The British Film Institute (BFI) Creative Challenge Fund aims to decentralise project development and stimulate a UK-wide ecosystem of film and immersive project development by funding programmes for underserved areas in the screen industry.
Round 2 of the Fund opened on Monday 27th July 2026 and will close to applications at 12 noon (midday) on Wednesday 9th September 2026. Programme activity must start between Friday 1st January and Friday 31st December 2027.
The BFI is seeking organisations to design and run development programmes for UK filmmakers developing narrative, documentary or animation feature film projects or narrative immersive media projects.
The aim of the Creative Challenge Fund is to support the programme participants with the advancement of their projects through a structured development environment, enabling them to go on to receive financial support from the marketplace.
The Fund has a budget of £2.7 million over the next 3 years. Eligible organisations can apply for a grant of between £120,000 and £150,000. Grants of over £200,000 may be available for exceptional projects, although awards at this level are likely to be rare.
Organisations eligible to apply include:
o Registered charities.
o Local authorities and other statutory agencies.
o Community Interest Companies (CICs),
o Partnerships or consortiums, and
o Limited companies.
For further information, guidance and details abut how to apply, please visit the BFI website.
