Programs
The Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF) funds community-owned and -led media and internet projects in the Greater Philadelphia area. The foundation envisions a local media landscape that truly reflects the diverse and complex lived experiences of its residents by moving resources to communities historically harmed by systems of oppression and media erasure.
The Problem We are Trying to Solve
Media has been and continues to be co-opted by white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, and other forms of oppression. This results in the spread of harmful, limited and inaccurate narratives that exploit and disempower communities, silencing their voices and experiences, and perpetuating oppression while reinforcing power structures.
Media as a Tool for Justice
The foundation’s program goals reflect an inclusive definition of media, including community storytelling, internet for all, and media for movement building, as a catalyst for social justice.
Through the Community Voices open call, the Local Filmmaker Fund, and invited proposals, IPMF supports the building and strengthening networks of people who are creating and shaping narratives that educate, inspire, and encourage action toward a more liberatory future.
What We Fund
We Prioritize organizations and projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Are led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, people who are LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, economically disadvantaged and working-class people, immigrants and refugees, youth, and people directly impacted by mass incarceration;
- Serve communities that experience the most harmful effects of systemic racism and other forms of oppressions;
- Directly address and disrupt systemic inequality;
- Imagine and design alternative realities built on courage, equity, justice, belonging, and/or joy.
- Must be based in the Greater Philadelphia region (this includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania. Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey. And, New Castle County, Delaware).
Additionally, we are pursuing initiatives to:
- Strengthen existing and create new neighborhood community media making centers in the region.
- Expand funding and funder partnerships for community media and narrative power in the region.
- Model and encourage philanthropic practices and relationship-building that center trust, patience, partnership, and accountability to communities.
See our glossary for definitions of terms we use to describe our work
Community Storytelling
The Community Storytelling program supports storytelling that centers, preserves, and highlights the complex experiences of diverse and marginalized communities through a lens of care and compassion.
Internet for All
The Internet for All program aims to help communities get and stay connected to the internet in order to access the information and resources they need to have agency and thrive.
Narrative Shift for Movement Building
The Narrative Shift for Movement Building program supports movements that use media to challenge systemic oppression, build collective power, and shape policies reflecting holistic, collective needs.