The MAKE Thesis Grant

The MAKE Thesis Grant is a private funding initiative offered by MAKE, an organization committed to supporting emerging talent in the animation industry. Following its initial launch, the program continues as an annual effort to identify, support, and promote senior-level animation students globally. The grant is specifically designed to provide financial assistance for original animated thesis projects, particularly short films, with the goal of fostering innovation, creativity, and professional development among students nearing the completion of their academic programs. The primary objective of the grant is to directly fund the production and post production of student thesis films. Funding is intended to support essential aspects of completing an animated short, including editing, sound design, color grading, music licensing, and festival submission fees. The grant explicitly restricts the use of funds to production related expenses and prohibits their use for unrelated personal costs. Additionally, due to international financial transfer limitations, funds may be administered directly toward production expenses, including payments to collaborators and third party vendors, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Eligibility for the MAKE Thesis Grant is limited to senior level students enrolled in accredited animation or related programs, including BFA, BA, MFA, and MA degrees. Applicants must be in their final year of study and demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in animation. Both individual applicants and teams are eligible, though each project must be submitted only once with a single designated applicant representing the group. The program is open to international applicants, reinforcing its global scope and commitment to inclusivity within the animation community. The application process requires submission of several key materials. Applicants must provide a detailed story concept and treatment in a single PDF formatted as a presentation, which may include synopsis, character descriptions, storyboards, and visual development assets. A personal portfolio showcasing prior work is also required, typically submitted via an external link. Additionally, applicants must include a statement of purpose describing their creative vision and motivations, along with a funding proposal outlining how grant funds will be allocated toward the project. These materials collectively form the basis for evaluation. Submissions are evaluated by a panel organized by MAKE using criteria that emphasize creativity and originality, technical skill and artistic merit, and the overall presentation quality of the application. The program prioritizes innovative storytelling and strong visual execution, as well as clear and professional communication of the project vision. Applicants are encouraged to present cohesive and compelling materials that demonstrate both artistic ability and project feasibility. The application timeline for the grant includes an opening date of August 13, 2026, and a submission deadline of November 6, 2026 at 12 AM Eastern Time. Winners are scheduled to be announced on November 16, 2026. While no formal pre application phase is required, applicants must ensure that all materials are prepared and submitted within this window. The program appears to operate on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities expected in subsequent academic years. Award recipients receive monetary grants distributed across three tiers: first place receives 3000 dollars, second place receives 2000 dollars, and third place receives 1000 dollars. In addition to financial support, recipients are required to participate in a post completion interview lasting between thirty minutes and one hour, which will be used for promotional purposes. Recipients retain full intellectual property rights to their projects, while granting MAKE limited rights to use approved materials for promotional activities. For inquiries, applicants may contact Amy Steman via the provided email address.

Focus on originality and strong storytelling supported by high quality visuals and ensure submission materials are well organized and professionally presented