Public Media Fund

Vision Maker Media’s Public Media Fund supports film and television projects created by or about Native Americans and Alaska Natives, with the intent of public media broadcast. The fund prioritizes works that are suitable for distribution on Public Media Television Broadcasting platforms, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s digital and streaming outlets. This initiative aligns with Vision Maker Media’s core mission to amplify Indigenous voices and ensure Native stories are represented authentically and prominently within the U.S. media landscape. Vision Maker Media works with major public television distributors to ensure wide-reaching exposure, reaching over 90 million Americans annually. Past supported projects have been showcased on well-known platforms such as Independent Lens, POV, America ReFramed, and American Masters. The Public Media Fund encompasses three primary funding categories: Research and Development, Production, and Post-Production. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $25,000 for research and development activities, up to $150,000 for production, and up to $30,000 for post-production. Funding decisions align with Vision Maker Media’s commitment to supporting stories that explore Native experiences with cultural depth and accuracy. All completed and funded projects must comply with PBS’s Technical Operating Specifications and Production Guidelines, available via the PBS Red Book. Successful applicants enter into a Production License Agreement with Vision Maker Media, which includes assignment of exclusive broadcast rights for a four-year term. Additionally, the agreement grants a one-year off-air recording right for educational use. Vision Maker Media may also provide further distribution opportunities beyond public broadcasting. These may include educational and home video distribution, theatrical and non-theatrical screenings, as well as other formats such as video-on-demand, multimedia, and internet broadcasting, including podcasting and streaming services. Applications are accepted during two cycles each year. The first cycle opens on January 1 and closes on June 30, while the second cycle opens on July 1 and closes on December 31. Eligible applicants should submit their proposals during the relevant open window, ensuring all application materials are complete and aligned with the fund’s objectives. The fund does not specify a pre-application requirement; however, all applicants must utilize the mandatory budget template provided and comply with outlined submission guidelines. Vision Maker Media encourages Indigenous creators and storytellers to apply, emphasizing the importance of Native voices in public discourse and historical representation. For technical questions or more information regarding the fund, applicants are advised to contact the organization directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at 402-472-3522.