Funding for Film Creative Development Programmes Delivery
National Lottery Backed Fund Seeks New Programme Providers
The British Film Institute is now inviting UK organisations to apply for the Creative Challenge Fund, offering National Lottery support for programmes that develop creative talent across film and immersive media.
Through Challenge One, BFI is looking for organisations to design and deliver structured development programmes for UK creatives working on narrative, documentary or animation feature projects, as well as narrative immersive media. These programmes should help participants strengthen their ideas and prepare for future marketplace funding.
Organisations can apply for £12,000 - £150,000 for a single programme edition. Eligible applicants include production companies, film festivals, local authorities, statutory bodies, CICs, charities and other experienced groups. For profit organisations may apply if the activity is delivered on a not for profit basis.
Funding can support a wide range of costs, including staff and freelance fees, participant payments, venue and equipment hire, travel and accommodation, mentoring, access requirements, creative practice sessions and reasonable overheads.
The second Challenge One deadline is 21 September 2026, for programme activity running 1 January – 30 June 2027.