TELUS Fund finances exceptional content that promotes the well-being of people in their environment. Please review the latest Program Guidelines for definitions of capitalized terms. In case of discrepancies between these FAQs and the Program Guidelines, the Program Guidelines will prevail. Forms and Templates can be found here.
Can an emerging production company apply?
Eligible Applicants must be experienced in the business of producing comparable programming. An emerging production company can meet this requirement by including an experienced Producer or Executive Producer on the project team or forming a co-production with an established company.
Can a not-for-profit organization apply for funding?
No, only for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for financing.
Must programming be available in both English and French languages?
No, but projects with commitments from platform accessible to both languages are more competitive.
Do you finance well-being content in third languages?
Projects may include third languages, but the project must be available in either the English or French language.
Do you avoid certain health and wellness topics?
The program guidelines outline TELUS Fund’s definition of well-being, which encompasses a broad range of topics.
Do short films qualify as Programming?
Yes, but they may not be a good fit for funding. Refer to FAQs about the decision-making process for more details.
Does TELUS Fund still finance Stories for Caregiver web series?
Yes! Development financing has been earmarked for approximately five pilots and production financing for three web series aimed at caregivers.
Will TELUS Fund have a special call for Stories for Caregivers web series?
No, applicants with web series ideas aimed at caregivers must now apply for financing according to the program guidelines.
Is StoriesforCaregivers.com an eligible Platform?
Yes! StoriesforCaregivers.com meets TELUS Fund’s definition of an eligible Platform. If you have a web series idea aimed at caregivers, please email hello@storiesforcaregivers.com to obtain the necessary Platform Support Form and license from the Stories for Caregivers platform to meet the requirements of the program guidelines.
Do I need to obtain support from a Health Organization?
Yes, applicants with web series ideas aimed at Canadian caregivers must now meet the same eligibility requirements as all other applicants and apply at the same deadline dates.
Do I have to hire a Marketing Agency or budget for marketing expenses?
No, Stories for Caregivers web series benefit from marketing expertise and audience development managed by S4C Media Inc. Additional marketing expertise and budget allocations are not required.
Can I apply for production financing if I've already started production?
You can apply for production financing any time before delivering the completed project to the platform. If the project is already completed, you may seek post-launch financing.
Can I request development financing if I have a green light for production?
It depends on your production timeline. Sufficient time must remain to complete the development stage before the start of production.
Is post-launch financing available for projects that did not receive production financing?
Yes, provided your project has achieved over 20,000 views for the feature-length film or an average of 20,000 views per episode for the series, and you have obtained support for your post-launch plan from Key Partners.
TV and web series must wait to apply for post-launch financing until after all episodes of the final season have premiered.
Health Organizations play a crucial role in ensuring the project aligns with the Fund’s mandate. Their feedback is essential for verifying research, minimizing editorial bias, and upholding the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, fairness, and comprehensiveness.
Do individual healthcare professionals qualify as a Health Organization?
No, individual healthcare professionals do not qualify, but their support may strengthen your application.
Do I need support from more than one Health Organization?
At least one support form is required, but multiple Health Organization Support Forms from across Canada will strengthen your application.
Do Knowledge Keepers (traditional healers) within First Nations Communities meet the Fund’s definition of a Health Organization?
For projects aimed at positively impacting the well-being of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, the Fund welcomes Health Organization Support Forms from Indigenous Healing Specialists, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders recognized by their communities. This approach acknowledges and values the unique perspectives and traditional practices of healthcare within Indigenous populations.
I missed the date to confirm eligibility of my Health Organization(s). Can I still submit my application?
Yes, you can include their support form with your application, but if the Health Organization is not accepted, the application will be immediately withdrawn.
My Health Organization also raises awareness of the well-being issue, solicits donations, funds research, and advocates to influence policies. Do these other activities impact their eligibility as a Health Organization?
Health Organizations can be involved in all these activities provided they also have direct experience delivering healthcare services in Canada that are relevant to the story. These services may encompass a wide range of medical and health-related offerings aimed at promoting health and enhancing overall well-being of people.
Where can I find more information about authorized medical practitioners?
Here is a listing of regulated health professionals in Canada by province to help you get started. The authorized medical practitioner must hold formal medical qualifications and be actively registered with a Canadian medical regulatory authority (e.g. college or board). They must also be willing to provide feedback on the creative materials.
