Applications Invited for JustFilms Grants

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About the Organization

We believe in the inherent dignity of all people. But around the world, too many people are excluded from the political, economic, and social institutions that shape their lives.

Across eight decades, our mission has sought to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.

About the Grant

Through its open call, JustFilms supports artist-driven, feature-length documentary films that creatively intersect with the social justice issues that are central to the Ford Foundation’s mission. All projects submitted for JustFilms grants will be assessed on the basis of alignment with Ford Foundation priorities, intersectional representation, innovation in storytelling, and production viability & independence, as well as social and cultural impact. At this time, we do not accept unsolicited Letters of Inquiry (LOI), proposals from organizations, or for impact campaigns.

While we welcome submissions from any region of the world, we have a particular focus on the areas where the foundation has regional offices. We support 25-30 new feature documentary film projects, at all stages of production, through annual grants.

Eligibility

• JustFilms accepts submissions for feature documentary films only (running time 50 minutes or more) from filmmakers globally, focusing on regions where the Ford Foundation has offices.
• Applicants can be production companies (US or International), sole proprietors/single-member LLCs, or organizations/projects with fiscal sponsorship.
• The open call does not support student films, short films, commissioned films where the filmmaker is not the rights holder to the project, episodic series, new media (AR, VR), podcasts, films that have already premiered or broadcast, or impact campaigns. 
• While the JustFilms Open Call is open to eligible project applications from filmmakers at any career stage, successful applicants are typically able to show a deep connection to the independent documentary film ecosystem and have received relevant support for their past or current work.

To be considered for funding, your project must be a documentary feature film (running time of at least 50 minutes) in which the filmmaker/s have creative control. We welcome applications for direct content development, production, or post-production.

The open call does not support student films, narrative films, short films, commissioned films where the filmmaker is not the rights holder to the project, episodic series, new media (AR, VR), podcasts, films that have already premiered or broadcast, or impact or outreach campaigns.

How to Apply

Submissions for documentary film production grants are currently open and will close at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Submitters will be notified by September 2025 of their inquiry status.

JustFilms Application

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