This one-time initiative is designed to support Canadian producers and distributors in accessing the 2025-26 CMF Distributor Program funding.
Calgary, AB – May 16, 2025 – In response to the Canada Media Fund’s (CMF) May 1, 2025 announcement of an increased CMF Distributor Program budget to $26.897M, with a significant 40% allocated to Children’s and Youth content (amounting to $10.759M), the Rocket Fund is pleased to announce the Rocket Distributor Program, a new initiative created to boost access to this valuable funding for Canadian children’s and youth programming.
This one-time, $3M CAD program is designed for Rocket Fund to support Canadian producers in accessing this important CMF Distributor Program funding for Children’s and Youth programming by contributing towards the distribution advance through the distributor. The Rocket Fund’s investment will align with the CMF Distributor Program, including budget split for language.
“We’re thrilled to launch the new Rocket Distributor Program to support producers in unlocking vital CMF funding for children’s and youth content through the CMF Distributor Program,” says Agnes Augustin, President & CEO, Shaw Rocket Fund. “We thank the CMF for prioritizing this important audience in their 2025–26 Guidelines and look forward to continuing our role in empowering producers and distributors in bringing their visions to the screen.”
Applications will be evaluated on the strength of the creatives, audience impact, and Rocket Fund recoupment potential. To qualify, projects must meet both CMF and Rocket Fund eligibility criteria, including meeting the CMF trigger threshold. Rocket Fund’s contribution towards the distribution advance is contingent on the applicant’s success in accessing the CMF Distributor Program.
The Rocket Distributor Program will consist of a phased application process, including consultations with eligible distributors to review their slate of potential programs for the CMF Distributor Program. Projects approved in the first phase will advance to the official Rocket Fund application process for contribution consideration by the Rocket Fund Board of Directors.
Full guidelines will be released the week of May 26, 2025, and Phase 1 Consultations will begin simultaneously. Final funding decisions will be made by August 15, 2025.
For more information, please contact admin@rocketfund.ca.
