PodGround Opens Applications for Third Creator Micro-Grant of 2026, Welcomes VOLT Productions as New Grant Sponsor

PodGround has opened applications for its third and final Creator Micro-Grant of 2026, continuing its mission to help independent podcasters create sustainably through funding, education, and community.

This grant cycle introduces a new industry partner, VOLT Productions, which will sponsor one of the two $500 Creator Micro-Grants. Returning partner RSS.com will once again provide one year of free podcast hosting for each winner, helping recipients invest in both the creative and technical sides of podcasting. VOLT Productions is a full-service podcast production agency that helps entrepreneurs and creators launch, grow, and monetize podcasts through strategy, production, and education, with a focus on care, connection, and authentic storytelling.

Applications are open September 1st through 12th at PodGround.io/grant.

Starting a podcast is easier than ever. Sticking with it is another story.

Every week, independent creators spend hours recording, editing, publishing, promoting, and growing their shows, often while balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and everything else life brings. The PodGround Creator Micro-Grant was created to help creators keep going by combining financial support with community, education, and industry recognition.

“Every grant cycle reminds us that incredible podcasts are being built quietly, often by creators juggling work, family, and countless other responsibilities,” said Remi Roy Osi, founder of PodGround. “The grant provides financial support, but just as importantly, it tells creators: we see what you’re building, and we believe it matters. That’s the kind of community we’re creating.”

About the Creator Micro-Grant

Two independent podcasters will each receive a $500 Creator Micro-Grant to invest in podcast production, equipment, software, marketing, creative development, audience growth, or other podcast-related expenses.

Thanks to RSS.com, each winner will also receive one year of complimentary podcast hosting, reducing production costs while providing reliable infrastructure as they continue growing their shows.

New this cycle, one grant is open to all eligible applicants, while the second is dedicated to an active PodGround Pro member as an added benefit of membership.

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• The impact of their podcast
• Clarity of their vision
• How the grant will help move their show forward

Supported by Industry Partners

The PodGround Creator Micro-Grant is made possible through partnerships with organizations that believe independent creators deserve meaningful support.

This cycle, VOLT Productions, joins the program as the official sponsor of one of the two Creator Micro-Grants. Since launching in 2021, the agency has helped launch dozens of podcasts while supporting entrepreneurs in turning their expertise into influential, purpose-driven shows.

“At VOLT Productions, we believe every creator with a meaningful message deserves the opportunity to be heard. We’re proud to partner with PodGround to support independent podcasters who are building communities, creating impact, and showing up consistently for their audiences.”

— Simona Costantini, Founder & CEO, VOLT Productions

Returning partner RSS.com continues its support by providing one year of complimentary podcast hosting to each grant recipient, helping creators reduce costs while building sustainable shows.

Judging Panel

This cycle’s judging panel includes respected voices from across the podcast industry:

• Simona Costantini — Founder & CEO, VOLT Productions
• Gab Burke — Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• Marc Ronik — Empowered Podcasting Conference
• Leah Bryant — Podcasting Problem Solver Podcast

Additional judges and industry experts may be announced throughout the application period.

Building on Two Successful Grant Cycles

Since launching in early 2026, the PodGround Creator Micro-Grant has supported independent podcasters whose work spans health, entrepreneurship, financial education, personal growth, and community impact.

Previous recipients include:

Cody Hufstedler, host of Dying To Tell You, a podcast sharing deeply human conversations with people facing serious illness and life-changing diagnoses.

Denise Hamilton-Mace, host of The Mindful Drinking & Moderation in Midlife Podcast, helping listeners build a healthier relationship with alcohol through thoughtful, judgment-free conversations.

Keri Henderson, host of The Kickback with Keri, amplifying Black-owned businesses and purpose-driven founders while sharing practical lessons for entrepreneurs.

Adriana Galvan, host of Adriana Talks Dinero, a bilingual financial literacy podcast helping English- and Spanish-speaking audiences build confidence around money, investing, debt, and wealth-building.

Together, these creators represent the kinds of podcasts PodGround is committed to supporting: independent voices creating meaningful content, serving their communities, and helping listeners learn, connect, and grow.

Beyond funding, recipients become part of a growing community of creators who continue supporting one another through collaboration, accountability, live strategy sessions, feedback, and shared learning.

More Than a Grant

The Creator Micro-Grant is part of PodGround’s broader mission to help independent podcasters create sustainably.

While podcasting continues to grow, many creators still struggle with isolation, consistency, audience growth, and the day-to-day demands of producing a show. PodGround was built to address those challenges by creating a dedicated space where podcasters can connect with peers, learn practical skills, share feedback, and build momentum together.

The platform combines workflow tools. community networking, educational resources, live events, and accountability opportunities designed specifically for independent creators.

Features include:

• Community hub for networking, collaboration, and guest connections
• Resource library with video lessons and action guides
• Live workshops, strategy sessions, and meetups
• Virtual co-working sessions for accountability and support
• Podcast-connected profiles that make it easy to discover and engage with fellow creators
• Workflow tools coming soon.

Since launching, the Creator Micro-Grant has grown into more than a funding initiative. It has become a community-driven program that combines financial support, industry mentorship, live coaching, and peer connection to help independent podcasters keep creating.

What PodGround Members Are Saying

“I wanted to thank you for the amazing community you’re creating. I subscribed to several podcasting groups and communities, and PodGround is the only one I consistently show up for because it feels like I’ve found my tribe.”

— Cecile L., host of Living the Dream: Women Reinventing Their Careers Abroad

“The guidance I received on SEO and podcast visibility was incredibly helpful. What I value most about PodGround is knowing I’m not doing this completely on my own anymore.”

— Hilary H., host of Sorry, It’s Discontinued

About PodGround

PodGround is a community-powered platform designed to help independent podcasters connect, learn, and grow together.

Founded by podcaster and community builder Remi Roy Osi, PodGround helps creators reduce isolation, build momentum, and sustain their shows through collaboration, accountability, education, and community support.

From networking opportunities and educational resources to live events and direct funding opportunities, PodGround is building a future where independent podcasters don’t have to grow alone.

The mission is simple: help more podcasters keep going.

Applications for the third PodGround Creator Micro-Grant are now open.

Learn more and apply at PodGround.io/grant.