International Documentary Foundation Inc
International Documentary Foundation Inc is a Los Angeles, California-based public charity whose website identifies the organization as the International Documentary Association (IDA). Founded in 1982, it supports documentary storytellers and nonfiction filmmaking through grants, fiscal sponsorship, education and artist services, events, publications, and advocacy.
International Documentary Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: International Documentary Foundation Inc gave $5.9M across 61 grants in 2025 (avg $96K), top state New York. 54% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $5,876,580
- -18.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 61
- -42.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $96,337
- +42.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $29,538
- Total assets
- $7,343,022
- -23.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 54% first-time grantees (33 of 61, 2025)
- Primary geography
- New York (35% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to International Documentary Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
For fiscal sponsorship, become a Doc Maker or Doc Pro member, review the application requirements and FAQ, then submit the application with a project proposal and budget and pay the application fee, unless eligible for…
For fiscal sponsorship, become a Doc Maker or Doc Pro member, review the application requirements and FAQ, then submit the application with a project proposal and budget and pay the application fee, unless eligible for the stated Doc Pro fee waiver.
- Contact
Mailing address: 3600 Wilshire Blvd 1810, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 232-1660
Website: https://documentary.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
9 open opportunities from International Documentary Foundation Inc
IDA Emergency Assistance Grants
International Documentary Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund
International Documentary Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
IDA Field-Building Fund
International Documentary Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Who International Documentary Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Demetrius LLC ($1.5M). Together the top 10 received $4.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
511 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 311 grants of 511 (61%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
IDA describes its work as serving documentary creators around the globe, and its fiscal sponsorship guidelines say applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens or residents. In the 2025 filing, recipients in New York received 35% of grant dollars, California 32%, Colorado 10%, Virginia 7%, and Montana 4%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 61 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is International Documentary Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
54%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 33 of 61 grantees (54%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $93K; repeat grants $100K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $37K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2019) to $8.4M (2020). In 2025 it made 61 grants totaling $5.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Demetrius LLC New York, NY | Fiscal Sponsorship | $1,480,000 |
| Nick Molle Productions Inc Estes Park, CO | Fiscal Sponsorship | $585,968 |
| Buller Films LLC McGaheysville, VA | Fiscal Sponsorship | $390,114 |
| Ronald M Blatman Inc San Francisco, CA | Fiscal Sponsorship | $343,735 |
| Ten Thousand X Wisches LLC Sherman Oaks, CA | Fiscal Sponsorship | $246,719 |
| Complexly LLC Missoula, MT | Fiscal Sponsorship | $232,500 |
| Spectrotechnics LLC Torrance, CA | Fiscal Sponsorship | $213,900 |
| Terrace Films LLC Portland, ME | Fiscal Sponsorship | $185,000 |
| Unaff Stanford, CA | Fiscal Sponsorship | $160,803 |
| Era Documentary LLC Los Angeles, CA | Fiscal Sponsorship | $140,177 |
Ready to take the next step with International Documentary Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $7,343,022 | $12,015,630 | $14,153,453 | $5,876,580 | 61 | $67,187 |
| 2024 | $9,630,830 | $12,821,550 | $12,858,359 | $7,173,160 | 106 | $23,756 |
| 2023 | $9,778,720 | $14,226,333 | $14,885,483 | $7,747,294 | 115 | $34,010 |
| 2022 | $8,198,815 | $12,252,709 | $12,676,121 | $7,694,570 | 114 | $63,767 |
| 2021 | $8,634,221 | $14,566,021 | $10,779,184 | $6,163,187 | 115 | $29,763 |
| 2020 | $4,973,057 | $12,310,225 | $12,839,745 | $8,436,479 | 118 | $33,413 |
| 2019 | $5,271,131 | $11,558,055 | $12,460,959 | $1,265,000 | 26 | $29,472 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
IDA’s mission is to support the vital work of documentary storytellers and champion a thriving and inclusive documentary culture. It aims to connect audiences with documentary work, provide resources and community, and defend the rights and freedoms of documentary artists, activists, and journalists around the world.
