Podcast production company and community group Content is Queen has relaunched its Micro-Grants programme, supported by Audible, and is now accepting applications for 2023.
The programme aims to help creators - both new and existing - turn their podcast dreams into reality by supporting them with funding and production support through access to studios, a dedicated producer and editor, and the Epidemic Sound library. This year, 10 creators will be awarded with a grant worth £1,000 each, and a further 10 will be given a grant worth £500, aimed at helping podcasters develop content like trailers, pilots, or special episodes.
For the first time, this year’s Micro-Grants programme is open to independent creators around the world, and not just those based in the UK. The programme aims to support creators from marginalised backgrounds including disabled, racialised, and low-income background individuals, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Registered commercial businesses and organisations with over 10 employees with a turnover above £50,000 are not eligible, along with schools, and charities.
Applications are open from now until 13 November, closing at 6.00 pm, and all successful applicants will be notified by 9 February 2024. Entrants have to be able to commit to completing their projects within 12 weeks of the first instalment of their grants, with weekly check-in calls and emails in the first six weeks, and must meet the deadline to deliver the project by 26 April, providing details on how the funding was allocated throughout the project.
Content is Queen’s Micro-Grants programme uses a hands-off approach when it comes to the funding aspect, with freedom for the winners to decide what to do with the money and complete creative control of their projects. The group’s CEO and co-founder Imriel Morgan told PodPod in a previous episode of the podcast that this approach is essential for providing more opportunities to creators.
“Generally speaking, the Micro-Grants programme as a project is super rewarding to do because there’s not that many funding opportunities for creators,” said Morgan. “There's shockingly little out there of ones that are completely devoid of trying to take your IP or mould you into something else.
“Ours is just strings free. Here's the money, go make the thing and if it doesn't work out, cool. That's fine, you took a risk.”
The IP of the projects will be owned by the winning individual and not Content is Queen, and there is no obligation to continue working on the project or developing further ideas with the organisation when the project is over. Successful applicants do, however, need to list Content is Queen in the audio/written credits as a supporter, partner, or funder for published work.
For creators that need extra support on how to apply, Content is Queen will be hosting a number of Q&A sessions during the application window to help applicants learn more about the process and what they’re looking for - available through the organisation’s mailing list.
