#USA #Washington #Podcasting Fund #Sequel Agency #LWC Studios

LWC Studios Celebrates a Major Milestone

On June 1, 2025, LWC Studios proudly announced the significant achievement of awarding its 300th grant through the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund since its inception in 2021. This milestone highlights the commitment of LWC Studios to support diverse voices in the podcasting industry, providing crucial financial assistance to help creators submit their works for consideration in prestigious awards programs.

The Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund was established to empower podcasters from marginalized backgrounds, ensuring that underrepresented creators have the opportunity to showcase their work in notable competitions. The fund has enabled beneficiaries to enter their podcasts into esteemed awards ceremonies such as the Ambies, Webby Awards, International Women’s Podcast Awards, Tribeca Film Festival, and many others.

As the operational steward of this fund, LWC Studios collaborates with AIR, a financial sponsor, to alleviate the financial burdens associated with award submissions for content creators. Each eligible creator can receive grants of up to $200 annually to cover submission fees, in addition to reimbursement for up to $500 per year for digital audio production training expenses. This dual-support structure not only assists in covering costs but also enhances the skill sets of creators—an investment in both their current projects and future industry contributions.

In an exciting development, LWC Studios has also welcomed Canadian creative agency Sequel as a new partner for the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund. With Sequel's backing, the fund will continue its mission of nurturing and expanding the pool of podcasting talent, particularly focusing on supporting indie creators and those from emerging backgrounds, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), queer, and transgender producers. This partnership will enhance pathways for these creators to submit their work to award competitions and pursue professional development through grant-funded training opportunities.

Tori Allen, co-founder of Sequel, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Throughout my career—from CBC Radio to international journalism to brand storytelling—there have always been mentors creating space for voices like mine to be heard. This support has shaped who I am today and motivated me to establish Sequel: to help new voices break through and thrive, especially in Canada. Partnering with the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund is a meaningful way to celebrate Sequel's first anniversary, and it embodies the inclusive, possibility-filled podcast landscape we aim to foster."

Juleyka Lantigua, the founder and CEO of LWC Studios, echoed this sentiment. She remarked, "Sequel is an ideal partner for our fund because they exemplify the values on which it is built: innovation and inclusivity, embodying the spirit of ‘lifting as we climb.’"

The fund remains open for applications for reimbursement of submission fees throughout the year, and eligible independent creators must reside in Canada, the UK, the US, or Australia. Interested creators can apply for funding through the Podcasting, Seriously website. Support for the fund can also be provided through platforms like Patreon, AIR, and Buy Me a Coffee.

As LWC Studios showcases its dedication to fostering a diverse podcasting environment, reaching this milestone of 300 grants is not just a number; it signifies a commitment to amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive storytelling landscape in the podcasting arena.