Film Screening Grants

As COVID infections decrease and masking regulations relax, please continue to use caution, as needed, and good judgment for in-person gatherings in your locality.

Films are powerful tools for social change. VegFund screening grants can cover screening licenses and event-related costs of screenings such as venue rental, literature, and vegan food samples. Great documentaries engage the viewer emotionally through skillful storytelling about real lives and events while often revealing information that is obscured from the public eye. Imaginative and entertaining filmmaking effectively stirs the emotions of viewers.

We strongly encourage you to start by reading the Grant Guidelines that apply to all grants and the Grant FAQs. Once you’ve reviewed the guidelines, follow these steps to plan and host a successful VegFund-supported film-screening event.

• Select the film. Most films require you to pay a license fee to screen the film for more than just one person. VegFund can fund up to $250 towards licensing fees and will reimburse you after the film has been screened. See VegFund’s list of recommended films for screening events.
• Determine the venue. You know your community, so you are in the best position to determine the type of venue to suit your needs. Many activists screen films in local schools, churches, or libraries, which typically don’t charge hefty rental fees. You can also consider renting a public movie theatre — in some cases, with VegFund’s help.
• Consider offering educational literature. Check out VegFund’s recommended literature list for guidance.
• Make a budget. VegFund’s grant application requires that you provide a simple but detailed budget for your event. Your budget should include all related costs, including the cost of the venue, the film’s license, and any marketing expenses.
• Order the film. Some filmmakers will send you a DVD or Blu-ray; others will send a link to a download or streaming site. Make sure you know what format your venue requires, have the film in-hand, and test it well in advance of your event. Distributors of DVDs may require at least 14 days advance notice to get a copy of a film to you.
• Watch the film. Make sure you’re familiar with the content of the film in case you get questions from attendees. You may also offer an introduction to the film or hold a discussion or Q&A session following the screening. Films are an entertaining and natural way to engage audiences, so use the screening as an opportunity to make stronger connections to film-goers.
• Assemble a team. We recommend enlisting at least one other person to help set up, answer questions from individuals, keep track of the number of individuals you reach, and clean up after the event.
• Promote your event. Your goal should be to attract as many non-vegans as possible, so make sure you’re advertising your event well in advance. Focus on reaching non-vegan audiences. Check out our post How to Attract Non-Vegans to Your Events for further guidance.
• Review VegFund’s reporting requirements. VegFund grants are distributed as reimbursements, after we receive your final project report. It’s important that you’re prepared to submit your grant report no more than 30 days after your event takes place in order to receive your grant payment. See “Reporting Guidelines” on the Grant Guidelines page.
• Measure your impact. Consider ahead of time how you will measure the success of your event. You should definitely count the number of attendees, as VegFund will ask for this information in your final report. See Measuring the Success of Your Grant-Funded Activity.
• Survey your attendees. Once your grant has been approved, VegFund will send you a unique link to our Film-Screening questionnaire. This brief survey aims to gain insights into the success of your film screening event. See Helpful Materials below for a detailed guide to using the survey.
• Receive your grant payment. Once your report has been approved, VegFund will distribute your grant payment electronically. If you’re based in the U.S., you will receive an invitation from Bill.com; if based outside the U.S., your grant will be sent via PayPal. For details, see the Payment Guidelines section under Grant Guidelines.