The Grant will launch in the year marking the 100th anniversary of John Grierson first coining the term ‘documentary’ to describe filmmaking. The Grierson-Percy Documentary Grant champions documentary films and series working in the tradition Norma Percy and Brian Lapping established for half a century. This initiative seeks to support documentary films on political or international crises, which provide riveting storytelling and new and surprising insights.

The Grant is intended for projects in the final stages of production, with substantial principal photography completed and the offline edit underway. Applicants should demonstrate a realistic budget and completion plan, as well as a clear strategy for distribution and audience engagement. Funding will contribute to essential finishing costs.

Between two and three grants will be awarded in 2026, ranging from £10,000 to £25,000 depending on the needs of each project. Recipients will be selected by a dedicated committee composed of Grierson Trust team and trustees, Norma Percy, and a number of her long-time collaborators.

Tom McDonald, Chair of the Grierson Trust said: “Norma Percy has produced an unrivalled body of work documenting global history over the past 50 years. We are honoured to support Norma’s commitment to championing documentary storytellers. The Grierson-Percy Documentary Grant builds on that commitment, helping ensure bold, ambitious documentary storytelling is brought to completion and seen by the audiences it deserves.”

Norma Percy said: “I have seen how difficult it can be to bring important stories to screen, particularly those grappling with complex political events and challenging access. This grant is designed to support filmmakers at that crucial final stage where projects can struggle to reach completion. We hope the fund will help filmmakers to go the extra mile to get that interview or edit time or something special that they couldn’t otherwise afford. I am delighted the Grierson Trust has given me the opportunity to do this.”

Applications are now open. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 30 June 2026, and successful grantees will be announced in Autumn 2026.

About Norma Percy

Norma Percy is a multi-award-winning documentary producer known for shaping modern political storytelling on screen. Her work focuses on major geopolitical events and leaders, often using rare access and detailed archive to bring complex history to life. Across a career spanning decades, she has helped set a benchmark for rigorous, engaging documentaries and made intricate global politics accessible to wide audiences. Her outstanding contribution to television has been recognised with the Grierson Trustees' Award and the Royal Television Society Judges' award, as well as the BAFTA Alan Clarke Award and the RTS Journalism Judges’ award with Brian Lapping. Series accolades include 16 major awards for Yugoslavia, including a BAFTA, and a US Emmy for Watergate.