The Health Organization is willing to contract an authorized medical professional to provide feedback for my project. Does this meet the Fund’s requirement for at least one authorized medical professional “on their team”?
Yes. The Fund uses a broad definition of “on the team” that may include for example staff, contractors, members, volunteers, and the board of directors at the Health Organization. A brief bio for the individual must be included within the Health Organization Support Form demonstrating their qualifications and experience delivering healthcare services relevant to the story.
I am resubmitting an application for funding for a previously declined project. Can I upload prior Health Organization Support Forms into the application form?
No, the Health Organization must complete the most current online support form to meet minimum eligibility requirements. Expert Organization Support Forms from 2024 and earlier will not be considered.
Where can I find a listing of Health Organizations that have been previously approved by TELUS Fund?
A list is not published. However, many funded projects thank their Health Organizations in the final credits of the Programming. Check out the showcase of Funded Projects to learn more.
Platforms are essential for ensuring accessibility and audience development for your project in Canada.
Must the Platform be owned by Canadians?
No, it just needs to be accessible across Canada.
Is the Platform Support Form binding to the Platform?
No, the form is used to demonstrate support for the project and confirm eligibility requirements. It is not a binding agreement.
Is a non-theatrical distributor with a streaming service to libraries and schools an eligible Platform?
No, intermediary distributors and sales agents undertaking to sell the Programming on your behalf to other entities that will then make the Programming accessible by Canadians do not meet TELUS Fund’s definition of an eligible Platform.
Can I use a YouTube channel as an eligible platform?
Yes, provided it meets specific criteria outlined in the program guidelines.
I am resubmitting an application for funding for a previously declined project. Can I upload the prior Platform Support Forms into the application form?
No, the Platform must complete the most current online support form to meet minimum eligibility requirements. Platform Support Forms from 2024 and earlier will not be considered.
Where can I find a listing of Platforms that have been previously approved by TELUS Fund?
TELUS Fund does not currently have a listing. Check out the showcase of Funded Projects and all the platforms on which funded projects can be watched.
Is StoriesforCaregivers.com an eligible Platform?
Yes, StoriesforCaregivers.com is a CAVCO-approved Online Service that meets their “shown in Canada” requirement and is accessible across Canada.
Can Platforms and Health Organizations also be Audience Ambassadors?
Yes, they may also qualify as Audience Ambassadors, but they have their own support forms. There is no need for them to also complete the Audience Ambassador Support Form.
Can I apply for funding without a pitch video or sizzle reel?
No, applications for development financing must include a pitch video of less than three minutes that describes the project and why it matters.
Applications for production financing must include a professional sizzle reel, trailer, or pilot episode.
Is there a minimum or maximum length for the sizzle reel?
While there is no minimum or maximum length specified in the guidelines, typically sizzle reels and trailers are less than 3 minutes in length.
Is there a minimum required budget for the Comprehensive Audience Development Plan (CADP)?
Yes, successful submissions receive funding to meet minimum allocations for a pre-approved Marketing Agency and the CADP. The amounts are outlined in the program guidelines.
Exception: Stories for Caregivers web series benefit from marketing expertise and audience development managed by S4C Media Inc. Additional marketing expertise and budget allocations are not required.
Do all costs related to the Comprehensive Audience Development Plan (CADP) need to be in the project budget?
Ideally, all costs related to the Comprehensive Audience Development Plan (CADP) should be included in the project budget. However, if another financial source has different requirements for the CADP, you can propose a separate budget for audience development costs. TELUS Fund may accept this separate budget on a case-by-case basis, if it does not compromise the Fund's repayment or credit position.
What is the average, minimum and maximum budgets of projects financed by TELUS Fund?
The average level of financing and budget size is provided within the program guidelines. Minimum and maximum budget levels by stage of financing are not currently available.
Does the Fund have standard budget templates and business policies?
Yes, download the budget for your stage of financing from the Forms and Templates webpage. For business policies, the TELUS Fund refers to existing and generally recognized industry practices.
Why is a Marketing Agency required and minimum allocations for marketing?
Over the past decade, TELUS Fund has gathered the best practices and data that show producer-led marketing ensures well-being content effectively reaches audiences. Producers that engage marketing agencies with proven expertise in audience development can significantly improve a project’s reach, engagement, and overall impact. This requirement positions producers and their projects for success while helping ensure TELUS Fund achieves its mandate.
