Climate Story Fund

Climate Story Fund Map

The Doc Society Climate Story Fund supports compelling independent media storytelling and impact strategies from around that world that can help audiences envision the just transition, and activate them to make these visions a reality. The Fund provides up to $125,000 grants to support the completion of production of nonfiction projects, and for impact pilots for completed nonfiction and fiction projects.

We believe investing in culture is a solution to address the climate emergency. We aren’t looking for the one silver bullet story that will work for everyone, rather we believe we need a multitude of stories “as diverse as the ecosystems we seek to save” (props to filmmaker Michael Premo for coining this phrase).

  • Stories that are from, by and about different communities.
  • Stories that tickle the romantics, comedians, and thrill seekers alike
  • Stories that forge deep connections with those who have historically been ignored and marginalized by the climate conversation.
  • Stories that can help see new norms and beliefs and germinate visions of a more climate just and safe future.
  • Stories that forge deep connections with audiences and drive the ground swell for climate action.

Since its launch in 2021 the Doc Society Climate Story Fund has awarded more than $4M to more than 50 projects that move us closer to a more climate just and biodiverse future. Current grantees represent multiple geographies, spanning from Latin America to Sub Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia. Some grantees are reaching their target audiences on public service broadcasters such as the BBC, POV, via digital platforms like Spotify and YouTube, or even messaging applications like WhatsApp. Others are being picked up by streamers including Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. All projects have signed or are negotiating distribution deals that align with impact goals and potential to engage critical audiences in each context where they are being released. Learn more about our grantees and their impact here.