Annual gathering brings together more than 140 representatives for a day of discussion, learning and collaboration
More than 140 representatives from over 60 Golden Globe Foundation grantee organizations gathered at Los Angeles City College on October 17 for the Foundation’s annual Grantee Mixer, an opportunity for organizations working across film, journalism, education and the nonprofit sector to meet, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships.
This year’s theme, “Deepening Connections: Power of the Collective,” reflected the Foundation’s commitment to bringing its grantees together and encouraging collaboration beyond the financial support it provides.
And the impact of those connections was already being felt in the days following the event, with participants reporting new professional relationships, exploring tools introduced during the sessions and applying what they had learned to their own organizations.
A Day of Shared Knowledge
Golden Globe Foundation President Raffi Boghosian opened the gathering, followed by a welcome and land acknowledgement from Dr. Olga Diaz, Vice President of Student Services at Los Angeles City College.
The day’s program featured presentations addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the Foundation’s grantees.
Ana-Christina Ramón and Jade Abston presented findings from UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report, examining representation in the entertainment industry. Bianca Nepales of Nepales Creative Labs introduced practical applications of artificial intelligence for nonprofit organizations, while Rigoberto Marquéz of the Center for Nonprofit Management discussed the changing landscape of nonprofit funding.
These sessions offered grantees useful information and opportunities to consider how developments in their respective fields might affect their work.
Conversations Across Film, Television and Journalism
Two panel discussions brought together professionals working in different areas of media and storytelling.
BBC’s K.J. Matthews moderated a conversation on the future of storytelling featuring Orly Ravid of The Film Collaborative, Matthew Waynee of the USC Media Arts & Engineering Magnet, Quan Phung of Cal State LA and writer-producer Meg Dudley. The discussion examined changing approaches to storytelling and the emergence of new formats and platforms.
Journalist Yong Chavez of ABS-CBN News moderated a second panel exploring journalism in the age of AI, influencers and social media. Bill McCarren of Voices Unbound, Marco Amador of Capital & Main and Josh Letona of LAist discussed the challenges facing news organizations and the importance of independent journalism in serving local communities.
In the afternoon, smaller breakout sessions allowed participants to explore the subjects in greater depth. Nepales and Marquéz returned to lead discussions on responsible AI use and financial resilience, joined by Nathan Witkin, Research Manager at the Center for Nonprofit Management.
The format encouraged grantees to share their own experiences, ask questions and learn directly from one another.
Connections That Continue Beyond the Mixer
While the presentations and panels provided valuable information, an equally important part of the day was the opportunity for grantees to meet others working toward similar goals.
For many organizations, particularly smaller nonprofits with limited resources, opportunities to connect with peers across different fields can be especially valuable.
Feedback collected following the Mixer suggests that those exchanges are already having an impact.
Every respondent to the Foundation’s post-event survey reported taking away something useful, and 15 participants indicated they had already put something they learned into practice. Responses highlighted new professional connections, practical AI tools and information about funding opportunities.
Grantees also expressed interest in continuing the exchange through smaller working sessions, recorded tutorials and additional opportunities to meet with organizations in related fields, particularly journalism and higher education.
The Foundation will use this feedback to help shape future workshops and gatherings, building on the relationships established during the Mixer.
The Golden Globe Foundation extends its thanks to Los Angeles City College for hosting the event, to the speakers and panelists who generously shared their expertise, and to the grantees whose participation made the gathering such a success.
The annual Grantee Mixer is part of the Foundation’s continuing commitment to supporting its grantees beyond grantmaking, creating opportunities for organizations to learn from one another and develop relationships that strengthen their work.
