Scalable Storytelling

This year, EOYM will focus on a simplified and scalable approach to storytelling. Instead of managing full productions internally, we are shifting to a collaborative model between nonprofits and independent filmmakers. What this means for you:

1. Nonprofits will now apply with a filmmaker attached
2. That filmmaker will have the technical skills required to lead the production
3. EOYM will provide funding, structure, and mentorship

This is about activating more storytellers, and getting more meaningful stories into the world. We’re excited about what this opens up: For you, for filmmakers, and for the future of nonprofit storytelling. Here’s why we believe this new direction is so important.

The future of nonprofit storytelling is not about one production company doing all the work internally. It’s about activating more filmmakers, advocating for more nonprofits, and creating sustainable creative partnerships that continue long after this specific grant ends.

That’s why the 2026 EOYM Video Grant will now operate through a collaborative filmmaker model. Instead of applying alone, nonprofits will apply alongside a filmmaker who will help lead the project creatively and technically throughout the process. EOYM will provide mentorship, structure, community, and financial support to help guide the production from concept to final film.

The filmmaker you chose does not need to be famous or operate a massive production company. In fact, we don't mind if they use their cell phone to produce the entire piece! We are looking for passionate storytellers who care about people, communication, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Whether they are experienced documentary filmmakers, emerging creatives, or talented college students, what matters most is their willingness to grow, learn, and tell stories that matter. 

ADVICE ON FINDING THE PERFECT FILMMAKER

Use this link for a detailed guide to finding the right filmmaker for this project. We put a lot of work into this and it should answer all of your questions:

Detailed Guide - Advice on Finding the Perfect Filmmaker

Look for someone who can shoot and edit independently, tell emotional, human-centered stories, and capture real moments…not just information. This could be a freelancer, past collaborator, film student, or emerging creative looking to build their portfolio

Your filmmaker should be someone who:

• 🦜Has some connection to your mission
• 🦜Believes in storytelling for social impact
• 🦜Is excited to collaborate with nonprofits and community organizations
• 🦜Has strong communication and organizational skills
• 🦜Can lead a small documentary-style production professionally
• 🦜Is open to feedback, mentorship, and teamwork
• 🦜Understands that this project is mission-first, not commercial advertising
• 🦜Is comfortable interviewing real people and capturing authentic emotional stories
• 🦜Wants to grow creatively alongside the EOYM community

Basic Filmmaker Requirements

• 🦜Be at least 18 years old
• 🦜Ready to film in one single location in the United States (No international projects)
• 🦜Currently resides in United States (Not required to be an American citizen)
• 🦜Legally eligible to receive professional payments in the United States (Citizen or Visa) 
• 🦜Commitment to paying appropriate taxes on income
• 🦜Must provide W-9 (With corporate ID or social security number)
• 🦜Have access to basic professional video production equipment (Can use cell phone)
• 🦜Be available for virtual meetings and production deadlines
• 🦜Be willing to collaborate professionally with the nonprofit and EOYM mentors

Portfolio & Experience

Filmmakers should provide:

• 🦜A link to their online portfolio, website, Vimeo, and/or YouTube channel
• 🦜Two sample project URLs showcasing previous work you want us to see
• 🦜At least two completed documentary-style projects (Short documentaries, nonprofit films, branded documentaries, or feature documentaries all qualify)

We strongly encourage applicants to choose filmmakers who demonstrate:

• 🦜Strong interview skills
• 🦜Emotional storytelling ability
• 🦜Good audio and visual quality
• 🦜Editing and post-production capabilities
• 🦜Professionalism and reliability

WHAT TYPE OF VIDEO IS BEING PRODUCED?

Selected filmmakers will help create:

• 🦜One emotionally compelling 3–5 minute mini-documentary
• 🦜One social re-cut version (60 seconds) of the main video
• 🦜1-2 days total video shooting
• 🦜A-Roll interviews with 3-4 authentic real-world subjects
• 🦜B-Roll supplementary footage of nonprofit in action to support interviews
• 🦜RAW footage and editing files in organized online library
• 🦜Supporting production assets as requested by the nonprofit

Projects should reflect:

• 🦜Strong human-centered storytelling
• 🦜Ethical documentary practices
• 🦜Respectful representation of communities served
• 🦜High emotional and technical quality

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to tell your story…this is it.