The Jan Vrijman Fund was founded in 1998 in honor of Jan Vrijman, inspirator and co-founder of the International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam.

The Jan Vrijman Fund provides financial means for documentary projects, which are aimed at research and script development, production and post-production, distribution and sales. In addition, other activities for the promotion of the production and distribution of documentaries, such as the organisation of workshops, documentary film festivals and other educational programs, are eligible for support.

The basic principle for supplying funds is that projects would not have been realised, or to a lesser extent, without the support of the Fund.

It is a prerequisite that the filmmaker lives and works in a developing country or country in transition. In addition, the apportioned contribution should be demonstrably applied in one or more developing countries or countries in transition (see the list of countries).

However as of June 2004 all new members of the EU and Bulgaria (applicant country) are excluded from participation.