British Film Institute
Could British Film Institute fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Two-stage application
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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bfi.org.ukAbout British Film Institute
The British Film Institute (BFI) is the UK's lead organisation for film and moving image, distributing National Lottery funding to support the screen industries. Its funding priorities centre on equity, diversity and inclusion, impact and audience, talent development and progression, creative risk, UK-wide reach, and environmental sustainability. The BFI focuses on nurturing talent and encouraging creative risk-taking across the UK, supporting projects that demonstrate impact and audience engagement while contributing to a more diverse and sustainable screen sector.
What British Film Institute funds
They fund distinctive fiction film projects through development funding, and also offer a Creative Challenge Fund that supports training and project delivery. Their work covers arts and culture, with a particular emphasis on screen-based storytelling. Geographically, they support organisations and projects across the UK, with a priority for UK-wide reach and a particular emphasis on regions outside London and the South East. They also have a separate fund for documentaries through the BFI Doc Society Fund.
Who can apply
Organisations that are legally constituted and centrally managed in the UK can apply. The BFI funds registered charities and companies. They do not accept applications from individuals on their own behalf. The BFI prioritises projects that align with their six stated priorities, including equity, diversity and inclusion, talent development, and environmental sustainability. Applicants should ensure that the lead producer's previous work is screen-based.
What British Film Institute doesn't fund
The BFI does not fund individuals directly. Through this fund, they do not support documentaries (documentaries are supported through a separate partnership). Excluded also are immersive or video game projects, projects intended primarily for broadcast television, and projects focusing on other art forms such as literature, dance on film, poetry on film, opera, or artists' moving image. Applications where the lead producer's previous work is not screen-based are not accepted.
How they like to fund
The BFI offers project-based grants through its National Lottery funding. They have a Development Fund for film development projects and a Creative Challenge Fund for training and project delivery. They welcome unsolicited applications. Some programmes are one-off grants, and match funding is not always required. Funding is provided for specific projects, not for general core costs.
How much does British Film Institute give?
British Film Institute runs 4 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 37 sourced facts
- Online application form
- Single-year grants
- Online application form
- Single-year grants
- Online application form
- Single-year grants
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What British Film Institute funds — and what they won't
["Equity, diversity and inclusion","Impact and audience","Talent development and progression","Creative risk","UK-wide","Environmental sustainability"]
The full exclusions list (5)
- This fund does not support: documentaries, which are supported through the National Lottery BFI Doc Society Fund
- immersive or video game projects
- projects which are intended primarily for broadcast television
- projects which focus on another art form such as literature, dance on film, poetry on film, opera or artists’ moving image
- We cannot accept applications where the lead producer’s previous work is not screen-based
Good to know
How to apply to British Film Institute
British Film Institute takes applications via two-stage application.
- Published programme route: online application form.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if British Film Institute could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does British Film Institute provide?
British Film Institute runs 4 grant programmes — BFI and Film4 Future Takes: £60,000 – £90,000.
Where does British Film Institute fund charities?
British Film Institute funds charities operating in UK.
Does British Film Institute accept unsolicited applications?
British Film Institute accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does British Film Institute not fund?
Their published exclusions include: This fund does not support: documentaries, which are supported through the National Lottery BFI Doc Society Fund; immersive or video game projects; projects which are intended primarily for broadcast television; projects which focus on another art form such as literature, dance on film, poetry on film, opera or artists’ moving image; We cannot accept applications where the lead producer’s previous work is not screen-based. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from British Film Institute?
British Film Institute takes applications via two-stage application. Published programme route: online application form.
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Could British Film Institute be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.