Gucci's designer docs
Docs got a little sexier following the November announcement of a new fund launched by Gucci and Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Film Institute. The fund offers finishing money and post support to feature docs that cover social issues absent from mainstream media. It will begin by awarding at least three filmmakers between US$5,000 and $30,000 each. Both international and US filmmakers are eligible, but the committee will favor projects with strong potential for worldwide distribution. Submissions open February 5 and must be post-marked by April 11. Winners will be announced this summer.

Though better known for peddling luxury goods than social awareness, the new fund isn't the fashion house's first foray into factual film. Last February, it partnered with the Ambulante Film Festival to the tune of $40,000 to support three Mexican docs. Daniella Vitale, president of Gucci America, noted the initiatives underscore the company's support of filmmaking, film restoration and preservation. Kimberley Brown

Foundation Center
A comprehensive database of US grantmakers and their grants.
foundationcenter.org

Sundance institute Documentary Film Program
Information on their funding, as well as year-long support of labs and screenings.
sundance.org/docsource
(this website launches after the festival in February)

International Television Service
itvs.org

Grantmakers in Film and Electronic Media (GFEM)
Information on sources of US grants.
gfem.org

Renew Media
Information on their Media Arts Fellowship, funded by the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, as well as other sources of funding.
renewmedia.org

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
macfound.org

The Ford Foundation
fordfound.org