Greenlight Grant
Note: This funding opportunity is no longer currently accepting applications. See below for resources to manage your grant award.
These program guidelines are subject to change after the publication date. Changes will be clearly noted on this page.
See the FY 2024 Grant Recipients
Greenlight Grants seek to support entrepreneurial projects that can accelerate business and careers in film, by encouraging collaboration between Iowa filmmakers and producing a project that will take the applicant to the next level in their career while feeding a more robust, diverse and sustainable creative ecosystem in Iowa. The program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council on behalf of Produce Iowa-State Office of Film and Media.
Funding for the program is provided by the Iowa Legislature.
Who: Iowa Filmmakers
What: $10,000 - $50,000 with 50% cash match requirement
When: May 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM for the funding period of July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2025.
How to Apply
- Read the guidelines.
- Watch recorded informational webinars for an overview of program requirements, tips and advice on how to complete the application, and more. Search for the “Fiscal Year 2024 Grant Webinars” playlist on the @IowaCulture YouTube channel for all relevant webinars. (Webinars will be available in early February.)
- Submit the application.
Grant Writing Resources
MediaMasters: Greenlight Grant Boot Camp Session
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., February 24, 2023
Potential applicants are welcome to join Produce Iowa-State Office of Film and Media and Iowa Arts Council staff for a virtual session via Zoom on the topic of applying for a Greenlight Grant. This session is offered as part of the MediaMasters Series. Potential applicants are encouraged to review all written guidelines and informational webinars prior to attending this session, if possible.
Members of Produce Iowa’s Production Directory can view Archived MediaMasters sessions for free. Register for the Directory today!
Schedule a Meeting
Potential applicants are welcome to schedule a brief meeting with Program Manager EJ Philby Burton in advance of the application deadline if the applicant has additional questions. Potential applicants are encouraged to review all written guidelines and informational webinars prior to scheduling a meeting with a program manager. Meetings can be scheduled directly using the program manager’s scheduling page via Calendly.
Example Applications
Take a look at examples of previously submitted applications. Example applications are for reference only. Programs change from year to year so applicants should ensure they are responding to current application requirements.
Grant Terms and Definitions
Check out the glossary for definitions of grant terms used in the guidelines.
Manage Your Grant
Reference your Award Notification e-mail and Grant Contract for information about managing your grant award. The e-mail and contract include information about contract compliance, acknowledging support, final reports, and other important details.
Budget Expense Exemption Form
Download the budget expense exemption form for department approval of any out of state expenses. Allow a minimum of 10 business days for department decision(s).
Fiscal Year 2023 Guidelines
Fiscal Year 2023 Grantees may use the Fiscal Year 2023 Greenlight Grant Guidelines for reference throughout the funding period of July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024.
Final Report
As a grant recipient, you must complete a final report form at the end of the process and share the impact of the project on the arts and culture in Iowa.