Since its inception in 1981, the Center for Independent Documentary (CID) has worked with hundreds of independent film and video producers making work of local, national and international significance on a wide range of historical, contemporary and socially significant issues. Whether advocating for LGBT and gender equality, drawing attention to the plight of their returning veterans, or following the lives of children and grandmothers battling AIDS in developing countries, CID gives expression to voices that all too often go unheard or ignored. CID films have been seen on PBS as part of American Masters, American Experience, Independent Lens and POV, received national cablecasts from HBO, Sundance, Discovery and LOGO channels, and have appeared at every major film festival receiving awards from Emmys to the Peabody. They are also used by a variety of nonprofit and community organizations, from churches to humanities festivals, around the United States and throughout the world.

CID works with filmmakers from all regions of the country and a total of 124 films are currently in development or production. The demographics of the filmmakers and the subjects of their films are equally diverse. The extent of The Center's engagement with independent producers is unique and includes cooperation at all phases of their projects. Whether it be management of funds, offering creative and technical support, assistance in preparation of funding proposals or devising strategies to maximize a film's impact upon release, CID works hard to make sure that each filmmaker is supported 100% of the way. Through the fiscal sponsorship program, filmmakers enjoy access to state, federal and institutional funding as well as to tax deductible individual donations. CID also provides professional development programs and collaborates with other organizations on initiatives that strengthen the production environment for independent filmmakers including offering workshops and rough cut screenings, a weeklong retreat seminar for 10 filmmakers held each summer in Vermont, and the PRIDE OF THE OCEAN film festival and seminars which provide a unique resource for LGBT filmmakers. CID's films are promoted through the organization's website (396,000 visitors this year) and social media (7,000 friends and followers).