Public Radio Program Fund

Fiscal Year 2005

Today, public radio is providing an unprecedented level of public service. National networks, independent producers, and local stations are creating programming that is reaching more listeners than ever before. When Americans listen to public radio programming they hear excellence, credibility, integrity, and authenticity. These are the principles of public radio, the qualities toward which we strive, and the reason listeners have come to value our service so greatly.

In FY 2005, CPB has available approximately $6.4 million to invest in national programming projects in radio. In recent years, CPB funded programming projects as part of its Competitive Fund, a funding initiative that extended beyond programming. This year, this request for proposals is focused specifically on programming. Assuming that we continue to receive high quality proposals, we anticipate that we will distribute most of these funds in response to this RFP.

Purpose

CPB seeks to advance public radio's public service to an increasingly diverse American public, by supporting the creation of meaningful and significant programming that is sustainable in this rapidly evolving and competitive telecommunications environment.

Eligibility

Any person or institution may respond to this Request for Proposals (RFP). Joint proposals from multiple parties are encouraged.

Program series seeking initial CPB funding are eligible, provided that they have not been in production for more than one year.

Programs currently funded by CPB are eligible for additional CPB funding, provided that their objectives are consistent with the purpose and priorities outlined above.

Single year and multi-year projects are eligible.

CPB Review and Selection

The process will begin with CPB staff review, after which applicants may be invited to submit additional detail and to provide content samples, if appropriate. CPB may forward such additional materials to outside experts, who will advise CPB regarding each project's merits and consistency with the CPB Program Fund's purpose and priorities. Most funding decisions will occur no sooner than 10 weeks after submission. While we seek input and advice, funding decisions are CPB's alone.

This grant is closed. Applications are no longer being accepted. Check this page for updates about this initiative.

National Programming Priorities

Projects that provide realistic potential to increase the importance of public radio in the lives of more Americans.
Projects that can have widespread audience impact or system benefits.
Projects that specifically target minority and underserved listeners.
Projects that have a clear commitment to balance and objectivity in all content.
Projects that are clearly sustainable over the long term.

CPB will evaluate proposals on the basis of individual and comparative merit. CPB reserves the right to fund outstanding proposals that address the aforementioned Purpose and Priorities of the CPB Radio Program Fund but which may go beyond the priorities stated here.

More details about this fund »