How Hollywood’s Stories Can Shape the Future of Giving

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👋🏾 Hey! I’m Sid and this is The Philanthropy Futurist, a weekly advice column preparing you for the future of the nonprofit sector. Each Friday, I tackle reader questions about measuring impact, driving growth, and managing your nonprofit.

This Week’s Newsletter at a glance:

• How Hollywood’s Stories Can Shape the Future of Giving

• Philanthropy News From This Week

• Sid’s Book Recommendation

How Hollywood’s Stories Can Shape the Future of Giving

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about Narrative vs Numbers, and this week I am going to talk about stories… specifically, narrative through the lens of film and television.

You see stories shape narrative, and narrative shapes perception.

In a world saturated with content, the stories told on film, television, streaming platforms, and social media quietly write the public imagination about our social problems.

Nonprofit leaders know that perception often drives policy and funding— but what’s often overlooked is how Hollywood and the global entertainment industry shape the emotions behind giving itself.

Take homelessness: Nearly half of the homeless characters in films don’t speak at all. They’re simply background figures— seen or talked about, but not heard.

That kind of silence sends a message. It programs how we think and feel, often without us even realizing it.

On the other hand… authentic storytelling that centers voice, context, and agency builds a bridge. But this isn’t just Hollywood’s responsibility.

Creators have a role to play… and so do YOU.

Nonprofits must take ownership of their own narratives. Tell the stories of your organization, your cause, and the people behind your impact.

Invest in the right storytellers, filmmakers, and writers who can bring your stories to life with empathy and taste for the culture. Creators do this very well, so that'd be a great place to start.

Because as we move deeper into a technology-led world, human connection and authentic storytelling will only become more essential.

Stories don’t just shape culture, they shape the future of giving.

Until next week y’all! ✌🏾

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Philanthropy News From This Week

• Should Philanthropy Fund Narrative Change in Film and TV

• What Fundraisers Should Know About Big Donors’ Thinking Right Now

• MetLife and Global Citizen Announce Major Partnership to Drive Economic Change

• Gilead Foundation Grants $6.5 Million in Commitment to STEM Education

Sid’s Book Recommendation

Each week, I recommend a book or film that has impacted my life in a positive way. My recommendation this week is:

The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

This book explores the secrets behind highly successful groups and how they create cohesive, motivated cultures that achieve greatness. The author distills his findings into three core skills essential to building and sustaining a strong culture: building safety, sharing vulnerability, and establishing purpose. Learn more.

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