Published: June 12 2026
Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 5pm, BST
Category: Grants
Locations: United Kingdom
The Grierson Trust is proud to announce the launch of the Grierson Percy Documentary Grant a new finishing fund for UK based independent documentary filmmakers and production companies made possible by a generous donation from Norma Percy. Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the details below and submit their applications before the deadline.
About The Grant
The Grierson Percy Documentary Grant champions documentary films and series working in the tradition that Norma Percy and Brian Lapping established for half a century. This initiative seeks to support documentary films on political or international crises which provide riveting storytelling and new and surprising insights.
Funding Purpose
This grant is designed to support projects in the final stages of filmmaking with a substantial amount of principal photography completed and with the offline edit underway. There should be a realistic budget and plan for completion as well as a clear strategy for distribution and audience engagement. Funding will be awarded to cover essential finishing or additional shooting costs.
Grant Amounts
Between two and three grants will be made available in 2026 with awards ranging from £10,000 to £25,000 depending on the needs of the individual project.
Eligibility Requirements
The grant is open to UK based independent documentary filmmakers and production companies. Projects must be documentary films or series on political or international crises. Projects must be in the final stages of filmmaking with substantial principal photography completed and offline edit underway. A realistic budget and plan for completion is required. A clear strategy for distribution and audience engagement is required.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed through a two stage process. The first stage is assessment and longlisting where a team of experienced industry assessors will review all eligible applications evaluating storytelling, relevance, craftsmanship, feasibility, and route to market. They will compile a longlist.
The final decisions will be made by a dedicated committee composed of Grierson Trust team members and trustees, Norma Percy, and some of her long time collaborators. This transparent selection process ensures that all applications are fairly reviewed by individuals with deep expertise in documentary filmmaking and storytelling and that final decisions align with the ethos of the grant.
Application Requirements
Applicants should download the full guidelines, FAQs, application questions and terms and conditions before applying. The application requires detailed information about the project including its current stage of production, budget, completion plan, and distribution strategy.
Access And Support
If applicants have accessibility requirements, would like help with an application due to a disability, would like to submit application answers in an alternative form, or require any other reasonable adjustments they should email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1462 630 310.
About Norma Percy
Norma Percy is known for series made with Brian Lapping in which Presidents and Prime Ministers describe how crucial decisions are made. Her generous donation has made this grant possible.
Application Deadline
June 30, 2026 at 5pm BST
