The SCA Alumni Vision Fund
The next great film or series doesn’t start with permission. It starts with opportunity. The SCA Alumni Vision Fund exists to accelerate that moment — the jump from idea to execution, from proof-of-concept to career catalyst.
This isn’t just a grant. It’s a greenlight.
Apply NowAbout the Fund
What Is The SCA Alumni Vision Fund?
The SCA Alumni Vision Fund is a new initiative from the DePaul School of Cinematic Arts created to support bold, alumni-led storytelling.
The grant recipient will receive:
- Approximately $100,000 in in-kind production resources, including production space at Cinespace Studios, camera packages, grip and lighting equipment, and additional access to DePaul production infrastructure
- A $5,000 cash grant
This award is designed to help the selected alumnus create a proof-of-concept short film or trailer that demonstrates the creative vision, tone, visual style, and narrative potential of a larger original project like a feature film or television series.
Who’s Eligible?
- You must be a DePaul SCA alumnus/alumna, from either the undergraduate or graduate program.
- Alumni from any graduation year are eligible.
- You must be the primary creative lead on the project (i.e. writer, producer, and/or director).
How to Apply
Required Application Materials
- Completed application form
- eSigned Terms and Conditions
- Logline for overall project
- Short synopsis of the overall project
- Script for the proposed full length project
- Script or synopsis for the proposed proof-of-concept
- Work sample (e.g. short film, reel, visual excerpt)
- A vision statement describing what the proof-of-concept short is meant to lead to — stylistic approach, creative intent, and potential future development
The final deliverable for this fund is not a full-length project but a professionally executed proof-of-concept short film or trailer with clear potential to effectively support the primary, full-length project.
Selection Process
A panel of DePaul faculty, alumni, and industry professionals will review applications and select the recipient.
In addition to the strength of the materials submitted, we are looking for a project that feels original and undeniable—a project with a clear creative voice, a strong visual and tonal identity, and a story engine that can grow into a feature film or series. We’re drawn to work that’s bold, distinctive, and positioned to find an audience.
Key Dates
- Application: January 20th - March 30th, 2026
- Recipients Notified April 2026 (Date TBD)
- Production Window: Summer 2026
Terms & Conditions
Applicants will be required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined on the submission page, as well as sign a formal contract detailing the terms of the grant prior to final award distribution.
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