CLIENT
23 Films

PROJECT
Let the Little Light Shine

SERVICES
Project Design
Fundraising
Materials Development
Digital Events

THE CHALLENGE

Let the Little Light Shine is an extraordinary documentary film about a high-performing primary and middle school in a largely African American neighborhood in Chicago threatened with closure due largely to a process of gentrification.

The film follows the mobilization of teachers, parents and students as they pressured the school board and city officials to cancel plans to close the school. Presented nationally on the signature PBS series P.O.V., the film’s producers sought to elevate the community activation depicted in the film as a model that communities around the country could replicate. 

THE PROCESS

IMP convened a BrainTrust —a signature process in most of our campaigns—to harness the expertise of leading educators, advocates and community organizations to advise on the creation of a plan to attract funding for the project and the development of a pitch for funders. The partners also advised on the content of engagement and educational materials. IMP worked with the PBS series P.O.V. to promote the impact campaign and to extend its reach through their signature national outreach programs. 

With input and feedback from trusted stakeholders, IMP worked with the filmmaker to create a detailed campaign plan for impact and engagement through the PBS broadcast premiere, including activities, timeline, a detailed budget and the creation of a pitch deck for funders

THE RESULTS

IMP supported the filmmaker in securing more than $100,000 in funding to execute the campaign with our project design and pitch materials.

We created a suite of engagement materials including a discussion guide for screenings, alongside a robust organizing toolkit designed to support community change efforts in engaging local social issues.

To distribute the materials, and to promote the availability of the film to local groups and educators, we worked through a range of channels including email, social media and our partnership with the PBS series P.O.V.

Dozens of events were produced around the country, anchored by a live national online event produced by IMP that featured an expert panel with representatives from the NAACP, the National Urban League, and local educators.