Frameline Inc logo

Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant

Frameline Inc

Foundation Annual

Funding Amount

Up to $15,000

Deadline

June 30, 2027

427 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant Program

Overview: Since 2023, Frameline has collaborated with the Colin Higgins Foundation to present Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grants to emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers.

Award:

  • Up to $15,000 in cash prizes

  • Opportunity to attend the 11-day San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival
  • About the Colin Higgins Foundation:
    The grant is named after Colin Higgins, an acclaimed screenwriter and director known for films including Harold and Maude, 9 to 5, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. After being diagnosed with HIV in 1985, he founded the Colin Higgins Foundation to support LGBTQ+ youth in underserved communities through funding programs and organizations that foster leadership skills and empowerment. Since 1988, the Foundation has awarded over 660 grants worth over $6 million.

    Geographic Scope: United States

    Eligibility:

  • LGBTQ+ filmmakers

  • Under age 25

  • Currently residing in the U.S.
  • Recent Grantees:

  • 2025: AJ Dubler & Carmela Murphy ("A Bird Hit My Window and Now I'm a Lesbian"), Remi Gabriel ("Barbie Boy")

  • 2024: Farah Jabir ("Kasbi"), Leaf Lieber ("Burrow")

  • 2023: Karina Dandashi ("Cousins"), Daisy Friedman ("As You Are"), Emilio Subía ("Ñaños")
  • How to Apply

    How to Apply

    Filmmakers meeting the qualifications will be automatically considered for the grant program by submitting their film to Frameline50, the 50th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

    Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be LGBTQ+ filmmaker

  • Must be under age 25

  • Must be currently residing in the U.S.
  • Application Process:
    1. Submit your film to Frameline50 (the 50th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival)
    2. Eligible filmmakers will be automatically considered for the grant program upon submission

    Ready to apply for Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.