BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund
Awarding National Lottery Good Cause funding to development programmes for UK creatives.
The 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.
Current Challenge – Increasing opportunities for UK filmmakers to attend feature film and immersive project development programmes
Who can apply
We are 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 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.
All programme activity must be delivered within 12 months, unless you are applying for more than one edition.
When you can apply
Round two opens on Monday 27 July 2026 and closes at midday on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Programme activity must start between 1 January and 31 December 2027.
How to apply
You can apply online once you’ve read the funding guidelines in full. There is an application link in the guidelines.
If you have any questions about this fund, a specific challenge, or your application, email creativechallengefund@bfi.org.uk.
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. If you have access requirements and need some support with your application, see access support for BFI funding applicants.