Foundations Programs: Public Television
GUNS, GERMS and STEEL, an educational series on natural history and geography produced for PBS by the National Geographic Society, Washington, DC
The Foundations are interested in public television as an educational medium. Grants primarily provide partial support for major series with lasting educational value that are assured of national airing by PBS. Consideration is given on occasion to single stand-alone programs of exceptional merit.
Preference is given to programs of enduring value on subjects such as history and science. Programs whose primary purpose is advocacy, topical news coverage or entertainment are unlikely to be competitive. The contribution to teaching in grades K-12, higher and continuing education is a consideration in evaluating proposals. Children's series are of particular interest.
Consideration also will be given to innovative uses of public television (including online efforts) that enhance educational outreach in schools and communities.
Proposals for "capstone" grants to complete production funding are preferred. Initial research and pre-production funding are seldom supported. Neither multiyear grants nor annual funding of continuing series are normally considered. Recent "capstone" production grants have ranged from $100,000 to $400,000.
