Discover the Fundraising Secret Weapon for Documentary Filmmakers

The One Community Every Indie Filmmaker Needs to Join to Fund Their Doc

by Carole Dean

If you’ve ever stared at your budget spreadsheet and wondered, “How am I ever going to raise this money?” — you’re not alone.

Award-winning filmmaker Jilann Spitzmiller has been there too. With over 20 awards, a Sundance premiere (Shakespeare Behind Bars), a Roy W. Dean Grant, and funding from ITVS, Sundance Institute, and the Open Society Institute, she knows what it takes to get a documentary funded and finished.

And she’s created a place for you to do the same: The Doc Funding Hub.

“Fundraising always takes more than we think. It always takes longer. Our films are resource-driven, and it’s good to have support on the journey — even if you have the best mindset and a lot of experience.” – Jilann Spitzmiller

In my The Art of Film Funding Podcast, Jilann revealed how this powerful membership program — in partnership with Desktop Documentaries — is designed for documentary filmmakers who want consistent support, fresh insights, and real community while raising money for their projects.

Here’s What You Get Inside the Doc Funding Hub:

Monthly Webinars with Jilann and guest experts
Each webinar tackles a focused topic like budgeting, pitching, niche foundations, or crowdfunding. They’re interactive, recorded, and packed with current, field-tested advice.

“There are always new tools and they’re all reshaping how we budget and build our crews. It’s vital to stay up to date.”

Biweekly Funding Alerts
Say goodbye to last-minute grant applications. The Doc Funding Hub keeps you informed with curated deadlines and opportunities — all in one handy email every other week.

The “Funding Essentials” Online Course
Your self-paced foundation in fundraising, this course covers mindset, trailers, pitch prep, crowdfunding, and more. Think of it as your fundraising toolkit.

Community & Mentorship
This isn’t just another course. It’s a hub — a space to ask questions, share progress, get feedback, and connect with others walking the same path.

“Most people want community and resources. This is our answer to that. It’s about doing the work together — not in isolation.”

What Sets the Doc Funding Hub Apart?

Unlike crowdfunding platforms or static online courses, this is an ongoing mentorship and education program. Each month brings a new topic, new insights, and a chance to stay plugged into what’s working now in film funding.

And Jilann brings both practical tools and an empowering mindset to every session.

“If your inner voice is saying, ‘Someone already did this better,’ it can block your progress. Mindset is everything. We work on that in every webinar.”

All This for Just $10 a Month

Yes, seriously. The introductory rate is just $10/month (with slight increases over time). It’s affordable, cancel-anytime, and gives you access to past webinars, future trainings, and a community of mission-driven filmmakers.

“Raising fast cash is always a favorite topic. I even teach the ‘Mega Yard Sale’ — one filmmaker recently raised $10,000 in 2 days! It’s community-driven and energizing.”

For Filmmakers, By Filmmakers

Jilann’s track record speaks volumes — and she’s not just a teacher. She’s a working cinematographer too, shooting for Netflix, CNN, Discovery, PBS, and more. She knows the documentary grind. She’s lived it. And now she’s lighting the path for others.

“Even after 37 years in film, I still have to do mindset ‘house cleaning.’ This is a journey — and we don’t have to do it alone.”

Bonus Topics Covered Inside the Hub:

 

• • Pitching with confidence (even if you’re introverted)

• • Finding niche foundations that align with your film’s topic

• • Creating award-winning trailers that grab funders’ attention

• • Avoiding budgeting blind spots

• • Overcoming imposter syndrome

• • How to stand out when applying to Sundance, ITVS, and other major funds

“If you’re not confident in your idea or in yourself, it’s hard for others to believe in you. Funders pick up on that energy.”

Ready to Fund Your Film with More Confidence, Clarity, and Community?

You don’t have to navigate the unpredictable path of doc funding alone.

Join the Doc Funding Hub today at DesktopDocumentaries.com — look for the banner on the homepage.

“I just wanted to create something ongoing… something encouraging. I like to be a cheerleader as well as a teacher.” – Jilann Spitzmiller

Let Jilann — and a supportive community of filmmakers — help you turn your vision into a funded, finished film.