Monthly Micro-Grants for Podcasters 2025-’26

Oct 17th

Our Microgrants for Podcasters Programme has returned for 2025-2026 and this year, things are looking a little different! Our grants will be rolling out monthly, giving more creators the opportunity to receive up to £1,000 in funding and work closer with our team to bring their ideas to life.

Applications will open on a rolling monthly basis, but you can only apply twice throughout the 12-month programme, so make sure to pick the themes that best fit your podcast idea. Please note that pitches are limited each month, so apply within the deadline window to be in with a chance of receiving a grant.

***Bookmark this page and come back soon to apply for one that fits your idea.***

What should I pitch?

Whether you’re producing a powerful trailer, launching an original pilot, or crafting a stand-alone episode for your existing series, this grant is here to help you make it happen.

Each month will feature a different theme, inspiring a variety of stories and styles, and we’ve listed the 12 months of themes below so you can plan your applications in advance.

What do I receive?

The help you receive will be tailored to what best supports your creative journey. Whether you need 1:1 sessions, production support, or studio time.

One person or group will receive the grant and support each month.

July’s theme: Making Waves

How do I apply?

🗓️ Application window: 4.00pm on 16th June 2026 – 9.00pm on 30th June 2026
📣 Recipient notified: By Friday 10th July 2026
💰 Funding received & production begins: 16th July 2026
🎧 1:1 sessions: Every Thursday within the month, starting with an initial call to discuss the production support you’ll receive.

***APPLICATIONS OPEN ON 16th June***

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for podcast ideas and stories that show how small actions, local projects, or individual efforts can create big ripples in their communities. This theme is all about impact and how change often starts small but grows into something powerful. From neighbourhood initiatives and creative collectives to grassroots campaigns and quiet acts of kindness. We want to hear how people and projects are “making waves” in unexpected ways.

We encourage you to:

  • Highlight small projects or ideas that have sparked meaningful change.
  • Explore how creativity, collaboration, or persistence can ripple through a community.
  • Share stories that show how local impact can lead to wider inspiration or transformation.

All formats and styles are welcome: interviews, documentaries, sound-rich storytelling, or creative expression.  As long as the story speaks to the theme of origin and journey. The audio projects should be between 10–15 minutes in length, and don’t need to be completed by the end of the month.

At its heart, Making Waves is about celebrating momentum, the spark that starts something new and the ripple effects that follow.

Your Pitch

We’re looking for a stand-out idea that will capture listeners’ attention and keep them engaged from start to finish. What’s going to hook them right from the start, and how will your story carry them through?

Think about:

  • How your story begins, builds, and keeps momentum.
  • What voices, settings, or insights you’ll bring into the mix.
  • The ways your programme will move, challenge, entertain, or even delight listeners.
  • Most importantly, what do you want the audience to take away at the end  a sense of understanding, discovery, or connection that stays with them long after the episode is over?

Top tip: We’ll want to know how your idea fits the month’s theme so please make this clear in your pitch!

***APPLICATIONS OPEN ON 16th June***

  • The themes for future months are as follows:
  • August 2026 theme: Learning Out Loud (opening date 17th July. Closing date 31st July)
  • September 2026 theme: Curious Minds – The Wonders of Tech & Science (opening date 14th August. Closing date 31st August)
  • October 2026 theme: Comedy Gold (opening date 16th September. Closing date 30th September)
  • November 2026 theme: Nature and the Outside World (opening date 16th October. Closing date 31st October)

Past themes:

  • December 2025 theme: Voices of Change (CLOSED)
  • January 2026 theme: Global Impact (CLOSED)
  • February 2026 theme: Drama in Your Ears (CLOSED)
  • March 2026 theme: Community Icon (CLOSED)
  • April 2026 theme: Children’s Champion (CLOSED)
  • May 2026 theme: Health & Wellbeing (CLOSED)
  • June 2026 theme: Routes & Roots (CLOSED)

Who Can Apply

  • Creators worldwide (individuals only).
  • New or existing podcasters.
  • Disabled individuals, racialised individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members, and those from low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants must be aged 18 or older.

Who Can’t Apply

  • Registered businesses or organisations with over 10 employees or a turnover exceeding £50k.
  • Schools or charities.

Key Terms

Commitment

  • Applicant must commit to a minimum of 1 hour weekly production calls.

Payment Terms

  • UK Applicants: Must provide a valid UK bank account in the lead applicant’s name.
  • International Applicants: Must provide a PayPal or Wise account with matching name and email. If payment details are not supplied within 14 days of request, the grant will be forfeited.
  • Payments will be tied to achieving key milestones outlined at the start of the project.

Reporting Requirements

Grant recipients must provide evidence of how the grant was used by 6:00PM GMT, on the last day of the following month they received the grant. Evidence can include:

  • Audio files
  • Artwork
  • Social media ad reports
  • Recorded pilot
  • Equipment receipts
  • Additional Terms

Intellectual Property

  • Content is Queen does not claim ownership of any podcast developed through the grant.

Crediting

  • Grant recipients must credit Content is Queen as a supporter, partner, or funder in any published work resulting from the grant.

Grant Payment Instalments

  • Payments may be made in instalments based on project milestones agreed upon at the outset.

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