The Ford Foundation Awards Scenarios USA a Two-Year Grant

Scenarios USA recently received a two year grant from the Ford Foundation's Education, Sexuality and Religion Division. The Ford Program Officers responded to Scenarios' success working with school districts representing a wide spectrum of sex-ed policies. As a Ford grantee, Scenarios Co-Founders had the opportunity to participate in a two-day workshop with the other grantees in their field on "Advancing Reproductive Health Policy in America."

My experience with Scenarios showed me that a few words can tell a big part of who you are and what you are about. I learned that by letting people hear your words, you can go a long way.
-Samantha Hernandez, age 16
Writer Today I Found Out, Laredo, TX

Spotlight on an Early Supporter

Joe Speidel was the earliest believer in Scenarios USA. As the Program Officer for Population at the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, he gave Scenarios a grant of $15,000 to get the program started when we had nothing but an idea and a lot of enthusiasm. Joe, his team, and the Hewlett Foundation have supported Scenarios every step of the way. Joe moved on this year to devote his energy to another facet of population work. Thank you Joe!

[Scenarios] brings an innovative idea to publicizing reproductive health problems for young people. You have stories written by kids that reach kids, but also superb production values because you have top-notch volunteers – none of us could afford to hire the talent they get at no charge. Also, they have figured out how to reach audiences, in the classroom, at home and on television. Finally, they have a small staff, but enormous energy and commitment.
-Joseph Speidel, Program Officer, Population,
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation

Scenarios Does Not Run on Cash Alone

Scenarios depends on donations of time and services to defer the cost of big ticket items, such as making a film. We thank the directors, actors, editors and music supervisors who all donate their time, the crews for working for a tenth of their regular salaries and creating beauty with pennies, to Kodak for the film, Continental Labs for the developing, MadHouse, PostWorks, Sony and Moon Dog for Post. Shearman and Sterling LLP for our legal help, Kinko’s for copies and Bowne Enterprises for printing. Please look at our website to see the entire list of individuals and companies supporting our work. If you or your company is interested in donating in-kind services or resources please contact the Scenarios office at 212.252.9090.

The [Scenarios] films I have seen have been really good. And I just think it's a thrilling idea to actually see these teenagers have these ideas and see them well executed and put up there as something that is worthy. I think it's just a great idea to suggest to Hollywood or the film industry or all of America that they better buckle down and give back to the community.
-Michael Apted, Director,
Scenarios USA film Lipstick

Scenarios is Looking for a Few Good Donors

Foundation grants are evidence that an organization's work is meaningful and has impact, but the truth is that Foundations do not fund an entire organization's budget. Private donors are essential to a non-profit's growth and sustainability. Scenarios aims to raise $50,000 through private donors in 2004 in order to meet the demand of expanding the Program to a national level. Please consider donating to Scenarios USA at your year-end giving.

How You Can Support Scenarios USA

1. A tax-deductible donation to Scenarios USA is the easiest and most effective way. Take less than three minutes and make a secure pledge on-line. 100% of your donation goes to the Scenarios program and is tax-deductible.
   • $100 donation allows 25 schools, community groups, prisons, clinics and churches to receive the films for free, allowing us to help more teenagers think through their choices, behaviors and values;
   • $500 donation provides 50 educators and community groups with Teachers Guides to help them incorporate the scriptwriting component of our program into their classrooms and activities;
   • $1,000 donation buys 4 plane tickets to NYC for the winning writers to attend the premiere of their films and a workshop on effective speaking, which will help them better articulate their message in interviews with the media and other public speaking.
2. Volunteer your time to Scenarios USA. There are too many ways to mention here. Please call us at 212.252.9090 or e-mail info@scenariosusa.org so that we can discuss the opportunities with you.
3. Polo Ralph Lauren highlights Scenarios USA as an inspired organization. Polo is offering a 25% discount to on-line purchases, with 10% of the proceeds going to Scenarios USA. Go to Polo.com and enter promotional code GIVESU at the checkout. This offer is good from November 25th – 30th.

Scenarios has helped me realize that there are many opportunities available to me - all I have to do is reach out and take it. Working with Scenarios has affected my life so much in so many ways. Entering this contest at age 16 and completing the process at age 18, I think the Scenarios family had a chance to see me grow and mature. The experience has made me understand that you determine your destination and dreams can come true.
-Carolyn Perry, age 18,
Co-Writer, Choices - Orlando, FL