how to Apply

Application Process

Letters of Inquiry are not required. Applicants should submit an application through our portal.

Starting June 1, 2026, our online portal for submission opens. Applications should be submitted through this portal.

Note to Applicants:If you need assistance or an alternative method of submitting your application, please contact [email protected]. We ask that all requests for assistance are submitted no later than July 24th, 2026 to allow our team time to assist.

On July 31, 2026, application submissions will close by 11:59pm ET. Applications will first be reviewed by our internal staff to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. Applications will then move onto a review by an external committee of expert panelists.

All applicants will be notified of the results of the selection process.

Important Dates

Application Assistance Stipend

To make our application process more accessible, we are offering an Application Assistance Stipend for 2026. This stipend will allow applications to hire an application assistant to help complete their AXS Film Fund application. Please note the following important details:

Limited Funds: The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If funds run out, we will still help you with alternative methods of applying.
Assistant Eligibility: The application assistant cannot be the applicant or co-applicant, nor should they be another creative team member on the project.
Pre-Approval:
Applicants who wish to utilize this stipend to hire an application assistant must submit their assistance request to AXS Film Fund before starting their application to confirm that funds are still available. Please email requests to: [email protected]
The request should include:
- Applicant’s name
- Title of the project you’re applying with
- Amount of stipend requested (up to $500)
- Assistant’s name and contact information
No Guarantee: The Assistance Stipend is not guaranteed if the request is not submitted in advance of applying and you receive confirmation from the AXS Film Fund team. Nor is it guaranteed that you will receive the stipend if funds have run out.

Should any information about your project, stipend amount (needing less than what has been approved), or application assistant change, please notify us immediately so we can update the information we have on file. It is important that this information is accurate so that we can match your request with your application.

stipend details

Stipend Amount: The stipend is capped at $500. Invoices can be for a lower amount, but cannot exceed the cap. We ask that you please only request what you need so that as many people as possible can be helped by this initiative.
Tax Responsibility: Application assistants are responsible for their own tax withholding.
Invoicing: The applicant’s assistant will submit their invoice directly to AXS Film Fund ([email protected]). The invoice must include a detailed breakdown of the services provided and amount charged. Example:
4 hours at $25/hour = $100
Payment: AXS Film Fund will confirm the corresponding application has been received, review the invoice, and ensure payment is made in a timely manner to the application assistant.

FAQ

Q: What if my application assistant bills more than $500?

A: AXS Film Fund will only cover up to $500 for application assistance. Any costs above this amount are the responsibility of the applicant.

Q: Can I use this stipend for assistance with other funding applications?

A: No. This stipend is exclusively for assistance with the AXS Film Fund application.

Q: I didn’t submit an assistance request before applying. Can I still apply for the stipend?

A: Likely not. Due to limited funds, we require applicants to submit their request beforehand to confirm availability. Once the funds are allocated, no further stipends can be issued.

Q: Can you help me find an application assistant?

A: No. Applicants are responsible for securing their own application assistant.

Q: Can I use this stipend to pay myself for completing my application?

A: No. These funds are intended to support applicants who need assistance with applying to AXS Film Fund. The application assistant should not be the applicant, co-applicant, or another creative team member on the project.

Q: Can I request additional funds if my approved stipend request is below $500, but the final cost ends up being more?

A: No. Your requested amount once approved is locked in to ensure that we can assist as many applicants as possible.