How much funding does Sandbox Fund Grant provide?

The listing does not state a funding amount. Check the funder's announcement for specifics.

When is the deadline for Sandbox Fund Grant?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

How often is Sandbox Fund Grant offered?

Sandbox Fund Grant runs on a twice a year cycle.

Sandbox Fund Grant

Q: Who is eligible for Sandbox Fund Grant?

Eligible applicants: Grants are offered to independent artists who are working at the intersection of science and nonfiction storytelling.

Sundance Institute

Foundation Grants for Arts Humanities Grants

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Twice a year
Tracked since: April 2026

From the program guidelines: “The Fund offers grants two times a year, with two separate application windows.”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Grants are offered to independent artists who are working at the intersection of science and nonfiction storytelling

Other requirements

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website](https://www.sundance.org/sandbox-fund)._
U.S. and international nonfiction projects are eligible, with a focus on feature-length documentary projects

Overview

Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP)

The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) supports nonfiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries on contemporary themes.

Sandbox Fund

The Sandbox Fund offers grants, engagement events, and other opportunities for independent artists seeking to explore the intrinsic link between science and culture through innovative storytelling. The program is administered by the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund, in collaboration with Sandbox Films.

Grants are offered to independent artists who are working at the intersection of science and nonfiction storytelling. The partnership identifies and supports nonfiction projects that inspire a deeper interest in science, especially among those who don’t think of themselves as science enthusiasts.

About Sandbox Films

Sandbox Films is a documentary studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry. Mission-driven. Artist-friendly. Non-profit. We collaborate with production partners and visionary filmmakers around the world, providing co-production and financing opportunities for feature-length documentary projects at every stage of production. Because science should be embraced for what it really is: humankind’s weird, messy, brilliant way of navigating the world.

Grant Amount

The fund offers support to projects at all stages of development, production, and post-production. Average grant sizes are as follows:

Development (up to $40,000)
Production (up to $100,000)
Post-Production (up to $100,000)

Timeline

The Fund offers grants two times a year, with two separate application windows. Grant-making decisions occur generally in the winter and summer, in collaboration with Sandbox Films.

Creative Considerations

Selection criteria for the Sandbox Fund will emphasize creative narrative techniques and projects that highlight diversity in science, specifically those that feature characters, topics, or disciplines that broaden and redefine what it means to be a scientist or to do science.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

Grants are offered to independent artists who are working at the intersection of science and nonfiction storytelling.
U.S. and international nonfiction projects are eligible, with a focus on feature-length documentary projects.

What Sundance Institute actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 64
Total given: $1.9M
Median grant: $20K
Range: $8,250–$100K

By dollars: Montana 3%, New York <1%, California <1%. Top recipient cities: Dillon, MT; Brooklyn, NY; Los Angeles, CA.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
84% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.