// the well it depends fund
A creative stipend for people who make podcasts & beyond
The Well It Depends Fund is a small pot of money, given away regularly (hopefully monthly), to help creators upgrade, little by little.
It's funded by our community: through ticket sales, pay-it-forward tickets, and sponsors. It's open to anyone. You don't have to be a member. You don't have to have come to an event. You just have to be making something.
// where the money comes from
Three sources, all of them us
Nothing here comes out of thin air. Every dollar in the fund comes from someone in this community deciding to put it there.
01 — event ticket sales
A slice of every ticket
For select workshops and events, a set portion of ticket revenue goes straight into the fund. You learn something; someone else gets funded.
02 — pay-it-forward tier
A ticket tier that's pure fund
Some events include an optional higher tier. The difference doesn't buy you a better seat — it goes 100% into that month's grant pool.
03 — sponsors
Brands who fund the pool
Companies can sponsor a month (or a year) of grants directly. Named in the announcement, credited with the recipient, no strings on the work itself.
// want to put money in?
Buy the pay-it-forward tier next time you grab a ticket, or sponsor a full month of grants and get named alongside the recipient.
// how it works
From application to money
- step 1
Apply
Fill out the application. It takes about 15 minutes and asks real questions — what you're making, what the money does, and what changes because of it.
- step 2
We read everything
Applications close at the end of each month. We read every one. Occasionally we'll email with a follow-up question.
- step 3
One recipient a month
We pick one project (sometimes two, if the pool is big). Money goes out within two weeks, no invoice gymnastics.
- step 4
Tell us how it went
The only requirement: a short note a couple months later about what happened. We share it (with your permission) so the next applicant knows what's possible.
// what we look for
We're not grading your download numbers
Small shows win these all the time. What we're actually reading for:
- The money unlocks something specific — not general operating vibes.
- A small amount makes a disproportionate difference to you.
- You're making something for a real audience, even a tiny one.
- You can tell us what changes because of the grant.
// questions
The fine print, in plain words
Who can apply?
Anyone making something in audio, video, or writing. You don't have to be a member, you don't have to have attended an event, and you don't have to be in the US. Well It Depends Labs and beyond.
How much money are we talking?
Usually $100–$500 per month, depending on what the fund raised. It's a creative stipend, not a salary. It's the money that gets the transcription plan renewed, the cover art redone, the trip to the interview booked.
Can I apply more than once?
Yes. If you don't get picked one month, roll your application into the next. If you did get funded, wait six months before applying again.
What can't the money be used for?
Anything that isn't the creative work: no ad spend on unrelated businesses, no crypto, no equipment you're planning to flip. If you're unsure, ask.
Do you take equity, rights, or a cut?
No. It's a grant. Your work stays yours. We'd love to feature you, but that's a request, not a condition.
How do I fund it instead of applying?
Buy a pay-it-forward ticket at any event that offers one, or email arielle@wellitdependslabs.com about sponsoring a month.
// applications are open
Ask for the money
Worst case, you spend fifteen minutes getting clearer about what your project actually needs. Best case, we send you money.
Start your application →