The Filmmaker Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Filmmaker Fund is a private foundation in Westport, Connecticut. In tax year 2024 it gave $118,954 in 30 grants; the typical grant was $2,020 and the largest $30,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$118,954
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$2,020
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$3.9 million
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2024 was down from $191,938 the year before.
53% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $191,938 | 22 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $118,954 | 30 | $3.9 million |
How to apply
The Filmmaker Fund says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Filmmaker Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 8 | $48,391 |
| Connecticut | 13 | $46,500 |
| California | 5 | $20,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $2,575 |
| Indiana | 1 | $2,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $2,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn College | Community | $30,000 |
| Covenant House | Community | $10,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | Community | $10,000 |
| ASPCA | Community | $5,000 |
| CT Food Bank | Community | $5,000 |
| CT Humane Society | Community | $5,000 |
| Da Lasalle Academy | Community | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | Community | $5,000 |
| Staples Tuition | Community | $5,000 |
| Uc Berkeley Journalism | Community | $5,000 |
| Aspetuck Land Trust Inc | Community | $4,000 |
| Trout Unlimited | Community | $2,575 |
| Wilton Land Conservation Trust | Community | $2,500 |
| Loveland Foundation | Community | $2,100 |
| Mianus River Gorge | Community | $2,041 |
| Best Friends | Community | $2,000 |
| Friends of Mianus River | Community | $2,000 |
| Muddy Paws Rescue | Community | $2,000 |
| Ren Foundation | Community | $2,000 |
| Rescue Dogs | Community | $2,000 |
| Safe & Sound | Community | $2,000 |
| Waldos Rescue Pen Inc | Community | $2,000 |
| Westport Playhouse | Community | $2,000 |
| Westport Volunteer Ems | Community | $2,000 |
| Wildlife in Crisis | Community | $2,000 |
| Wise Animal Rescue | Community | $2,000 |
| Center for Contemporary | Community | $1,000 |
| Humane Society | Community | $1,000 |
| Wikipedia | Community | $1,000 |
| Pro Republica | Community | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- David Eckles
- Minette Nelson
Questions people ask
Does The Filmmaker Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Filmmaker Fund give?
$118,954 in tax year 2024, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $2,020.
Who runs The Filmmaker Fund?
Its 2024 filing lists David Eckles (Chairman and President) and Minette Nelson (Director).
What does The Filmmaker Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, animals and environment and conservation.