Ford Foundation JustFilms Grants Program 2025 (Up to $100,000 Grant)
Just films Application
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.
- 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.
Please review our FAQ before submitting your proposal.
Eligibility requirements:
- 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.
Evaluative Criteria & Rubric:
When evaluating production submissions for grant funding, reviewers will use the following weighted criteria to prioritize recommended projects:
Foundation’s Thematic Alignment (30%): 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 (25%):
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 (25%): 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 (20%): Assess the project’s independence in production and its feasibility.
Are the filmmakers skilled and resourced enough to produce the proposed project?
Additional Details
The information we request generally aligns with the Documentary Core Application utilized by the International Documentary Association, Sundance Documentary Film Program, and other funding organizations.
- Upon review of your materials by Ford staff, you may receive an invitation to submit additional materials.
- We have very limited staffing, and we regret that we are unable to meet individually with filmmakers about their submissions or provide project feedback at this time.
Submission Eligibility
- In order to limit the burden on applicants and reviewers, we are requesting you complete this short eligibility quiz first. If you are eligible, you will be advanced to the full submission form. Please note that as a private U.S.-based foundation, we have limitations to the kinds of projects we can support.
Please review the FAQ here before completing this form. If you are ineligible, we encourage you to pursue other avenues of support.
Benefits
Funding Opportunities: Grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the scope and stage of your project.
- Global Reach: Projects from filmmakers worldwide are welcome, with a focus on regions where the Ford Foundation has offices (e.g., Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East).
- Creative Independence: The program prioritizes independent productions where filmmakers retain creative control.
- Recognition and Impact: Successful applicants will gain visibility across Ford Foundation platforms and networks, amplifying their social and cultural impact
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.
Requirements
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. They 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.
Deadline: April 10, 2025
How to Apply
Interesting applicant can apply via this link;
){kind=link}
Post a Comment