In early January, The Fledgling Fund, a foundation that supports social issue documentaries and their impact campaigns, announced its first round of 2015 grantees. The Homestretch team, one of 18 films/campaigns recognized, is thrilled to have been awarded $15,000 to support outreach and engagement.
"We are excited by these stories, their potential to activate audiences and communities, and...by the commitment of the filmmakers to maximize their impact," said Fledgling in their grant announcement. The foundation has a 10 year history, supporting over 300 projects and infusing nearly 12 million dollars into social issue filmmaking.
The Homestretch team launched it's impact campaign in Chicago, the city that will serve as a case study for further outreach. The Gene Siskel Film Center hosted 13 theatrical screenings of the film, garnering 11 sell-outs and over 2,000 viewers. Momentum from this run was used to continue engaging audiences, sharing the film at Chicago churches, community centers, and schools. At the center of these efforts was the film's primary goal: to combat the negative stereotypes homeless youth face.
Supported by this Fledgling Fund grant, The Homestretch will target additional cities. Using Chicago's success as a blueprint, the team will facilitate the development of grassroots calls-to-action that increase awareness and build new support to agencies.
