Tubi and Kickstarter Launch $250,000 Fandom Fund for Independent Filmmakers, With Streaming Deals From 2027

The new partnership will fund creator-led films and series, offering distribution through Tubi while allowing filmmakers to retain ownership. Applications for the first round are already closed.

Tubi and Kickstarter have launched a $250,000 Fandom Fund to support independent creators developing films and series, expanding their partnership to provide production financing, promotional support and distribution through the free streaming platform.

Announced on 13 November 2026, the initiative will back selected digital-first creators working across genres including horror, comedy, young adult entertainment, true crime, LGBTQ+ storytelling, reality programming and stories centered on Black communities.

Supported productions are expected to premiere exclusively on Tubi beginning in 2027, with one project receiving additional funding to develop a full-length film or television series.

Unlike a conventional open grant program, the Fandom Fund has already selected its initial recipients. Filmmakers cannot submit new applications to the current round.

How the $250,000 Fund Will Be Distributed

According to Business Insider reporting, Tubi is committing $250,000 to the initiative.

Of that amount, $150,000 will be distributed among about eight to 15 creators, while an additional $100,000 will serve as matching funding for one project intended to become a full film or series.

The companies have not publicly identified the participating projects or disclosed individual awards.

The $100,000 allocation is designated as matching funding, not an unrestricted cash grant.

Kickstarter will identify and recommend creators whose existing work shows audience engagement and potential to expand into larger audiovisual productions.

The initiative targets storytellers who have built online audiences but may lack the financing or industry relationships needed to turn their ideas into professionally distributed productions.

Selected Films and Series Will Stream on Tubi in 2027

The Fandom Fund offers more than production financing.

Projects selected through the partnership will receive promotional support and a distribution opportunity through Tubi, the free, advertising-supported streaming service owned by Fox Corporation.

Tubi reports reaching approximately 110 million monthly active users, giving participating creators access to an established streaming platform.

However, that figure represents the service’s overall audience, not the number of viewers guaranteed for individual productions.

The supported projects are expected to debut through exclusive streaming windows beginning in 2027.

Importantly, participating creators will retain ownership of their intellectual property, rather than transferring it outright to the streaming company.

Retaining ownership can help independent filmmakers preserve options for future exploitation, licensing, and other projects based on their original work.

The precise distribution windows and contractual conditions will depend on individual agreements.

Partnership Builds on Earlier Independent Film Initiative

The announcement follows Tubi and Kickstarter’s FilmStream Collective Fund partnership, introduced in 2025.

That collaboration brought more than 20 independently produced, Kickstarter-supported films to Tubi and helped selected creators complete projects for distribution.

The new Fandom Fund extends this relationship by placing greater emphasis on creators who have already built communities on digital platforms.

It also supports Tubi’s wider strategy to develop, finance, license, and acquire creator-led entertainment.

Streaming services have increasingly explored partnerships with online creators as they compete for younger audiences and seek original programming that arrives with an existing fanbase.

For independent filmmakers, these initiatives suggest a growing interest in stories and creative talent emerging outside conventional studio development systems.

Nevertheless, the new arrangement does not establish a general distribution submission route for all independent films.

Can Independent Filmmakers Apply?

Not to the current Tubi x Kickstarter Fandom Fund round.

Kickstarter’s official program page confirms that it has already selected participating projects.

Creators interested in future opportunities can subscribe to Kickstarter’s film updates, but Kickstarter has not announced a new Fandom Fund application window or future deadline.

The program’s public information does not establish a dedicated short-film category or a minimum or maximum film runtime.

Short filmmakers should therefore avoid assuming their projects will automatically qualify for any future round.

The present initiative focuses broadly on creator-led films and series, with additional support for developing a full feature or series.

Kickstarter’s Separate $1 Million Culture Fund Remains Open

Although Fandom Fund applications are closed, Kickstarter is directing filmmakers towards its existing Kickstarter Culture Fund, a separate program worth $1 million across film and other creative disciplines.

Kickstarter launched this initiative earlier in 2026, and it continues to accept applications on a rolling basis.

Selected filmmakers receive a contribution to their Kickstarter campaign, with awards beginning at $1,000, depending on the project’s needs.

The Culture Fund also offers promotional support and may provide additional campaign guidance.

To qualify, applicants must have a Kickstarter campaign that is either live or in draft and includes at least a project image and description.

Eligible campaigns must launch by 31 December 2026.

Applicants must also satisfy Kickstarter’s supported-country requirements. The scheme is not available to creators in every country.

Unlike the Fandom Fund, the Culture Fund does not promise distribution through Tubi.

Contributions are made as Kickstarter campaign pledges, meaning the project must reach its crowdfunding target before Kickstarter can release the pledged money.

Why the Partnership Matters to Independent Filmmakers

For many filmmakers, financing production is only one part of the challenge.

Finding an audience after completion can be equally difficult, especially for creators without established relationships with distributors, broadcasters, and streaming platforms.

A funding model that combines financial support with a distribution commitment may help address both obstacles.

The Tubi partnership also reflects the growing commercial value of audience relationships.

Filmmakers who have built engaged communities through short-form online content, crowdfunding campaigns or independent releases may find those audiences useful when seeking backing for larger productions.

However, this model also presents questions about access.

Because the current Fandom Fund is based on preselected creators rather than public applications, filmmakers without significant online audiences or industry connections may have fewer opportunities to participate.

The arrangement’s broader impact will depend on which projects receive support, their eventual releases and whether the partners establish further opportunities.

What Happens Next?

Tubi and Kickstarter have not yet published the complete list of Fandom Fund recipients or announced individual premiere dates.

The first supported productions are expected to reach Tubi during 2027.

Filmmakers should monitor the program for recipient announcements, distribution details, and any future application rounds.

Those seeking funding immediately can separately review the Kickstarter Culture Fund, provided they can satisfy its eligibility and campaign requirements.

Practical Details

Detail	Information
Programme	Tubi x Kickstarter Fandom Fund
Announced	13 November 2026
Reported funding	US$250,000
General creator allocation	US$150,000 across approximately 8–15 creators
Additional matching allocation	US$100,000 for one project
Project types	Creator-led films and series
Streaming	Exclusive Tubi premieres beginning 2027
IP ownership	Retained by creators
Fandom Fund applications	Closed; initial projects preselected
Separate opportunity	Kickstarter Culture Fund
Culture Fund allocation	US$1 million across creative disciplines
Culture Fund campaign launch deadline	31 December 2026