2023 Micro-Grants for Podcasters FAQs
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What’s the difference between the 2022 grant and the 2023 grant?
The 2023 Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme represents an evolution of our previous initiatives, designed to offer more targeted support and greater opportunities for creators. Here’s how it differs from the 2022 grant:
- Global Reach- Unlike previous years where the focus was on UK residents, the 2023 grant is open to international applicants, expanding the diversity and scope of projects we can support.
- Focused Funding- In 2023, we are offering 10 grants of £1000 each and 10 grants of £500 each, specifically aimed at helping creators develop trailers, original pilots, or special episodes within existing series. This is a shift from the more flexible funding criteria of previous years.
- Production Support- While the 2022 grant began to offer more hands-on support, the 2023 grant further enhances this by providing selected creators with production guidance on content development and technical aspects.
- Payment Methods- To accommodate our international applicants, payments can now be made to a valid PayPal account and UK bank accounts.
- Audience Data- We’re also interested in capturing more detailed audience demographics, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups, to better align with our diversity and inclusion mission.
By making these changes, we aim to foster a more inclusive, impactful, and globally relevant community of podcast creators.
How much support is included?
Successful applicants will receive substantial support from Content is Queen to ensure the successful completion of their podcast projects. Specifically, each grantee will have access to:
- A dedicated Content is Queen producer
- An experienced editor
- Our Epidemic Sound library for music and sound effects
In terms of time allocation, you’ll receive 12 hours of support per month, totalling 36 hours over the course of three months. This support aims to guide you through content development, technical aspects, and production quality, helping you bring your podcast vision to life.
How much is the grant?
The grant amount varies based on the project’s needs and scope. We are offering two types of grants:
Ten grants of £1,000 each
Ten grants of £500 each
These grants are intended to help you develop trailers, original pilots, or special episodes within your existing podcast series.
How much should I apply for?
You decide! Just be sure to factor in your time and that of your contributors or collaborators on the project.
What do you need from me?
Winners of the 2023 Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme will need to commit to completing their project within 12 weeks of the first instalment of their grants.
You’ll need to commit to a weekly check-in call or email for the first six weeks. You’ll also need to deliver your project by 26th April 2023.
If I don’t use all the money, will I have to give the money back?
No, that won’t be necessary. As part of the application process, we’ll assess your project’s feasibility and determine the appropriate size grant. If you’ve not utilised the total amount, you can keep any excess for you and your team.
Does the money only go to one person, or can it go to a group?
Yes, the grant money will be disbursed to a single UK bank account or PayPal account, which must be in the name of the lead applicant. It is the lead applicant’s responsibility to allocate and distribute the funds among the group members as needed for the project. Content is Queen will not be involved in resolving any disputes or disagreements regarding the distribution of the grant funds.
Can I apply as a group or company?
You can apply as a group or collective, but please note there must be a lead applicant. We will consider applications from companies under ten people who have a turnover of less than £50,000 (or your currency equivalent). This fund is aimed at indie and amateur producers without credits, so please bear this in mind.
Can I apply as an individual?
Yes, of course.
What’s the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply for the Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme is 13th November 2023 at 6:00 PM GMT. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline to be eligible for the grant.
When will I find out if I’m successful/unsuccessful?
Successful applicants will be notified by 9th February 2024. If you haven’t heard from us by that date, please assume that your application was unsuccessful this time. We encourage you to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for future opportunities and updates.
What’s the final deadline for the production project?
The final deadline for completing your production project and delivering all required work is Friday, 26th April 2024. Make sure to mark this date on your calendar, as it is crucial for fulfilling the grant requirements.
What type of podcasts are you looking to fund?
We’re searching for original, impactful podcast episodes or pilot ideas that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s an untold story, a fresh perspective, or a topic that addresses current events or shapes the future, we’re open to all creative visions. We’re particularly interested in ideas that engage with contemporary issues or offer innovative solutions for a better tomorrow.
Can I submit multiple ideas?
No, we’ll look at one idea per person/group/company. Your first application will be considered, and any additional pitches will not be considered.
Who can apply?
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for our Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations. Whether you’re a new or existing podcaster, if you have a creative idea, we encourage you to apply. However, companies or organisations with more than ten employees are not eligible. Additionally, employees, friends, or family members of Content is Queen or Audible are not eligible to apply.
Can I apply from outside of the UK?
Yes, we’ve expanded our Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme to accept applications from creators worldwide. If you’re applying from outside the UK, you must have an active and valid PayPal account that matches the name and email you use to apply for the grant.
Do you have an example of what the budget should look like?
A simple list of where you’ll be allocating the money is sufficient. We want to know where you’ll need the most support at this stage. An example could be:
Artwork: £220
Original music: £750
Contributors x10: £1500
Studio: £500
Transcriptions: £60
Production Assistant: £1000
Researcher: £450
Will you accept supplementary material?
Entry is by the official application form only. Please do not send us additional letters or information we haven’t requested. We aren’t able to consider it. If we need additional information, we’ll ask for it.
Where can I get more information?
Throughout the application window, we’ll host Q&A sessions for applicants to learn more about the process and what we’re looking for. Please be sure you’re on our mailing list so you don’t miss them. You can join our mailing list here.
Ready to apply? Return to the application form here.