The Film and TV Charity is to launch a grants programme to support black and global majority-led indies and individuals working in TV and film in the UK.

The funding will come out of the charity’s £1m anti-racism Impact Partnership Programme, which has rebranded as Reel Impact. The programme seeks to counter systemic racism in the industry and drive greater access to opportunities for under-represented talent.

It will offer an initial round of grants worth up to £25,000 for indies and industry organisations and £10,000 for mid-senior level individuals to support project development, skills, and networking opportunities. The total amount available in the pot will depend on the number and type of applications.

The scheme has been co-designed with the support and direction of a panel of Black and Global Majority creatives and senior industry figures.

A second strand of grants will be made available to develop partnerships with organisations that can support black and global majority professionals with access to skills and leadership development.

Funding will be awarded in three rounds over two years, with applications for the first round of funding open from May 13 until June 30.

Reel Impact’s first round of grants will be awarded in September 2024, with further funding rounds expected to take place from November 2024 and September 2025.

Chief executive of the Film and TV Charity Marcus Ryder said: “By blending grants for organisations and individuals from the Black and Global Majority with a focus on capacity building, partnerships, and networking, it’s our hope that the programme will significantly move the needle for talent the industry desperately needs to attract and retain.

“The grants element is intended to service the specific needs of applicants, rather than being oppressively prescriptive – so as our campaign launches, we want to encourage everyone in the film, TV, and cinema industry to help us spread the word throughout their networks.”

Reel Impact programme manager Anita Herbert added: “Our hope is that the programme will open the doors to innovation, drive and develop creativity, and embed anti-racist practices that support and encourage storytellers and creatives to be their best selves.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some extraordinary results and highlighting the amazing talent the industry has.”

This article first appeared on our sister site, Broadcast.