Heather Elder’s Post

Hope this message finds you well as we approach the end of the year! I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and encouragement this community has given me on this journey to bring Good Chance to the screen. This project has always been about more than just making a film; it’s about amplifying stories that reflect our shared humanity. In today’s world, as we see divisions grow deeper, Good Chance is a reminder of what unites us. The film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a trans teen girl and an older Asian woman—two people who, despite their differences, discover the love and connection they’ve been missing. It’s about finding family in unexpected places and seeing beyond labels, race, and identities to the heart of what makes us human. This is why I’m reaching out now. As the year draws to a close, if you’re considering making CHARITABLE DONATIONS to offset taxes, I wanted to share this meaningful opportunity to do so. Good Chance is fiscally sponsored by Breaking Through The Lens, allowing us to offer full US tax deductions on all contributions. Your support not only helps bring this important story to the screen but also makes a direct impact by promoting empathy, resilience, and inclusivity. If there’s ever been a time to support stories that challenge divisive narratives, it’s now. Your contribution could help us fill a gap in the stories that are told—stories that reflect the lives of people who are too often overlooked. Whether it’s $10, $100, $1,000, or whatever amount feels right for you, every donation helps us get closer to sharing this story with the world. And if you’re looking for a way to make a difference while benefiting from a tax write-off, this is a perfect opportunity. DONATE NOW: https://bit.ly/gcfundraise Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this journey—whether through introductions, advice, or simply believing in the power of storytelling. I look forward to updating you on our progress and celebrating this film together!

Hello everyone!  What are you doing right now? Can I take a guess? Working to make money? How about doing what the gov wants you to do? So. What about everything else? EVERYTHING else? There is a huge universe out there. And we are discovering more that we don't know every day. Now, what is your Plan A? Work hard all your life and strictly obey every government rule? And then drop dead? Glad to have had you here with us! That plan has made such a difference! NOT! Many lifetimes ago artist Gere Anderson and I had a great talk about this subject. My recollection: Ms. Gere invested an awful lot of her time in painting and teaching painting. Why? It did not make much money for her. It did not make her the darling of any government. Her point was that there is value in things that are neither money makers nor politically desirable. According to Gere, one of those things with value is art. And according to Gere, it is not enough to view art (like listening to music). You must play the music. You must create art. It is all in you. Unique. No one can command you to create it. It is YOUR creation. If you do not try, you will never know. So. Thinking about any changes in your future? Not enough time? While you are thinking, what about making a donation to Gere's charities? And these were all charities Gere supported while she was alive. Or you can donate to the Geraldine Anderson Trust? Now, finally, how close do you think you are to not needing an employer and not needing governments? See "Happy People: A Year in the Taiga" https://lnkd.in/eNhWTeiJ You may be much closer than you think! #art #independence #money #work #career #laws #obedience #dissent #freedom #life #charity #cost #benefit #time #loveforall

Please never under estimate the power of video when it comes to seeking donors or funding. I speak to charities, foundations and other CIC companies almost on a daily basis and it's clear those who embrace video and use it as an investment to secure further funding are more successful in doing so. Introductory videos serve a purpose, but allowing time to really get to the emotional heart of the charity and more importantly service users can really sway a funding officer. Let them see the impact of how the fund will be spend and how it can effect real lives. Case in point, Bader Media CIC created this short documentary for a charity in Berwick Upon Tweed called Memory Laners. They were struggling financially and were under threat of closing the doors. We didn't have long with them, but we managed to capture what Memory Laners meant to the families and the local community. This documentary was used to forefront their National Lottery bid, reducing the lottery officer to tears and securing funding for the next 5 years. Have family members who suffered from Dementia and who would have loved to visit a charity like Memory Laners, I was so proud of being able to help through our video work. Do drop me a message, even if it's just for a general chat about how a video could work for your charity, project or organisation and I'll be more than happy to guide you through to help with those donors and funding bids. https://lnkd.in/dzUEd4zm Real People, Real Voices, Real Stories www.badermediacic.com #funding #video #donors #support #forwardthinking

New Blog = New Opportunity to Get Educated with KCWS! https://lnkd.in/giJQdH6h As conversations have risen around the origins and generational impacts of domestic abuse with the recent release of the feature film, It Ends with Us, we're here to talk about fact vs. fiction on issues around the cycle of abuse, and how programs, practice and policy can improve survivor support efforts. Read our article today to learn more about how ending domestic abuse truly "Starts with Us."

