Elevate for Podcasters
Empowering professional disabled podcasters with the funding, mentorship, equipment, and accommodations they need to level-up their careers.
Elevate for Podcasters is the first program created specifically for disabled, narrative fiction and non-fiction podcasters. The program offers $12,500 grants that can be used for professional development, show marketing, equipment, accommodations, IP licensing and living expenses.
Supported by:
About
BENEFITS
Professional Development Grant
$10,000 in funding for professional development, accommodations, podcasting equipment, living expenses, etc.
Quarterly Meetings
Check-ins with the Inevitable Foundation team to provide ongoing support and feedback.
Community Building Events
Regular events for members to meet their peers and build community with other disabled creatives.
FAQ
Table of Contents
Background
What does an Elevate Collective Award for Podcasters include?
Elevate for Podcasters Awardees receive a $10,000 professional development grant which can be used for education, equipment, living expenses, accommodations, marketing and/or IP acquisition. Elevate Collective Members also have quarterly check-ins with the Inevitable Foundation team and regular events for members to meet their peers and build community with other disabled screenwriters.
How long does an Elevate Award last?
The financial benefits of an Elevate Award must be used within six (6) months. However, Elevate Collective Members (from film, tv, & podcasting) will continue to have access to events and community building opportunities indefinitely.
Can I apply for an Elevate Award more than once?
Yes. If you receive an Elevate Award, you are not permitted to apply again for one (1) calendar year, after which you may re-apply. Receiving an Elevate Collective Award once does not guarantee that you will selected in the future.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the program?
The program is open to people who meet the criteria below:
General eligibility requirements:
Self-identifies as disabled.
18 years of age or older.
Currently pursuing a career in podcasting.
Not enrolled in an accredited degree program.
Applicants must also meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:
Has an agent/manager for podcasting
Has writing, directing, or producing credits on a narrative audio project completely funded by a major audio platform or production company.
One of their audio projects has been acquired by a major studio, production company or podcast network.
Successfully crowdfunded $10,000 or more for an audio project.
Created their own narrative podcast that has received over 10,000 listens per episode on average over a 30 day period.
Created and produced at least 30 narrative podcast episodes (can be across multiple shows)
Had their show recognized by a mainstream or independent outlet (that has multiple writers) for news or criticism.
How do I apply for an Elevate for Podcasters Award?
Take our Podcasters Eligibility Questionnaire to determine your eligibility and apply.
Do I need to be disabled to receive an Elevate for Podcasters Award?
Yes. Our programs are for individuals that self-identify as disabled. This includes physical, intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, visible or invisible disabilities.
Do you accept international entries?
Yes. Please note that international applicants are subject to additional review in order to comply with U.S. Treasury Department regulations.
Can I apply as a writing team?
No. Because Elevate Award recipients receive individualized support, we require all applicants to apply individually.
Is Elevate for Podcasters for a person or a specific project?
The Elevate Award is for the podcaster, not any specific project.
Application Process
What information does the Application ask for?
The Application requires the following information:
Standard Demographic Information including race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Eligibility Questions related to professional podcasting experience
Podcaster Questions (max 250 words each)
What have you accomplished in your career over the last two years?
What is the next level you want to achieve in your career?
What are the biggest things in the way of you reaching that next level?
Why is disability representation important to you?
What projects are you currently working on?
List title, format, genre(s) and loglines.
Biography
Resume or CV
When is the submission deadline?
Elevate for Podcaster applications will close in early 2023.
Does it cost anything to apply for the Elevate Collective?
No. We don’t believe in charging the disability community for long-overdue opportunities.
Does Inevitable Foundation own the rights to the work I submit?
No. You retain full rights to your work at all times, both during the submission process and after. If you win an Elevate Award, you will still retain full rights to your work.
Selection Process
How long will it take for me to hear back about my application?
We aim to get back to you within three (3) months of submitting your application.
How many new Awards do you give out at a time?
There is no set number of Awards we select at any given time. It depends on the number of qualified applicants and the available funding.
If I don’t win an Elevate Award, can I apply again?
If you are not selected, we recommend you consider why you were not selected (we will always share a reason) and then reapply when you have taken the time to improve your application.
Who decides who wins Elevate for Podcasters Awards?
We’ve assembled a selection committee of individuals at the intersection of podcasting and disability representation who are in charge of evaluating each applicant and making selections.
Reporting
What are the reporting requirements for the Elevate Collective?
Members need to submit a templated report to the Foundation six months after receiving an Elevate Award to keep us updated on your progress.
terms & conditions
What are the Elevate for Podcasters Terms and Conditions?
Read the Elevate for Podcasters Terms and Conditions
Have another question?
Email us at programs@inevitable.foundation