What qualifies as a pre-approved Marketing Agency?
The pre-approved Marketing Agencies on the TELUS Fund website have demonstrated a proven record of creating and executing Comprehensive Development Plans (CADP) for at least three recent Canadian screen projects. They have the in-house capacity and expertise to activate omni-channel audience engagement strategies, audience targeting, and key performance indicator tracking.
Can I hire a different company or do the work in-house?
No, successful submissions receive funding to secure the services of a pre-approved Marketing Agency to create and execute the CADP.
Exception: In the program guidelines, three exceptional cases have been identified where alternative marketing expertise may be considered, including Stories for Caregivers web series which benefit from marketing expertise and audience development managed by S4C Media Inc.
When should I contact the Marketing Agency?
At the time of making an application for financing to TELUS Fund. In the application form you will be asked to identify the pre-approved Marketing Agency that will create and execute the CADP and the amount you have allocated in the budget for their services.
What will the Marketing Agency require and how much do they cost?
Each of the pre-approved Marketing Agencies has their own onboarding processes and fees for services. Check with the agency to confirm their requirements.
Who makes funding decisions?
Funding decisions are made by an independent Board, separate from TELUS Corporation, government and industry.
How long does it take to receive a funding decision?
Applicants usually receive an acknowledgment email within 5 to 10 business days. The Board typically makes decisions within 8 to 10 weeks depending on the volume of applications.
Are projects with confirmed financing from other entities more likely to receive financing from the Fund?
Yes, applications that have secured financing from other sources are often viewed more favorably, as they demonstrate readiness to proceed.
Are series and mini-series more likely to receive funding than one-off films?
Not necessarily. One-off films and mini-series face unique audience development challenges. To be competitive, projects with fewer episodes typically require strong support from platforms and resources for ample complementary content to support audience development over an extended period.
Can I apply with multiple applications?
Yes, but you will be asked to demonstrate all submissions are feasible before selecting more than one for funding.
How many times may I apply for funding with the same project?
You may apply for development financing first, followed by production and then post-launch financing after the project launches. If your project is declined, you may reapply once more at the same funding stage, provided there is increased support from Key Partners and other financial sources.
Do you assist disabled creators with preparing paperwork?
No, TELUS Fund does not have resources available to assist with preparing paperwork.
Can funding be offered lower than the amount requested?
Yes, the TELUS Fund’s budget may not cover the full requested amount for all worthy projects.
How do tax credits treat financing from the Fund?
Provincial and federal tax credit policies vary, so applicants should consult with relevant authorities. Generally, financing from the Fund is treated as a grant or “assistance”, reducing the tax credit.
Is the funding repayable?
Yes, the Fund provides a recoupable advance similar in nature to an unsecured, non-interest bearing, forgivable loan. The Fund does not acquire an equity interest in the copyright or participate in profits.
At the development stage, financing is repayable to the TELUS Fund if the project moves forward to the next stage or if the rights are transferred, sold or exploited in any manner. At the production stage, financing is repayable from production revenue, if any is earned. At the post-launch stage, financing is repayable from the producer’s share of production revenue, if any is earned.
When will I receive funding if my application is successful?
Funding will be advanced once you have secured 100% of other required financial sources.
What is the payment schedule?
At the development and post-launch stages, TELUS Fund financing is allocated over 2 to 3 payments, depending on the complexities of the project and the amount of financing from the Fund. In the case of 2 payments, they are typically: 80% upon signing the financing agreement and 20% upon receipt of final deliverables.
At the production stage, TELUS Fund financing is typically allocated over 3 to 4 payments, depending on the complexities of the project and the amount of financing from the Fund. In the case of 3 payments, they are typically: 60% upon signing the financing agreement, 30% upon start of pre-launch, and 10% upon receipt of final deliverables.
Where must the TELUS Fund’s credit appear?
TELUS Fund’s credit should be prominently placed wherever the project appears worldwide. This includes all versions of programming, promotional materials, learning resources, short videos, advertising and social media posts.
You can find the TELUS Fund logo package and usage guidelines on our website.
Why is prominent credit placement required?
Prominent credit placement increases awareness of funding opportunities for the creation of exceptional well-being content.
What if other financial sources have different credit placement requirements?
Producers must ensure that all agreements related to the project do not conflict with TELUS Fund’s credit requirements. A mock-up of the credits must be submitted for approval before project completion.
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