Learn more about the impacts of hate in our community.

Helps to put into perspective from a professionals point of view, how peer support is the key to success for families going through life changing experiences.

A time of reflection: The results of the U.S. elections shocked many, including those of us at The Athena Advisors. Our mission is to guide nonprofits involved in social justice to achieve their mission through excellence in capacity-building and fundraising. The work of our clients is vital to a peaceful, just world. Our clients are involved in independent investigative journalism, peace and reconciliation, environmental research and global collaborations to address climate change, racial and economic justice, and education for all children. We can’t know the full impact of a second Trump administration, but we do know that philanthropy will be affected. We know that our clients will be affected, past, current, and potential. In these difficult times, we stand with pride by our clients. The world is a better place because of them. https://lnkd.in/eAkRbTZA #reflections #elections #nonprofit #fundraisingconsultancy #philanthropy

Here are 3 themes I’ve noticed from entries in this year’s Smiley Charity Film Awards: - High profile talent lending their time & voices to films From Dame Judi Dench to Richard Branson, actors, musicians, and more, it’s incredible to see such a diverse group step forward and support a cause. Many of them share their personal connections to the causes too. - Storytelling is (still) key Star power isn’t everything. Some of the most impactful films I’ve watched aren’t fronted by familiar faces. They’re driven by meaningful storytelling, showing us that every story, big or small, deserves to be told. - All about positivity I’ve noticed a shift in the narrative tone this year. Many films have a positive, change-making focus. They highlight solutions, progress, and the light in difficult situations. It’s been such a privilege to see the creativity and passion behind this year’s entries. Why not watch some of the films yourself? Go to smileycharityfilmawards[dot]com/films and watch a selection of this year’s entries! Or see if your favourite charity has entered a film. Don’t forget to cast a vote while you’re there 🙂

I want to take a moment to highlight an incredible client doing truly meaningful work: Actors PLAYground. Amber Ryan Cepkauskas, the owner and creative director, along with her husband, Matt Cepkauskas, have poured their hearts into creating a space where kids can not only learn the art of theater but also build confidence, find their voices, and develop skills like empathy and teamwork. It’s not just about acting—it’s about helping young people grow into their authentic selves. Amber has deep roots in theater, and Actors PLAYground is her labor of love. This year, they’re going all in: leasing a space, casting shows and seeking grant funding to keep this dream alive. And they’re investing in doing it right—while still respecting the reality of a nonprofit budget. I’ve had the privilege of working with Amber and Matt before, and they are, simply put, amazing humans. And they surround themselves with talented, kind-hearted people who share their passion for helping kids thrive. Getting to collaborate with them on this journey has been a professional high point for me. As many of you know, youth activities are rarely about creating future stars—they’re about teaching life lessons. Theater teaches skills that carry kids forward for life: confidence, collaboration, creativity. Amber and Matt know this, and they’ve built something special that deserves our attention. If you’re looking for a way to support a local nonprofit that’s making a difference in kids’ lives, I highly encourage you to learn more about Actors PLAYground—and if you're so inclined, consider donating to help them continue this important work. Learn more and donate here: https://lnkd.in/gbzXGMeJ   #YouthTheater #Nonprofit #CommunitySupport #ActorsPLAYground #GivingBack #ConfidenceThroughTheater #SupportLocalTheater

"Loaded For Bear: A Documentary" is offering an inside-the-room look at the making of a film with the help of an incredible group of mentally challenged and neurodiverse artists. Support the film here: https://lnkd.in/eB-FiXrY #documentary #docs #filmmakers #filmmaking #film #nonprofit #nonprofits #change #changemakers #impact #watch #docc #documentaries