Its work includes production and development grants, fiscal sponsorship, educational programming, industry events, advocacy, and Documentary magazine. The Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund supports documentary films reflecting the spirit and nature of Pare Lorentz’s work. The Enterprise Documentary Fund supports in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories that integrate journalistic practice into filmmaking; inclusion and diversity in both filmmaking teams and subject matter are priorities. IDA’s website says that the Enterprise Fund provides development and production funding and additional project-specific resources and expertise.
One 2025 grantee, UNAFF, describes its mission as showing documentaries regarding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organization also states that its fiscal sponsorship program supported more than 330 projects with $9.8 million in project support in FY25. Separately, it reports distributing $470,644 through its grantmaking funds in FY25.
Grantmaking
The 2025 filing reports 61 grants totaling $5,876,580. Grant amounts ranged from $5,345 to $1,480,000, with a median of $29,538. The largest listed grants were $1,480,000 to Demetrius LLC, $585,968 to Nick Molle Productions Inc, and $390,114 to Buller Films LLC; each was designated for fiscal sponsorship. Other notable 2025 fiscal sponsorship grants included $343,735 to Ronald M Blatman Inc, $246,719 to Ten Thousand X Wisches LLC, $232,500 to Complexly LLC, and $160,803 to UNAFF.
The website’s fiscal sponsorship guidelines say applicants must be at least 18, be a current paid Doc Maker or higher member of IDA, and submit a project proposal and budget with an application. The project must be a documentary film or media project with a clear charitable purpose and public benefit compatible with IDA’s mission. It must be independent, and the applicant must be a primary producer or director, own the copyright, and retain artistic, budgetary, and editorial control. Narrative or fiction projects, projects unrelated to the documentary genre or IDA’s mission, and projects that constitute propaganda or involve political campaign intervention are ineligible. The guidelines describe a $75 application fee, with a fee waiver for Doc Pro members; they also direct non-film project applicants to request a separate application.
The website’s August 2026 update says the Artist Services team is focused on administering the Emergency Assistance program. It says the Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund is expected to reopen in late 2026 with a new theme, supporting projects nearer the end of production and approaching a premiere. No specific deadline is stated.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Michael A. Turner and Ina Fichman as co-presidents; Maria Agui Carter as treasurer; and Chris Albert as secretary. Directors listed are Alfred Clinton Perry, Amir Shahkhalili, Chris Perez, Grace Lee, Marcia Smith, and Orwa Nyrabia.
International Documentary Foundation Inc is led by Dominic Willsdon, Executive Director on every filing since 2024; 5 of 18 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Dominic Willsdon
Executive Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$109K (2024) → $236K (2025)
Ina Fichman
Co-President
Director → Co-President, 2024
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael A. Turner
Co-President
Director → Co-President, 2024
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Abby Sun
Director of Artist Program
Director of Artist Programs → Director of Artist Program, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$130K (2024) → $114K (2025)
Brian Davis
Director of Development
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$145K (2024) → $148K (2025)
Zaferhan Yumru
Director of Marketing
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$121K (2024) → $128K (2025)
Mary Garbesi
Director of Finance
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$123K (2025)
Chris Perez
Director
Board Member → Co- President, 2022
Co- President → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alfred Clinton Perry
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amir Shahkhalili
Director
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Grace Lee
Director
Board Member → Co- President, 2022
Co- President → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marcia Smith
Director
Treasurer → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Orwa Nyrabia
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bob Bierney
Director
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Natalie Seaver
Director
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tony Kamau
Director
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maria Agui Carter
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chris Albert
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (24)
- Former: Hallee Adelman (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Keisha Knight (2024) — Director of Ida Funds
- Former: Aaron Saidman (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Vinnie Malhotra (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Bonni Cohen (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Richard Perez (2022–2023) — Executive Director Former
- Former: Brenda Robinson (2019–2022) — President · Filing note: Resigned 10/2021
- Former: Caroline Libresco (2019–2022) — Director · Filing note: Term ended 32022
- Former: Fonda Berosini (2019–2022) — Secretary · Filing note: Term ended 32022
- Former: James Costa (2019–2022) — Co-Vice President · Filing note: Term ended 32022
- Former: Lauren Lexton (2019–2022) — Co-Vice President · Filing note: Term ended 32022
