
- Offer a variety of resources to aid in career development, including connections, insights, and strategies from Oregon Film.
- Support is for a creative artist and not for a specific project.
The time period for the grant usage is from September 2026 to June 2027, with continuing consultations and check-ins available as needed beyond that.
You Are A Qualified Applicant If You:
- Are an experienced filmmaker.
- Have been an Oregon resident for at least one full year prior to the application deadline.
- Have a sample or reel of content that demonstrates your past work.
- Can describe how this grant will help to take you to the next stage of your career in Oregon.
- All filmmakers are encouraged to apply, with special emphasis on those from rural Oregon and historically underrepresented communities.
Restrictions:
- Only one application per individual is permissible.
- Organizations pitching or creating promotional or marketing materials are not eligible.
- No person, or their immediate family, who is employed by Oregon Film or a sponsoring partner, may apply.
- No previous winners or their immediate families of the Tell Your Story Grant can apply.
If You Are Selected, You Will Receive:
- $15,000 to use towards the development of a creative artist’s career with a focus on supporting a move towards more experience and better connection to the industry.
- Funds can be used for writing, development, casting, production or further research or travel for a specific project or a series of projects; although a specific project is not required.
- This grant is not tied to any specific delivery date or project type, it is focused on helping support the selected filmmaker reach their creative goal.
Key Dates
Application Opens: 9:00 AM PST, June 1, 2026
Virtual Grant Q&A: 2:00 PM PST, June 4th [RSVP Here]
Deadline: 5:00 PM PST, July 10, 2026
Award Notification: By September 1, 2026
Contact Oregon Film on Shoot@OregonFilm.org with questions.
(Application link will be live at 9a PST on June 1)
Read more about the previous grantees via the below links:
This grant program strongly encourages applications from productions that promote career advancement and/or storytelling for historically underserved communities in Oregon. These may include individuals who identify as BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (including but not limited to Latino/a/e/x, Asian American and Pacific Islanders), those who speak English as a second language, people living with disabilities, youth, women, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people on the gender spectrum, individuals experiencing homelessness or living in poverty, those impacted by the legal system, immigration, and/or incarceration.
The grant is open to all eligible applicants and all applications will be reviewed fairly and in accordance with applicable laws.
Ineligible Use of Funds
- Capital expenses (i.e. studio or office renovations), existing infrastructure expenditures, or regular/ongoing operating expenditures unrelated to the granted filmmaker.
- Funding may not be used for controlled substances.
General Terms and Conditions
The following conditions apply to all grant awards:
- Direct Financial Support:
Grantees will enter into an agreement with Oregon Film to receive a cash grant aimed at supporting the filmmaker’s career in Oregon. This agreement is intended to clarify the expectations and facilitate the implementation of the granted funds within the state. Oregon Film will issue a Form 1099-G at year-end. The grantee is solely responsible for any local, state, or federal taxes owed in connection with this grant.
Grant Requirements:
- A shortlist of potential candidates may be invited to speak, and “pitch” their project, to the Review Committee prior to a final decision being made.
- Grantees are required to adhere to the reporting obligations outlined in the grant agreement.
- Regular progress updates (with the offer of a monthly phone, or in-person check ins to ensure adequate support is given throughout the residency period).
- Final project report.
Conditions of Grant:
- A Final Report verifying the use of the funds and the status of the filmmaker’s project and career path must be submitted by a mutually agreed upon date.
- If a project is completed utilizing these funds, those projects must include the following statement in the credits, presented at a readable speed, “This project was supported by the Creative Opportunity Program and Oregon Film” and include the following approved logos: Oregon Made and Oregon Film as well as any other financial or in-kind sponsor designated by the Oregon Film.
- The filmmaker will enter into a more formal agreement with the Oregon Film and/ or Oregon Made Creative Foundation.
- The filmmaker and team will agree to social media guidelines as outlined by all parties prior upon acceptance of the award.
- Oregon Film will make every effort to safeguard submitted application materials but is not responsible for loss or damage to the work.
- Oregon Film will issue a Form 1099-G at year-end. The grantee is solely responsible for any local, state, or federal taxes owed in connection with this grant.
Please note: Application assistance from the staff of Oregon Film are available to applicants if needed.
Contact the Oregon Film at shoot@oregonfilm.org with questions.