Southern Documentary Fund

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting documentary makers and promoting stories from or about the American South. Founded in 2002 by independent filmmakers Steve Channing and Cynthia Hill, SDF is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. It serves as the first and only arts nonprofit in the region exclusively dedicated to supporting documentary artists.

Mission and Goals

The SDF mission is centered around providing resources to documentary artists, promoting Southern stories, and fostering creativity and freedom of expression. Key objectives include:

• Promoting Southern Stories: Highlighting the richness and complexity of Southern narratives.
• Supporting Documentarians: Offering grants, fiscal sponsorship, mentorship, and training to filmmakers.
• Building Community: Connecting documentarians and audiences across the region to foster collaboration and appreciation for documentary culture.

Activities and Programs

• Fiscal Sponsorship: Allows documentary projects to receive tax-deductible donations by providing them with a nonprofit status. SDF charges a modest administrative fee for this service.
• Mentorship and Training: Offers mentorship programs and specialized training sessions to support the professional growth of filmmakers.
• Community Engagement: Organizes events like screenings and conferences to connect makers and audiences, promoting dialogue and understanding.

Achievements

Since its inception, the SDF has sponsored over 100 documentaries that have gained international recognition and critical acclaim. These documentaries cover a wide range of topics, including civil rights, environmental issues, history, and arts, contributing to social change, education, and community development.

Funding and Status

The SDF is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making donations tax-deductible. The organization generates revenue primarily through contributions and program services. Membership options are available for both documentary makers and enthusiasts, offering various benefits such as eligibility for fiscal sponsorship and exclusive event invitations.

[1] https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/about/ [2] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/7b412f3cdb3a4d1e904f5f1b615a0f06-southern-documentary-fund-durham [3] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/752993148 [4] https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/programs/fiscal-sponsorship/ [5] https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/become-a-member/