Applications are now open for a new U.S.-based fund designed to support artists of color, specifically with regards to mental health.

American Documentary (AmDoc), the nonprofit organization behind the award-winning PBS series “POV,” has launched the fund to aid Black artists, indigenous peoples, and artists of color (BIPOC) working within the independent documentary community. Grants up to $1,000 are available to support mental health consultations, therapy sessions, online counseling, and medication costs.

“These grants are a direct response to overall concerns about mental health in the documentary field, particularly as filmmakers of color are disproportionately vulnerable to lack of work and health risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the toll of ongoing systemic racism and police brutality,” a press release states.

Speaking to the urgent need for the fund, Asad Muhammad, Vice President of Impact and Engagement Strategy at “POV” said, “In recent years there has been such a growing conversation regarding the mental health needs of Black people, Indigenous folks and people of color. Our newest fund will give grants to support vital resources such as counseling and prescribed medications to nurture the health and creativity of artists from non-white communities.”

To be eligible for the fund, applicants must identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color, and must demonstrate need and a professional relationship to documentary filmmaking or interactive media — here “professional” is defined as a Director or Producer, or both.

The application form specifies that applicants must also have “successfully worked on at least one, completed nonfiction film or interactive media project that was publicly exhibited in a curated and/or noncommercial environment, including online and/or physical programs.” Online projects must have been acquired by a streaming distributor in order to be considered.

Currently enrolled students are not eligible to apply for the fund. Artists must reside in any U.S. State, Territory, or Indian Nation and be able to receive and cash a check, or receive funds electronically.

The deadline for applications is June 20, 2020 at 11:59pm EDT.

You can find more information about eligibility, criteria, and the application process at the American Documentary website. The application form is available here.