Frequently Asked Questions

Cara Mertes from Sundance Institute and Sandy Herz from Skoll Foundation are co-hosting an informational Q & A discussion about STORIES OF CHANGE. The discussion is rich with conversation between filmmakers and social entrepreneurs. The content will remain up on the site at http://www.socialedge.org/discussions/marketing-communication/stories-of-change.

What is a social entrepreneur?

Although the definition of a social entrepreneur can vary, the focus of this initiative is on individuals with significant innovations that have the potential to address the critical challenges of our time. We seek to expand the public's understanding of social entrepreneurs, their approach to social change, and the outcomes of their work. Excellent examples of people who have been awarded recognition for their work as social entrepreneurs can be found at www.skollfoundation.org, www.ashoka.org and www.schwabfound.org.

Definition of Social Entrepreneurship: A Social Entrepreneur is specifically defined as a change agent for society. Social Entrepreneurs pioneer innovative, effective, sustainable approaches to benefit humanity by meeting the needs of the marginalized, the disadvantaged and the disenfranchised. Social entrepreneurs are the wellspring of a better future.

Social Entrepreneurs are:

• Ambitious: They tackle major social issues, from increasing the college enrollment rate of low-income students to fighting poverty in developing countries. They operate in all kinds of organizations: innovative non-profits, social purpose ventures such as for-profit community development banks and hybrid organizations that mix elements of nonprofit and for-profit.
• Mission driven: Generating social value - not wealth - is the central criterion of a successful social entrepreneur. Promoting systemic social change is the real objective.
• Strategic: Like business entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs see and act upon what others miss -- opportunities to improve systems, create solutions and invent new approaches that create social value.
• Resourceful: Because social entrepreneurs operate within a social context rather than the business world, they have limited access to capital and traditional market support systems. As a result, social entrepreneurs must be exceptionally skilled at mustering and mobilizing human, financial and political resources.
• Results-oriented: Ultimately, social entrepreneurs are driven to proven measurable returns. These results transform existing realities, open up new pathways for the marginalized and disadvantaged and unlock society's potential to affect social change.

Today, social entrepreneurs are working in many countries to create avenues for independence and opportunity for those who otherwise would be locked into lives without hope. Whether they are working on a local or international scale, social entrepreneurs share a commitment to pioneering innovation that reshape society and benefit humanity. Quite simply, they are solution-minded pragmatists who are not afraid to tackle some of the world's biggest problems.

To learn more about Social Entrepreneurs go to: http://www.skollfoundation.org/aboutsocialentrepreneurship/whatis.asp

Do I have to work with a social entrepreneur who has been supported by the Skoll Foundation?

No, the Film Fund will consider documentary proposals about people and organizations that meet the definition of 'social entrepreneur' as described above. The field is still evolving, and each proposal will be evaluated according to this definition. The Film Fund will also consider films about Skoll-supported social entrepreneurs but it is not a requirement. It is strongly suggested that applicants familiarize themselves with the Skoll Foundation web site (www.skollfoundation.org), the online community for social entrepreneurs at www.socialedge.org and the field of social entrepreneurship.

Does the project have to be US-based?

Applications can be based anywhere in the world. Preference will be given to works projects that have experienced teams who have made long-form documentaries.

Can these projects be news or television shows?

Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program supports artists making independently produced cinematic documentaries. This is not a television or news program fund, though television versions of Sundance-supported films are common as part of a larger co-production package.

Do I have to work with a broadcaster?

Projects can work with any co-producing entity or broadcaster as long as the editorial control is held by the project's director. Sundance Documentary Film Program projects have worked with broadcasters globally, including CBC, PBS, A+E, HBO, Channel 4, BBC, Arte, and many more. We encourage projects that have some financing in place, or that have a likelihood of bringing additional funders on board.

Is there any other support that comes with the funding?

The DFP offer creative as well as financial support. Funded projects will have a range of opportunities to take part on Labs, rough cut screenings, referrals, consultations, etc.

Do Sundance DFP supported films automatically get into the Sundance Film Festival?

No, SFF is programmed independently and all DFP films must apply to the Festival individually. The DFP tracks our projects at SFF and advises on documentary activities and programming.

To learn more about the Sundance Documentary Film Program go to:

http://www.sundance.org/docsource

Thank you again for your interest in the Stories of Change RFP.

When you are ready to get started with your Online Application, please click the button below to read the Application Guidelines.