Buy The Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund a coffee

LWC Studios launched a fund to support independent BIPOC, Queer and Trans audio producers in submitting high-quality work to media/journalism awards. With AIR, Pacific Content, Acast, and Triton Digital as Fund Partners, the Fund will help independent U.S., Canada, Australia and U.K-based audio professionals submit work to key competitions by covering submission fees for producers, editors, and other creators.   

The Fund, administered on a pro bono basis, helps independent U.S. and Canada-based audio professionals submit work to key U.S., Canada, Australia and U.K competitions by reimbursing producers, editors, and creators the submissions fees.

WHY: Prestigious journalism and media awards are catalysts for opportunity and proxies for achievement and ability. Even a nomination or honorable mention elevates the work of creators who have not yet achieved the recognition they deserve. But the cost of submitting work to awards is often prohibitive for independent producers. BIPOC, Queer, Trans and early-career aspirants might be especially deterred from applying due to a past lack of inclusion among finalists and winners. That may incorrectly and inadvertently signal that these folks aren’t making fantastic work—when some are actually making extraordinary work. The Fund wants to alleviate this effect.

GOAL: Support 200+ award submissions each year by disbursing at least $20,000.

HOW: Producers will complete a simple form to apply for reimbursement after they submit their work to awards. The Fund’s Advisory Board, comprised of audio producers, will vote on submissions. The Fund will openly and anonymously track donations and disbursements on its website.

WHEN: The funding window is open year-round. We welcome reimbursement requests for the previous year from the application date.