Awarding National Lottery funding to support the early research and development of feature length film projects by UK documentary makers.
This fund will open twice a year-
ROUND 1: Opens: 1pm on Wednesday 24th June 2026
Closes: 1pm on Wednesday 5th August 2026
ROUND 2: Opens: 1pm on Monday 9th November 2026
Closes: 1pm on Monday 21st December 2026
BFI Doc Society Fund – Features
Doc Society is the delegate partner for the distribution of the BFI National Lottery funds for documentaries and non-fiction immersive work via the BFI Doc Society Fund.
Through our dedicated funds, we can fund several stages of a feature project, making a new award at each stage:
Development
Production Fund, supporting:
- Production
- Completion
We only fund a project once per stage from research and development through to completion. The total Doc Society contribution to your project cannot exceed £150,000, and any previous BFI Doc Society Fund support for your project does not factor into the decision-making process of a later application.
What We Support -Development Fund
We fund independent non-fiction films by UK filmmakers, focusing on ambitious director-led storytelling intended for theatrical release. We support both emerging and established directors who bring fresh perspectives and creative vision. Our funding is intended to be transformative and representative of all UK society.
We can support the development of feature documentaries from experienced, as well as debut, producers and directors. Awards will be made in accordance with the scale, ambition and potential reach of each proposal.
The Development Fund supports UK documentary filmmakers in the early to late stages of a project’s development, when they are identifying sources, contributors, storylines, producing a teaser, or testing creative methods or devices that will make up the film.
Who can apply
Producers can apply for non-recoupable grants of between £25,000 and £40,000.
Further details on eligibility and what the funding can be used for can be found in the guidelines.
How to apply
You can apply online once you’ve read the funding guidelines in full.
If you have any questions relating to this funding you can email HelloBFI@docsociety.org, or join a weekly roundtable with the fund team.
Application Documents
Development Fund Guidelines
Development Application Form Preview
Development Fund Guidelines
Development Application Form Preview
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. If you have access requirements and need some support applying for funding, see Access support for BFI Doc Society funding applicants.
Join our Features RAD & Development Fund Webinar
On Tuesday 30th June at 11am (UK time) we will host a BFI Doc Society Features RAD & Development Funds webinar. We will talk through the fund overviews and guidelines, followed by an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the funds.
Please sign up to the webinar here.
The webinar will last a maximum of 1 hour. This event will have live BSL interpretation.
British Sign Language and audio
Introduction to the BFI Doc Society Fund for feature films in British Sign Language and audio.
Coming soon
About BFI National Lottery funding
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, more than £50 billion for good causes has been raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales, funding more than 700,000 projects. As a recipient of National Lottery funding, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding ensuring that those engaging with your work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
If your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. To communicate this message, you should ensure that the elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on. More details will be supplied once an award has been made
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