Evoke supports entertainment-first projects that subtly engage with societal divides, particularly racial, religious, and gender-based divides. Rather than leading with an issue, the stories draw audiences in through compelling characters, humor, or drama—and then, like a Trojan horse, spark empathy, reflection, and deeper understanding across lines of difference. If your project is explicitly issue-driven or advocacy-forward, it may not be the right fit.

Additionally, while we understand that the first element of impact is an excellent work of art, we prioritize projects led by teams committed to impact beyond the creative output itself.

We do not fund advocacy films, educational films, propaganda, or works that seek to influence the outcome of public elections. Some types of films, such as historical or biographical films are less likely to be a good fit for Evoke, but we are always open to creative approaches.

Projects will be evaluated according to the following: 

• Artistic excellence

• Contemporary relevance

• Storytelling

• Journalistic rigor 

• Potential to reach and connect with its intended audience

• Alignment with Evoke Media’s topic priorities (racial, ethnic, religious, gender-based, or political divides)

• Commitment to impact

• Potential to bridge divides and create connections

Our team reviews these submissions on a monthly basis. If we are interested in learning more, we will reach out to the email you provide.

We understand the work that fundraising requires and to alleviate some of that work, we have created a three-step process based on the Documentary Core Application created by the IDA and Sundance Institute with input from other non-profit media organizations in the US.

The first step is a 1-2 page submission with the following information only:

• Logline (2-3 sentences)

• Synopsis (up to 200 words)

• Total Budget

• Total Funding raised to date and sources

• Production stage and timeline

• Format (feature, short, episodic)

• Link to media sample. You may include a teaser if you have one, but we strongly encourage you to also submit one to two scenes as part of your sample (no less than 2 minutes, no more than 20 minutes). If you do not yet have a sample, you are still welcome to submit without one.

• Key team - producer(s), director(s), editor, advisors/consultants, executive producers

Please submit via our submission form. If you have a deck, feel free to share that as well. If we are interested in learning about your film in more detail, the second and third steps will entail submitting answers to additional questions on the Documentary Core Application and meeting with our team.

We review projects year-round. Please take a moment to fully read through our FAQ and peruse our website to determine if your project aligns with our funding priorities. If it does, head to our submission form to tell us more. The more information and materials you’re able to share, the better we can understand your project and review it thoughtfully. 

The Nonfiction Core Application (v.2022) is a collaborative field-wide effort by funders, producers, fiscal sponsors, artist collectives, and artist support organizations to standardize a set of questions that are used in non-fiction funding, fiscal sponsor, or artist support opportunities. Led by Sundance Institute, in partnership with the IDA, the goal of Non-fiction Core Application Proposal Checklist Initiative is to alleviate the burden of proposal re-writing on applicants, foster greater access to sources of creative and financial support and build toward a more equitable and transparent nonfiction field.

Possibly! If you’re working on another creative endeavor that reflects our commitment to bridge-building storytelling, feel free to fill out our submission form. Please note that we are a small team, so our response may take some time. 

Because we receive a high volume of inquiries and proposals, we do not offer individualized feedback on submissions.

The best way to be in touch is by filling out our contact form or emailing info@weareevokemedia.com.