LINCS 2009 is closed.

LINKING INDEPENDENTS AND CO-PRODUCING STATIONS (LINCS) provides matching funds (up to $100,000) to partnerships between public television stations and independent producers. To apply for LINCS funds, independents must first approach a public television station and establish a partnership. Single documentaries and innovative genre combinations will be considered. Projects must have begun production as evidenced by a work-in-progress tape.

• Guidelines
• Building a LINCS Partnership
• How to Apply
• Budget Summary and Line-Item Budget Template
• FAQ

Have additional questions about LINCS? Email Jonathan_Archer@itvs.org or call Jonathan Archer at 415-356-8383 x284.

Deadline: July 31, 2009

Open Call provides finishing funds for single non-fiction or animation public television programs on any subject and from any viewpoint. Projects must have begun production as evidenced by a work-in-progress video.

• Guidelines
• How to Apply
• FAQ
• Online Application

Have additional questions about Open Call? Email Karim_Ahmad@itvs.org or call 415-356-8383 x259.

Deadline: February 5, 2010
The online application will be posted in September.

The ITVS International Call enables independent producers from outside of the United States to create documentaries for U.S. television. Through the International Call, storytellers from other countries introduce U.S. audiences to their global neighbors, opening a window into unfamiliar lives, experiences and perspectives.

• Guidelines
• How to Apply
• FAQ
• Production Agreement Note

Have additional questions about the International Media Development Fund? Email Joy_Scott@itvs.org or call 415-356-8383 x232.

The Diversity Development Fund is closed.

The Diversity Development Fund seeks talented minority producers to develop projects for public television. We want to support minority artists to tell their stories and reach audiences often overlooked by conventional programming. Projects must be in the research or development phase, and cannot have begun production.

• Guidelines
• How to Apply
• FAQ

Have additional questions about the Diversity Development Fund? Email Kathryn_Washington@itvs.org or call 415-356-8383 x258.

ITVS accepts proposals on an ongoing basis for projects in all genres that fall outside of the parameters of the standing initiatives (DDF, LINCS, OPEN CALL).

Producers should note that ITVS’s capacity to fund projects outside of its standing initiatives is extremely limited and highly competitive, but will consider programs for special support and funding on a case-by-case basis.

Research & Development

R&D funds may be requested for early phase activities. Examples of requests include travel, research, script development or the production of a fundraising reel.

Production

Production funds are intended for limited documentary series. Producers should apply to Open Call, LINCS or International Call for production funds for single programs.

To be considered for research and development or limited series funding, producers must meet ITVS’s definition of an independent producer, and should submit the following:

• Cover letter, stating type of funding (R&D or Production) and amount requested of ITVS;
• Two-page proposal, including brief synopsis, program description, current stage of project, and how funds will be used;
• Project budget, including specific line items requested of ITVS;
• Resume of primary producer (the applicant). Be sure to include your full contact details.

Applicants should send their printed application materials to:

Jonathan Archer, Programming Assistant
Independent Television Service (ITVS)
651 Brannan Street, Suite 410
San Francisco CA 94107