The BFI Creative Challenge Fund aims to decentralise project development and stimulate a healthier, wider ecosystem by funding a mosaic of interventions across the UK that touch underserved areas in the screen industry.
Challenge One — Increasing opportunities for UK creatives to attend feature film and immersive project development programmes
Who can apply
We are seeking organisations to design and run development programmes for UK creatives who have 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’re applying for more than one edition.
When you can apply
Round one opens on Monday 12 January 2026 and closes at midday on Monday 16 March 2026.
Programme activity must start between 9 July and 31 December 2026.
Round two opens on Monday 13 July 2026 and closes at midday on Wednesday 9 September.
Programme activity for round two must start between 1 January and 30 June 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.
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, more than £50 billion for good causes has been raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales, funding more than 700,000 projects. As a recipient of National Lottery funding, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding ensuring that those engaging with your work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
If your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. To communicate this message, you should ensure that the elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.