RFPs: Ford Foundation JustFilms Grants Program

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.

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

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

Evaluation Criteria

• Foundation’s Thematic Alignment: Assess whether the project aligns with the JustFilms strategy. Evaluate how well the project addresses gender, race, and disability justice themes. Does the project offer an analysis of political, economic, or cultural power? Also, consider whether the project aligns with other Ford program strategies or regional offices’ priorities.
• Intersectional Representation: Assess the project’s ability to provide an intersectional analysis and represent diverse perspectives. Consider the geographic focus, audience engagement, and support for underrepresented filmmakers.
• Innovation in Storytelling: Evaluate the project’s innovative approach to content creation for advancing justice. Assess its ability to creatively reshape narratives and challenge conventional perspectives.
• Production Viability and Independence: Assess the project’s independence in production and its feasibility. Are the filmmakers skilled and resourced enough to produce the proposed project?

For more information, visit Ford Foundation.