Film and documentary funding and crowdfunding

The home of film and documentary crowdfunding

Crowdfunder is where independent filmmakers and their audiences join forces to raise funds for powerful stories. From short film grants to documentary film funding, we help you connect with backers and help get your project off the ground.

Film crowdfunding projects

No platform fees for creative projects when you start crowdfunding

How to fundraise on Crowdfunder

Launch your campaign with built-in tools designed to supportfunding for film production. Whether you’re producing a short, a feature, or a grassroots documentary, we give you everything you need to raise more and build an engaged audience.

Start crowdfunding

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Prize draws

Give your supporters the chance to win unique experiences that bring your community together.

Successful film and documentary funding campaigns

See how other creatives have used Crowdfunder to secure funding for a short film, produce powerful documentaries, or grow their audience with national campaigns. From debut directors to seasoned producers, real success stories start here.

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Food for Thought

£74,275 from 256 supporters

Food for Thought successfully raised over £75,000 from 250 supporters to create a feature documentary designed to inspire and promote the health and well-being of people, animals and the environment.

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MOOSHI Film

£127k from 235 supporters

MOOSHI is the first ever drama short film to shine a light on the dark secret of illegal and deadly ‘pushback’ operations by border forces. The project owner wanted to take this film and it's crucial message to the world's largest stages.

Woman holding flowers

Doc Rowe archive

£66k from 1130 supporters

The Doc Rowe Film and Archive Project set out to digitise and preserve a vast collection documenting British folk traditions. Spanning six decades, the archive will be housed at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, with support from partners including the BFI and English Folk Dance and Song Society.

How crowdfunding works

Crowdfunder makes it easy to raise film funding in the UK. Simply start your project, share your story, and build momentum through your community and beyond. It’s one of the most effective websites for British film funding, with no platform fees for creatives.

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Tell your story

Be open about your situation, why support matters and set a realistic target. Bring it to life with a short video.

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Add exciting rewards

Give people rewards they’ll love: signed scripts, thank you in the credits or invites to screenings.

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Promote everywhere

Use social media, your mailing list, partners, posters, and the local press to shout about your campaign.

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Get funded

Collect donations, apply for match funding, thank supporters, and build momentum.

Film and documentary crowdfunding projects

Explore live and completed campaigns across genres, from student films and animation to horror shorts and investigative documentaries. These projects have raised thousands through UK film funding and public support.

Join our mailing list to hear about trending projects, match funding news and our latest webinars.

Film and documentary funding FAQs

Got questions about how to secure film funding? Whether you’re looking for funding for student films, applying for short film funding grants, or comparing film funding websites, this section covers everything you need to know about launching a successful campaign with Crowdfunder.

How does crowdfunding film and documentary projects work?

Crowdfunding film-related causes couldn’t be easier with Crowdfunder. Simply create your profile and let your supporters fund your cause. Our community fundraising platform lets you put your project in front of a bigger crowd, outside of your local network. Promote your campaign to more people, as well as public sector and corporate organisations.


How do I start a film or documentary crowdfunding project?

It’s really easy to start a film or documentary crowdfunding project with Crowdfunder:

  • Create your crowdfunding profile
  • Tell your story — add photos and videos to your profile to show people why you’re fundraising
  • See if you're eligible for match funding to boost your theatre fundraising further
  • Offer rewards or set up a prize draw to give back to your crowd

What are the benefits of crowdfunding film and documentary projects?

The benefits of running a film or documentary crowdfunding project include:

  • Raise more money for your cause
  • Boost awareness of your community project and your fundraising efforts
  • Build an engaged community of supporters
  • No platform fees if you’re fundraising for a not-for-profit, social enterprise, or community organisation
  • Get detailed reports and insights into your fundraiser via your Crowdfunder dashboard

Who can set up a film or documentary crowdfunding project?

All kinds of groups can set up a film and documentary fundraising project via Crowdfunder. Whether you're releasing a film, upgrading your film equipment or simply boosting awareness and fan engagement, we are the crowdfunding platform for you.


Is my fundraising project eligible for a match funding grant?

Your film or documentary crowdfunding project could be eligible to receive extra support in the form of a match funding grant via our match funding. Your film and documentary fundraising campaign could receive a pledge from one of our regional or national corporate, public sector, or local authority partners when you reach a certain stage in your fundraising journey. There’s over £10 million in match funding available in total, so check the individual criteria of each fund to see if your film or documentary fundraising project is eligible to apply.


Why should I choose Crowdfunder over other fundraising platforms?

Crowdfunder is the home of crowdfunding. Film and documentaries, charities, community groups and individuals can use our simple, fully transparent platform to raise money for the causes they care about. Get real-time insights and detailed reports into your film and documentary crowdfunding campaign to stay up to date every step of the way, and access £10 million in match funding from our match funding partners.

We allow you to give back to your supporters with fantastic rewards, and our fundraising experts are on hand to provide help and advice at every stage. 

You’ll also have access to our extensive Knowledge Hub and interactive sessions to help you boost your film and documentary fundraising efforts further.


How will my crowdfunding money be paid out?

Crowdfunder lets you choose weekly or monthly payouts when you set up your project. If you do not wish to receive funds until a later date, you can choose to manually start payouts from your dashboard after your project goes live. Please note all funds go through a 7 day clearing period before they are eligible to payout.

Need help funding your film?

Whether you’re funding your first short film or promoting a full-length documentary, we’re here to support you. Use the chat bot or visit our Help Centre if you have questions about setting up your campaign or applying for match funding.