On his second day on the job, NPR’s new President & CEO Gary Knell tweeted, “Diversity is essential. We must reflect more of America, be accessible & relevant.” One way NPR is increasing diversity is through social media. 

The DDF provides up to $15,000 in research and development funding to independent producers of color to develop single documentary programs for public television. Projects should speak to the ITVS mission to serve underserved audiences with programs that take creative risks, explore complex issues, inspire dialogue and express points of view seldom seen on commercial or public television.

Funded activities may include travel, research, script development, preliminary production for
fundraising/work-in-progress reels, or other early phase activities.

DDF accepts:

• Projects that have not yet begun production
• Programs that can become eligible for ITVS production funding initiatives as single programs of standard broadcast length (half-hour or one-hour). In rare cases ITVS will consider feature-length programs.

DDF does not accept:

• Proposals for completed projects seeking distribution
• Series proposals or fictional dramas
• Projects intended solely for theatrical release

Find more information about guidelines and how to apply on our website.

The DDF deadline is Friday, November 12

With the Diversity Development Fund (DDF) deadline approaching this Friday, ITVS Programming Manager Karim Ahmad will be taking your DDF questions today from NOON to 1:00pm PST in a live chat.

All questions are welcome on the application process; tips on writing a compelling treatment; what ITVS staff is looking for; what happens if you’re funded, etc, etc.

ITVS' Karim Ahmad

Get your questions ready and log on below to ask Karim about the DDF funding process.

About the DDF: The DDF provides up to $15,000 in research and development funding to independent producers of color to develop single documentary programs for public television. Projects should speak to the ITVS mission to serve under-served audiences with programs that take creative risks, explore complex issues, inspire dialogue and express points of view seldom seen on commercial or public television.

Find more information on guidelines and how to apply.

Local listings and video clips are all available online. Browse the titles most interesting to you with our “find films” feature here.

Q. I understand that only people of color can apply to the Diversity Development Fund (DDF). As a disabled filmmaker, I wonder why aren’t other minority status categories included in this initiative?

A. DDF is specifically for producers of color, as defined by ethnic communities of color, historically underrepresented in our public broadcasting system. They are African American, Asian American, Arab American, Latino/Latina, Native American/Native Alaskan, Pacific Islander and mixed race. Moreover, these categories conform with the National Minority Consortia, which is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Q. I have a project in development, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for DDF. Is it strictly for stories about diverse or minority communities?

A. DDF was created to support minority producers but does not specify which stories they tell. However, we are looking for programs that fit the ITVS mission to serve underserved audiences, take creative risks, explore complex issues, inspire dialogue and express points of view seldom seen on commercial or public television.

Want to know more about ITVS policies and procedures for funding? Read other recently asked questions from filmmakers >>