Cinema/Chicago, the parent organization of the Chicago International Film Festival and CineYouth Festival, has received a $10,000 Cash Grant from Make It Better Foundation, whose mission is to help nonprofits expand their network of support. These cash grants, awarded monthly through an application process, are provided to nonprofits who understand the power of media platforms and demonstrate creative alliances to amplify their mission and fundraising efforts.
Offering year-round programming and two high-profile film festivals a year, Cinema/Chicago is dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of the moving image.
Founded in 1964, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America’s longest running competitive film festival. The festival discovers new talents while presenting the best in international and independent film. “We have a rich history of showcasing new voices and works by filmmakers from underrepresented communities with our Black Perspectives, Cinemas of the Americas (LatinX), Outlook (LGBTQ+), and Women in Cinema programs,” Cinema/Chicago reps stated.
CineYouth, founded in 2004, is an 8-day celebration of youth storytelling that showcases 60 films from 15+ countries by filmmakers 5-22 years of age. The festival includes a series of free workshops and events to train and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
“At CineYouth, youth storytelling is a means by which we uplift creators and center their stories while also creating connection and community between the young filmmakers, between filmmakers and audiences, and among audience members,” the organization said.
Through strategic alliances and collaborative events with other arts organizations such as Chicago History Museum, Gene Siskel Film Center, FACETS and more, Cinema/Chicago has implemented media partnerships to further their mission and broaden their audience. They have brought their stories into people’s homes through partnerships with WTTW and JCDecaux, and leveraged creative messaging from their members, donors, audience and filmmakers throughout the year to talk about their mission-driven programming.
Cinema/Chicago has cultivated a loyal and diverse base of supporters that includes filmmakers, community partners, and an active governing board. Dedicated sponsors include:
- Goldman Sachs
- Xfinity
- Adobe
- Baker Tilly
- Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
- ComEd
- Goose Island
- Dark Matter Coffee
- DePaul University
- Hamilton Watch
- Illinois Production Alliance
- Panavision
- Light Iron
- SAGindie
- William Blair
How to Help
Support Cinema/Chicago’s mission by becoming a member, donating, or attending their festivals. Learn how every level of donation matters on their website.
