Closed
Development program — Black and People of Colour stream
Funding for Canadian feature film development
Last Update: June 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 37,500
Timeline
- Open Date : August 31, 2026
- Closing date : September 11, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Development Program supports the development of eligible Canadian feature films through automatic and selective funding streams. It covers development-stage work, including scriptwriting, research, packaging, and other related costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 37,500 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : August 31, 2026
- Closing date : September 11, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of Canadian feature films.
- Scriptwriting and draft development.
- Packaging of feature film projects.
Documents Needed
- Incorporation certificate
- Corporate information form
- Track record summary or producer experience declaration, depending on the stream
- Screenwriting agreement
- Required stream-specific documents
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian feature film production companies
Eligible expenses
- Scriptwriting, research, and story development costs
- Packaging and preproduction costs
- Legal, design, and graphic materials
- Producer, director, and screenwriter fees
- Travel and related development costs
Selection criteria
- Originality and quality of the creative materials.
- Cinematic potential of the film.
- Relevance to Canadian experiences and audiences.
- Track record and experience of key creative personnel.
- Cultural impact and audience reach potential.
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application
- Fill out the online form in Dialogue.
- Prepare the required supporting documents.
- Step 2: Upload documents
- Submit all required documents through Dialogue.
- Provide any missing documents within five business days if the file is incomplete.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Finalize and send the application in Dialogue.
- Wait for Telefilm’s confirmation of receipt.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission through Dialogue.
- Incomplete applications may receive a five-business-day notice to submit missing documents.
- Selective streams are assessed by advisory committees using the program evaluation grid.
- Funding is automatic for the Prequalified Stream if eligibility is met.
- A financing agreement must be signed before funding is advanced.
Additional information
- The Springboard Initiative is a pilot for projects invited by Telefilm after a strong Production Program evaluation.
- Applicants may only apply to one stream per year, and the chosen stream cannot be changed after submission.
- Applications and documents must be submitted online through Dialogue.
- Telefilm may request additional information at any time.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Development program — General streamFunding for feature film development
- Development program — Indigenous streamSupport for Canadian feature film development
- Development program — Prequalified streamSupport for feature film development
Frequently Asked Questions about the Development program — Black and People of Colour stream Program
What is the Development program — Black and People of Colour stream?
The Development Program supports the development of eligible Canadian feature films through automatic and selective funding streams. It covers development-stage work, including scriptwriting, research, packaging, and other related costs.
How much funding can be received?
Development program — Black and People of Colour stream Funds up to $37,500 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on August 31, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Development program — Black and People of Colour stream program?
To be eligible for the Development program — Black and People of Colour stream program, you must:
Canadian-controlled corporation
Head office and activities in Canada
Feature-length film project
What expenses are eligible under Development program — Black and People of Colour stream?
Development of Canadian feature films.
Scriptwriting and draft development.
Packaging of feature film projects.
Where is the Development program — Black and People of Colour stream available?
The Development program — Black and People of Colour stream program is available across Canada.
Is the Development program — Black and People of Colour stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Development program — Black and People of Colour stream is a Grant and Funding