Public Media Fund

Vision Maker Media (VMM), a prominent advocate for Native storytelling in public media, administers the Public Media Fund to support film and television projects created by and about Native Americans and Alaska Natives. VMM’s mission is rooted in increasing representation and visibility for Indigenous communities through content that is culturally accurate, educational, and impactful. The organization collaborates with a broad network of public television distributors, reaching over 90 million Americans annually through platforms such as PBS, Independent Lens, POV, and American Masters. The Public Media Fund specifically targets film and television projects suitable for public media television broadcasting, including digital and streaming distribution via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Eligible projects must be intended for broad public dissemination and adhere to technical standards outlined by the PBS Technical Operating Specifications and Production Guidelines (PBS Red Book). Funded projects will be granted exclusive broadcast rights to VMM for four years, along with a one-year off-air recording license for educational use. VMM may also provide additional distribution opportunities across educational, home, theatrical, and digital platforms. The fund is organized into three categories based on project stage: Research and Development ($5,000–$25,000), Production (up to $150,000), and Post-Production (up to $30,000). While the announcement does not specify a match requirement, grantees must comply with contract terms that include usage restrictions and delivery of a completed project. Funds must be used to support the designated project stages and should align with the fund’s focus on cultural representation and educational value. The application process is structured around two open cycles annually: from January 1 to June 30, and from July 1 to December 31. During these periods, applicants may submit their proposals directly to VMM. All applicants must use the mandatory budget template and are expected to conform to submission and technical delivery requirements as detailed in the PBS Red Book. Questions and additional information requests can be directed to VMM via email (info@visionmakermedia.org) or phone (402-472-3522). Submissions are evaluated based on their alignment with VMM’s mission, the cultural relevance and authenticity of the story, and the project's overall production readiness and technical compliance. Although no specific evaluation rubric is disclosed, projects that demonstrate strong potential for public media broadcast and community impact are prioritized. The fund operates on a recurring biannual cycle, with the next cycle expected to open in January 2026. Interested applicants should prepare in advance by reviewing technical requirements and engaging with VMM resources to ensure readiness. The physical office of Vision Maker Media is located at 301 S. 13th Street, Suite 101, Lincoln, NE 68508-2532.

Ensure technical compliance with PBS Red Book and cultural authenticity.