Atom | JustFilms Application

Due Dates: April 10, 2025 (Submission deadline) | September 30, 2025 (Notification of inquiry status)

Funding Amounts: $25,000–$100,000 per project; 25–30 feature documentaries funded annually; all production stages eligible.

Summary: Supports artist-driven, feature-length documentary films that creatively address social justice issues aligned with Ford Foundation priorities.

Key Information: Highly competitive (1,500–2,000 inquiries/year); only feature-length documentaries (50+ min); no student, short, or commissioned films.

Description

The Ford Foundation's JustFilms program provides annual grants to support artist-driven, feature-length documentary films that creatively intersect with social justice issues. The program seeks projects that align with the Foundation’s mission to reduce inequality and advance human achievement, with a particular focus on gender, race, disability justice, and other forms of intersectional representation. JustFilms is open to filmmakers globally, with an emphasis on regions where the Ford Foundation has offices.

Projects are evaluated on thematic alignment with Ford Foundation priorities, intersectional representation, innovation in storytelling, and production viability and independence. The program funds 25–30 new feature documentaries each year, supporting films at all stages of production (development, production, or post-production).

Due Dates

Submission Deadline: April 10, 2025
Notification of Inquiry Status: September 30, 2025

The open call typically runs for six weeks. Selected projects will be invited to submit a full application approximately four months after the close of the open call.

Funding Amount

Typical Grant Range: $25,000–$100,000 per project
Number of Projects Funded: 25–30 feature documentaries annually (12–15 per open call cycle)
Eligible Stages: Development, production, or post-production

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:
- Individual filmmakers, production companies (US or international), or projects with fiscal sponsorship
- Organizations may apply by invitation only
Project Requirements:
- Feature-length documentary (minimum 50 minutes)
- Filmmaker(s) must have creative control and be the rights holder
- All production stages eligible (development, production, post-production)
Not Eligible:
- Student films, short films, narrative films, commissioned films (where filmmaker is not rights holder), episodic series, new media (AR/VR), podcasts, films already premiered or broadcast, or impact/outreach campaigns

Application Process

Submit an inquiry during the open call period via the JustFilms Application page.
The application generally follows the Documentary Core Application format.
After initial review, selected projects may be invited to submit additional materials.
Due to high volume, the Foundation cannot provide individual feedback or status updates on submissions.

Additional Information

The program is highly competitive, with 1,500–2,000 inquiries per year.
Projects are assessed using a weighted rubric:
- Thematic alignment with Ford priorities (30%)
- Intersectional representation (25%)
- Innovation in storytelling (25%)
- Production viability and independence (20%)
Non-US applicants are eligible but must provide documentation of legal status and comply with local regulations.
The Foundation does not fund advocacy or lobbying efforts that attempt to influence legislation.

External Links

Contact Information

Purpose	Contact Details
General Inquiries	justfilmsnotifications@fordfoundation.org
Ford Foundation Main	Contact Page \| +1 212-573-5000

Please do not contact the foundation or staff directly about the status of your submission.