Reel Women Real Change: Stories, Advocacy, Impact

Dear friend,

Thanks to you, the microgrants we began in September 2020 continue to support other women-focused individuals and organizations still incurring operating expenses in this challenging economy. We highlight here our most recent recipient: ShoutMouse Press. 

You can learn more about their inspiring work in our video conversation with founder Kathy Crutcher and development and communications manager Izzy Rode. As a fellow DC-based nonprofit organization, ShoutMouse's focus on stories and amplifying underheard voices was a perfect fit for our microgrant program. 

As we determine next steps for our own operations, we are no longer accepting applications for microgrants and will share our final selections in our next update. Supporting these projects has been a real joy to our team - and you made that possible.  

With gratitude,

Piper and the p.h. balanced films team

As we shared in our September 2020 update, the onset of the health pandemic meant hitting pause on any in-person workshops. As we regrouped, we decided to use funds we would have spent to support other women-focused individuals and organizations who were still operating in this challenging economy.

Only 14 days into January, 2021 includes reasons to celebrate and reasons to mourn. Collectively, we have cause for hope and cause for grave concern. We hope this quarterly update brings more hope, more encouragement, and more inspiration. Supporting these projects has been a real joy to our team - and you made that possible. 

Please take a moment to learn more about these women changemakers and what they are doing to make their corner of the world a better place:

Watch a portion of our conversation with one of our first microgrant recipients, Another Kind of Girl Collective. AKGC is a media arts collective for and by young women living in displaced, migrant, or transitory communities around the world to connect and co-create multimedia artworks. AKGC, like phbf, knows the power of workshops to learn, train, collaborate, and mentor. Working with grassroots leaders and local organizations in communities around the world, AKGC hosts introductory documentary video, audio, photography and writing workshop series specific to the needs, values and culture of each community. Learn more: https://anotherkindofgirl.com/about

We knew we wanted to support Mecca Russel when we saw this video, so wanted you to see it, too. The video was part of her application for our $1,325 microgrant, which Mecca received on October 31, 2020 - the 20th anniversary of the UN Resolution 1325, for Women, Peace, and Security. Hear some of Mecca's work: https://neffy.bandcamp.com/track/godspeed-live-audio

We were delighted to select Dykes With Drills as our November 2020 microgrant recipient. Dykes With Drills is out to empower womxn with the tools to build. By hosting skill building workshops, retreats, volunteer events and meet-ups, they cultivate opportunities for individuals to connect with each other and to use tools. Hear more from Julie Peri, founder and director and learn about their work: https://www.dykeswithdrills.com

Black Girls Dive Foundation, co-founded by Dr. Nevada Winrow, is among the most holisitic programs we've ever seen. From science to self-esteem, geodiversity to lighting a photo shoot far below the ocean's surface, they cover it all! I had a delightful conversation with Dr. Winrow about their work. Listen to a snippet and learn more about their program: https://www.blackgirlsdivefoundation.org

For a short while longer, we will continue accepting applications for our $1,325 microgrants. If you know an individual or organization who may qualify, please forward this message: https://bit.ly/phbfGRANT