This grant supports 30 to 40 independent nonfiction projects per year with budgets under $1 million worldwide. It prioritizes productions where the key creative team retains full creative and editorial control. The program actively seeks to uplift filmmakers from historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and artists with disabilities, while also supporting international storytellers in regions lacking strong infrastructure for independent film.

Eligible projects can apply at any stage from development through post-production, as long as they present a clear vision for a finished film. Applications must include characters or subjects, a defined story structure, and a central driving question. Prior funding or a fiscal sponsor is not required. However, films that have already premiered or reached picture-lock are ineligible for post-production funding.

The grant does not fund fiction films, short films, series, NGO films, advocacy films, educational films, or branded content. Historical and biographical films are only considered if they offer contemporary relevance or innovation in storytelling. There are no entry fees to apply.

Projects are evaluated based on artistic vision, storytelling strength, cultural relevance, originality, feasibility, journalistic rigor (if applicable), and audience engagement potential. The selection process also considers the financial and creative resources available to the filmmaking team to ensure funding reaches those who need it most.