The British Film Institute (BFI), with support from the National Lottery, has launched the Creative Challenge Fund to strengthen the UK’s feature film and immersive media development ecosystem. This fund backs organisations designing high-quality project development programmes that support writers, directors, producers, and immersive artists across the UK.
Built to stimulate innovation, decentralise project development, and address key industry gaps, the fund seeks to expand opportunities for early-career creatives, diversify represented genres, and uplift projects with strong potential for UK and international audience impact.
Funding Available
A total of £2.7 million will be distributed over three years.
Grant Size
- £12,000–£150,000 per edition (max 12 months).
- Up to three editions may be funded (each capped at £150,000).
- £200,000+ awards may be considered only for exceptional programmes with national scale, strong partnerships, and high professional development value. (Applicants must first consult the BFI team before applying for >£200,000.)
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include UK-based organisations that deliver professional or creative development programmes, such as:
- Production companies
- Film festivals
- Creative development organisations
- CICs, limited companies, partnerships
- Local authorities, statutory bodies
- Registered charities and trusts
For-profit organisations may apply, but the funded activity must be not-for-profit.
Eligible Activities
Funding can cover:
- Staff and freelance fees
- Participant payments
- Venue/equipment hire
- Travel and accommodation
- Mentoring, workshops, creative sessions
- Access support
- Reasonable overheads
Programme Focus (Challenge One)
Organisations must propose development programmes that support UK creatives working in:
- Narrative, documentary, or animation feature films
- Narrative immersive media projects
Programmes should accelerate project advancement, build industry-ready talent, and enable participants to secure marketplace funding or partnerships.
All programmes must be delivered within 12 months, unless applying for multiple editions.
Application Rounds
Round One
- Opens: 12 January 2026
- Closes: 16 March 2026 (12:00 UK time)
- Programme start: 9 July–31 December 2026
Round Two
- Opens: 13 July 2026
- Closes: 9 September 2026 (12:00 UK time)
- Programme start: 1 January–30 June 2027
Full guidance and application details are provided on the BFI website.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the BFI funding portal after reading the full funding guidelines.
For questions or advice: creativechallengefund@bfi.org.uk
Access Support
The BFI offers additional assistance for applicants with access needs. Details are available via the Access Support for BFI Funding Applicants page.
National Lottery Acknowledgment
Since 1994, National Lottery players have raised over £50 billion for good causes. Successful applicants must publicly acknowledge BFI National Lottery funding in all relevant project materials.
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