Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant
Funding Amount
Up to $15,000
Deadline
Expected ~June
Based on past cycles
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Current deadline
- June 30, 2027
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Deadlines typically fall in: June
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Other requirements
- LGBTQ+ filmmakers
- Under age 25
- Currently residing in the U.S
- Must be LGBTQ+ filmmaker
Overview
Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant Program
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:
- Submit your film to Frameline50 (the 50th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival)
- Eligible filmmakers will be automatically considered for the grant program upon submission
What Frameline Inc actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 1
- Total given
- $15K
- Median grant
- $15K
- By dollars: New York 100%. Top recipient cities: New York, NY.
Example grants
Mule Studios LLC · New York, NY
Filmmaker Grants
$15K
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