- Former: Simon Kilmurry (2019–2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Jannat Gargi (2020–2022) — Director · Filing note: Resigned 32022
- Former: Jack Lerner (2019–2021) — Member-At-Large
- Former: James Ackerman (2019–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Joe Berlinger (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Stephen Nemeth (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Amy Halpin (2020–2021) — Deputy Director
- Former: Jina Lim (2021) — Director of Development
- Former: Margaret Bowman (2021) — Director of Advocacy
- Former: Kevin Iwashina (2019–2020) — President
- Former: Claire Aguilar (2020) — Director of Programming & Policy
- Former: Karen Hori (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Leslie-Anne Fairshire (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $236K, to Dominic Willsdon (Executive Director). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about International Documentary Foundation Inc
How much does International Documentary Foundation Inc give each year?
International Documentary Foundation Inc gave $5.9M across 61 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $7.2M across 106 grants.
What is International Documentary Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
International Documentary Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $29,538, and its average grant was $96,337, across 61 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from International Documentary Foundation Inc that year got $93K on average.
Where does International Documentary Foundation Inc give grants?
International Documentary Foundation Inc's top state is New York, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (32%) and Colorado (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (10 grants), New York, NY (5 grants), San Francisco, CA (3 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (3 grants).
Does International Documentary Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 61 grants with a stated purpose on International Documentary Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Fiscal Sponsorship" (59 grants).
Who are International Documentary Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
International Documentary Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Demetrius LLC ($1,480,000), Nick Molle Productions Inc ($585,968) and Buller Films LLC ($390,114), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is International Documentary Foundation Inc?
International Documentary Foundation Inc reported $7.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $12.0M.
What does International Documentary Foundation Inc fund?
IDA’s mission is to support the vital work of documentary storytellers and champion a thriving and inclusive documentary culture. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from International Documentary Foundation Inc?
For fiscal sponsorship, become a Doc Maker or Doc Pro member, review the application requirements and FAQ, then submit the application with a project proposal and budget and pay the application fee, unless eligible for… Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is International Documentary Foundation Inc's EIN?
International Documentary Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-3911227. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 9, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 14, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in International Documentary Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Perspective Media Initiatives Inc
New York, NY
Perspective Media Initiatives supports documentary films and organizations advancing equity and justice, including production, public engagement, distribution, and field-building. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $500,000, with a median of $57,500; it has no geographic requirements and considers location case by case. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$21.1M
Grants
92
Total Given
$8.0M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Andrew W Mellon Foundation
New York, NY
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supports arts and cultural organizations, higher education, and humanities-focused work, primarily through grants to organizations in the United States, with some support for eligible organizations abroad. In 2024, its grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.56 million, with a median of $500,000. Most grants are by invitation, but it accepts inquiries for some opportunities, including rolling inquiries for Humanities in Place.
Assets
$7.8B
Grants
848
Total Given
$555.0M
Proteus Fund Inc
Waltham, MA
Proteus Fund supports social justice initiatives advancing racial, gender, queer, and disability justice and inclusive democracy, primarily through national grantmaking and collaborative funds. Its 2024 grants ranged from $25,000 to $2 million, with a median of $50,000. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests; its RISE Together Fund has a separate, time-limited open call.
Assets
$67.1M
Grants
219
Total Given
$21.6M
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). International Documentary Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/international-documentary-foundation-inc-morg_b3e46c2d933d42579690992859a59792
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_953911227_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{International Documentary Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/international-documentary-foundation-inc-morg_b3e46c2d933d42579690992859a59792},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from International Documentary Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
International Documentary Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?