Celebrating 300 Grants: Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund Grows with New Partnership

Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund Reaches Landmark With 300 Grants

On May 30, 2025, LWC Studios made an exciting announcement that marks a significant milestone for the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund, which has successfully awarded its 300th grant since its inception in 2021. This fund aims to empower and support independent podcasters, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and has been a game changer in the podcasting industry.

Since its establishment, the fund has distributed financial assistance to numerous recipients, enabling them to submit entries for prestigious awards in the industry, including The Ambies, Webby Awards, International Women's Podcast Awards, Tribeca Film Festival, Radio Academy Audio Industry Awards (ARIAS), British Podcast Awards, Black Podcasting Awards, Australian Podcast Awards, and the George Polk Award. This diverse array of supported awards highlights the fund's commitment to excellence and inclusivity within the podcasting community.

Operating as a non-profit, the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund is financially backed by AIR (the Association of Independents in Radio) and has facilitated the waiver of submission fees for producers, editors, and other creators involved in the podcast production process. Each creator is eligible for reimbursement of up to $200 per year for submission costs. Moreover, the fund also allocates up to $500 each year to cover training costs related to digital audio production.

In a significant move, LWC Studios has announced a new partnership with Canadian creative agency Sequel. With this partnership, the fund aims to further support and deepen the pool of talent in the podcasting industry, providing independent and early-career BIPOC, queer, and transgender producers with more pathways to submit their work for awards and competitions. Additionally, the partnership offers professional development training supported by the fund to empower creators in their careers.

Tori Allen, co-founder of Sequel, shared her excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Throughout my career — from CBC Radio to international reporting, and storytelling for brands — I have had mentors who encouraged me as a woman of color, queer and transgender, to express my voice. This support has shaped me, and that's a vital reason I founded Sequel — to assist new voices in breaking through barriers and thriving, especially in Canada. Partnering with the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund is not only a meaningful way to celebrate Sequel's first anniversary, but also reflects our ambition to help build an inclusive and opportunity-rich podcasting industry."

Juleyka Lantigua, founder and CEO of LWC Studios, remarked, "Sequel is the ideal fund partner because it reflects the values upon which this fund was built: creativity and inclusion, fostering growth both personally and for others."

The fund accepts expense reimbursement applications year-round. Eligible independent producers must be located in Canada, the UK, the US, or Australia. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance diversity and representation in the podcasting space, enabling creators from various backgrounds to showcase their talents and connect with broader audiences.

For those interested in applying or seeking support, applications are open, and you can follow the link to apply PodcastingSeriously.com/Fund. The fund invites supporters to contribute via Patreon, AIR, and Buy Me a Coffee to help sustain its mission and continue shaping the future of podcasting.

This landmark moment of reaching 300 grants awarded showcases the progress and potential of the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund as it advances its goal to support creators and bring diverse narratives into the mainstream podcasting landscape.