Young Camden Foundation’s Post

We're almost there at The Paper Bear! What a journey that has taken years! Step 1). Start a relatively small charitable film project as a direct charitable activity with the JWC Foundation Step 2). Convert that small, direct charitable activity film project into a full-on nonprofit to complete what has become a vision for a feature-length film that will help educate/inspire millions. (Woah.) Step 3). Raise around $1.5 million to fund the nonprofit feature film and donate countless hours to the cause. (Thank you to all our amazing supporters for believing in us!) Step 4). Assemble a production crew and international animation team to complete the feature film. (I'm still unsure how we pulled that off, but what a world-class team, and man, have I learned A LOT! All of you are rockstars.) Step 5). Exploring distributing partners, submitting to film festivals, and preparing for public screenings (TBD, but keeping my fingers crossed) It has been an incredible journey that has taken me on a roller coaster ride of a lifetime, but I wouldn't change a thing.

💸 FUNDING: Up to £25,000 💸 #Film #TV #Cinema Black and Global Majority Talent in the UK Audiovisual Industry Deadline for first round: 30th June 2024 If you are a Black and Global Majority owned or led organisation or production company who works behind the scenes in film, TV, or cinema, then you may be eligible to apply for a Reel Impact grant of up to £25,000. ____ Reel Impact is a new programme of support for Black and Global Majority individuals and Black and Global Majority-led production companies and organisations working behind the scenes in film, TV and cinema in the UK. The programme offers grants to support skills and leadership development, and networking opportunities, all with the aim of addressing systemic racism in the industry. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for individuals and up to £25,000 for organisations. Applications are invited from: ⚫ Black and Global Majority individuals and organisations who exist to uphold anti-racism practices in the industry. ⚫ Black-led or owned production companies or organisations, running existing, new and innovative projects who want to scale up, build sustainability or enhance their capacity to provide support, opportunities and inspiration for Black and Global Majority Talent. ⚫ Black and Global Majority individuals, wanting to enhance their career, and those of others. The funder is defining Black and Global Majority to mean people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and/ or have been racialised as ‘ethnic minorities’. Applications for the first round of funding are open until 30 June 2024. https://lnkd.in/e-TKdzuM

Watch this short video to understand what I want to fundraise for, it’s an incredible charity working to serve those in need. https://lnkd.in/eSjyVYmQ https://lnkd.in/e6Fzw27N

Another opportunity to see Doug Menuez' "Because of You, I Am" Film! FOR A FILM SCREENING of “Because of You, I am” by filmmaker and artist Doug Menuez and executive producer Pear Urushima. The film is a short documentary about Roy and PJ Hirabayashi, founders of San Jose Taiko and pioneers of North American taiko, a form of drumming with roots in Japanese culture that is influenced by other notable genres. Taiko is more than a musical form for the Hirabayashis – it is about way of life and a medium of expression that allows you to find your voice. Following the film screening, Pear, Doug, PJ and Roy, will have a conversation about the film, PJ & Roy's 50 years of taiko, and what’s next for them. How to Join: LINK IN BIO - Please note that you must be signed in to your AARP.org account or create an account to register for events. AARP membership is not required. https://lnkd.in/gCnvuDRV

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

Sometimes coincidences are just too extraordinary.   This week, I was surprised by a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift by one of our Pledgers. Inside I found a copy of A Christmas Carol, and a note. It said that only on re-reading it as an adult, did they realise that it's not just a Gothic horror - but set out Dickens' philosophy of social responsibility, which is the idea that people are accountable to each other and have a duty to help one another, and that business has a particular role to play.   “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”   And then, yesterday Thought for the Day was the Rev Jayne Manfredi reflecting on Scrooge's questions - “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” in response to two gentlemen asking for a donation to help the poor during Christmas. She remembers her earlier career, teaching, and the young people, often boys, who start off on a path to exclusion and often prison. It's a staggering three minutes and I've linked to it below so you can listen too. Fair warning - I'm on my fourth listen, and I've cried every time.    As Christmas nears and a break beckons - I'm tired, and I'm looking forward to a rest. But I'm also looking forward to driving this forward again in January.    We're building a pipeline of investments that will help to improve the life chances of pupils who are excluded, in care, have come out the other side of care, who are at risk of homelessness, or already are.    And we'll be doing that fuelled by investments from local government (more on that soon), from forward-thinking local businesses (ditto), and from institutional impact investors who are helping to make change happen. And by donations and pledges of future wealth from Cambridge's innovation community and beyond that inspired that lovely gift. There is so much work to do.

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

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!

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

Kindness and character are just good business. ;)