Are you on a mission to create a world-changing podcast without the resources or support to get it off the ground? Is your podcast already up and running but could progress so much faster if you had more support?
Podcasting can be expensive, and it's hard to keep going when juggling between writing, editing, technical issues, marketing, audience building, and all the other business podcasting can throw your way.
If you're struggling for funds, listen up. Why not apply for some podcast grants?
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What is a grant?
Grants are free funding opportunities offered to those who need support to achieve their goals. They are usually provided by foundations, organizations, or government entities to applicants who create something within their focus area.
Most grants offer funds, but some provide mentoring, education and resources. Funding size varies; some provide micro-grants while others give large amounts. Grants are gifts, not loans, and don't have to be paid back. However, they may be treated as income and taxed accordingly.
12 best podcast grants
1. Templeton Radio and Podcast Grants
The John Templeton Foundation offers funding opportunities to support innovative research and public engagement in the sciences, philosophy, character virtue development and more. Their audio section invests in podcasts that support these missions.
Grant requirements:
You can submit your project idea through an OFI (Online Funding Inquiry) any time during the year, but the foundation only reviews proposals at specific times.
John Templeton Foundation grants are not restricted to the US so anyone can start the grant application process here.
Learn more about The John Templeton podcast grants.
2. Black and Brown Podcast Collective
The Black and Brown Podcast Collective is a digital hub for US-based creators of color who are challenging expectations with their podcasts.
Grant requirements:
The collective offers micro-grants to its active members, especially emerging podcasters and creators of color who are challenging stereotypes and promoting cultural understanding.
Membership is free, and there are no grant application charges.
Applicants/members must be based in the USA.
Learn more about the BBPC grants.
3. NEH: Media Projects
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal organization in the USA responsible for funding thousands of humanities-based projects since it was created in 1965.
Its Media Projects program helps people and groups with podcasts and other audio projects that creatively engage their audiences in the humanities. NEH currently offers two levels of funding: development and production.
Grant requirements:
If you're based in the US, start the application process now to be ready for the next window of funding opportunity.
NEH has a four-step application process that includes registering for a SAM number. They offer help in the form of FAQs and sample application narratives to help applicants understand what's required.
Get more information about the NEH Media Projects grants.
4. Creative NZ
The New Zealand Arts Council can fund podcast projects that explore and contribute to the art forms the council supports, including Literature, Music, Māori and Pacific Arts and more.
Grant requirements:
Podcasters should be based in New Zealand and have a strong track record in podcasting.
Apply under the category in which the podcast falls, e.g., a podcast about New Zealand authors would apply under Literature.
Include evidence of demand or support for the podcast and a promotion and distribution plan in the application.
Get more information from Creative NZ.
5. Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund
The Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund helps independent BIPOC, Queer and Trans audio producers to submit their work to media/journalism awards in the US, UK, Canada and Australia by covering their submission fees. The fund also assists with enrolment and registration fees for audio training and education programs. Each year it supports over 200 people to enter awards, disbursing at least $20,000.
Grant requirements:
The fund reimburses award submission fees up to $200 per individual in one calendar year and $500 for educational purposes. Both sums can be spread over several awards or trainings during that time.
Podcasts must be based in the US, UK, Canada or Australia. They can be recorded in any language, but submissions must be made in English.
Get more information about the Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund.
6. Knight Foundation
The Knight Foundation are American social investors supporting Journalism, Communities and the Arts. They offer funding opportunities for podcasts using excellent journalism skills and encouraging civic engagement.
Grant requirements:
If you're US-based, submit a letter of inquiry through Fluxx, the foundation's grants portal. The letter should briefly explain your proposal and why you're the one to carry it out. If they want to know more, the committee will contact you to ask for a full proposal.
Get more information about the Knight Foundation.
Top Tip: Get 50+ podcast promotion ideas and start growing your show fast.
7. Elevate Creatives Fund
The Shorty Awards and Wave (Money Tools for Small Businesses) have joined forces to support the creator economy with their $100,000 Elevate Creatives Fund. The fund will award five recipients $20,000 each to support their creative projects (including emerging podcasters.)
Grant requirements:
It only accepts applications from independent creatives based in the US or Canada.
