Prepping for CAMERAderie Features!

Recently, we received a grant termination from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). 

We stand in solidarity with our fellow organizations, and with the artists and storytellers across America and around the world who are also affected by this decision.

The funding cut: What happened?
The government has stated that our projects no longer “reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President.”

The current President’s priorities along with the abrupt termination of an NEA award disrupts critical programming and places significant strain on organizations that are already working within limited means. Such shifts in policy, without transitional support, erode trust and create instability.

Our grant was designated for Pre-CAMERAderie classes: career development programs that prepare filmmakers for the next stage in their careers through our flagship initiative. We’ve already delivered two courses, and have the third scheduled - we hope that you will join us at the Reel/Forward Conference on September 6th and 7th: https://womennmedia.com/event/reel-forward/

We need to show additional funds in our reporting to the NEA in mid August.  It was originally set for April 2026, but the government has moved the goal posts.

This is where you can help
Please make a donation today and share our call for assistance. Your gift is a declaration of your belief in gender balance and fairness in hiring. Donate today and be a force for economic empowerment!

With your support, we:
✔️ Can start the next round of CAMERAderie - our script to distribution initiative that has propelled hundreds of careers
✔️ Keep our website running so people can find, vet, and hire from the CrewList
✔️ Sustain the newsletter, bringing you valuable updates and opportunities
✔️ Host panels, events, and networking
✔️ Advocate behind the scenes, every day, fighting for pay equity, safety on set, and representation

The stakes: More than a grant
The CAMERAderie program has changed lives. Our last two cycles resulted in seven high-production-value films, launched careers, and provided visibility, employment, and momentum for emerging filmmakers. The issues here are larger than one terminated award: they affect the pipelines of opportunity, education, and representation.

We focus on high-quality training on top of the line gear, and inclusive, creative teams. Our members are connected to viable employers through the  searchable CrewList database and are actively contributing to the economy and culture through their creative work. Defunding us—and others like us—is not just unjust. It’s shortsighted.

Join us in the fight

YOU are essential, and we simply cannot do this work without you.
* You, who have found connection and opportunity here
* You, who have benefited from our advocacy, events, and initiatives

Your gift makes this possible. A one-time or recurring donation—whether $10, $50, $500, or $2500—keeps our programs strong and sustainable. 

Your monthly recurring contribution makes a huge impact!

Other ways to give:

You can make your gift go farther with employer matching. Many companies offer donation-matching programs, which can double or even triple your contribution.

We accept donor-advised funds and gifts of stock. 

Need help navigating the process? 

Reach out to kathy.n@WomenNMedia.com.