The Vision Maker Media (VMM) Public Media Fund provides grants for film and television programs that authentically represent Native American and Alaska Native experiences, cultures, and perspectives. The fund supports projects intended for public broadcasting, CPB digital, and streaming platforms, with an emphasis on reaching broad audiences and implementing community engagement beyond initial broadcast. Selected projects must assign exclusive broadcast rights to Vision Maker Media for four years and adhere to PBS technical specifications.
The fund has three categories: Research and Development ($5,000-$25,000) to develop program elements like scripts and storylines; Production (up to $150,000) to complete filming and essential production activities, with an expected minimum of four episodes for episodic content; and Post-Production (up to $30,000) to finalize editing and required rights clearances. Funding under these categories excludes salaries for key creative roles such as directors or producers, focusing instead on expenses like crew wages, equipment, and travel.
Eligible applicants include independent and public television producers who are U.S. citizens over the age of 21, with creative and budgetary control over the project. Proposals must demonstrate substantial Native involvement and present a well-defined marketing plan for outreach and community engagement. The fund does not support commercial, promotional, or student projects, nor those funded by or featuring a government entity.
Selection is made by a panel of experts evaluating factors like the story’s strength, budget, timeline, team qualifications, work samples, and alignment with VMM’s mission. Recipients are expected to carry general liability and errors and omissions insurance by specified stages of production, and selected programs may need a fiscal sponsor if not previously funded by VMM.
For further inquiries, applicants can contact Vision Maker Media at info@visionmakermedia.org or (402) 472-3522.