You'll need to supply details of your project, additional examples and a brief essay with your application.
Get more information on the Elevate Creatives Fund.
Keep an eye out for...
8. BBC Sounds Audio Lab
If you're based in the UK and have an innovative podcast concept, this program could be what you're looking for. Each year it offers guidance and support to five independent podcasters, to develop and create their new shows. They're looking for unique ideas from people with experience producing audio projects.
9. The Audible Podcast Development Program
Audible seeks podcasters with diverse perspectives and identities who want to develop innovative, original ideas for episodic narrative podcasts. They'll award grant winners $10,000 to build their project and give mentoring, editorial guidance, access to state-of-the-art production equipment and release successful podcast projects to millions of Audible listeners.
Although the funding opportunities are closed at the time of writing, Audible suggests that podcasters keep checking the website to find out when the next call for submissions will open.
10. Audio Content Fund
This UK-based fund was a 2018-2022 pilot scheme that supported distinctive public radio content. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is evaluating the fund's success and the possibility of future funding opportunities.
11. Content is Queen
This UK-based podcasting agency and community offered micro-grants in 2021 & 2022. They're not offering the program currently, but it's worth keeping an eye out for future opportunities.
12. Elevate for Podcasters
The program offers $10,000 grants for disabled, narrative fiction and non-fiction podcasters, plus mentoring and support.
Before we continue...
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How to write a successful grant application
#1. Check you meet the eligibility criteria
Very few grants work on a "come one, come all" basis and many organizations have strict eligibility requirements. Some are place-based or aimed at under-represented minorities. Others are looking for podcasts in particular categories (e.g., Humanities) or genres (e.g., Narrative Non-Fiction). Some want to support new shows, while others prefer experience.
You'll likely find the eligibility requirements through a link on the grants' websites or submission forms. Many websites also offer FAQs and guidance on the kinds of people, groups or projects they seek. Some also include advice on projects or institutions they are not interested in funding.
#2. Make sure it's a good fit for you, too
Does the grant match your needs? And does your podcast match that organization's stated values, topics and practices?
Check the organization's About page and look for Vision and Mission statements.
Finally, check if the website offers advice or examples from past recipients.
#3. Is there an application fee?
Most grants in our list don't charge an application fee, but others may. Application fees can help cover some of the organization's costs. It also deters people who don't meet the criteria from applying on the off chance.
#4. Check deadlines
Don't miss an opportunity by not knowing the closing dates. Bookmark the website and note the next opening and closing dates if the current round has closed. If the new dates aren't available, it's worth sending an inquiry or checking the website regularly.
#5. Make your responses stand out
Studying former winners' projects, experiences, and advice gives you valuable information for your submission. What did they do to make the funding committee sit up and notice?
Some ideas:
- Show your unique perspective and how you fit the criteria
- Discuss how your podcast helps or caters to your audience
- Mention how you could support or nurture other creators or communities through your podcast
- Stick to the application guidelines (not doing so can sometimes be a dealbreaker.)
- Do you know an experienced grant applicant? Ask for their advice. You could consider contacting an experienced grant writer for help, too.
- Get someone else to read your application to check that your message and wording is crystal clear. Can they offer helpful suggestions.
- Check that you've filled in every part of the form and ticked all necessary boxes.
- Proofread several times before you submit the application.
Top Tip: Check out our ultimate podcast planner to help you unlock your show's potential.
Final thoughts
If you're into innovation and believe your podcast can inspire change - or at least get the conversation going - consider applying for podcast grants.
We've listed 12 of the best possibilities, but many more organizations are willing and able to help audio creators with projects in their interest areas. You can find possible grants through internet searches, networking, and specialist newsletters like Danielle Desir Corbett's Substack, Grants For Creators. (You'll find the link in our Podcast Newsletters article.)
Perhaps not surprisingly, there are even a few podcasts on the subject, too. Holly Rustick, for example, has recorded 280+ episodes on her Grant Writing and Funding podcast. Then Where's the Funding? "demystifies grants and the fog around funding for Black and other underserved entrepreneurs." You can find these podcasts and more with a quick search on Rephonic.
