Directing Change

2021 BlueSky Directing Change Mini Grant Opportunity

 

2021 Grant Application

  • The Directing Change Program & Film Contest engages youth to learn about the topics of suicide prevention and mental health by creating short films that are used to support awareness, education, and advocacy efforts across the state, in their communities, and on their campuses. Participants have a chance to win cash prizes, meet with professional directors, and attend an award ceremony in May.

    Eligible Organizations: Schools and districts working with students in grades 6-12 in Alameda and San Diego Counties (California). Public, private, and charter schools as well as districts are all eligible to apply.

    Mini Grant Funding: $1,500 to implement the Directing Change Program & Film Contest in a classroom setting.

    Requirements:
    • Teach at least one Directing Change mental health or suicide prevention lesson in a class (lesson plans are provided).
    • Facilitate participation of at least one class in the Directing Change program during the 2020-2021 school year, resulting in a minimum of five film submissions by the submission deadline: March 1, 2021.
    • Plan and implement an awareness event on campus which includes screening of the youth-produced films to peers and/or parents in May 2021.
    • Provide a final report including feedback about the experience and photos from the awareness event by the beginning of June.


    Interested? Fill out this form by Monday, October 19th, 2020.

    The following information should be filled out by the lead person for the mini grant.
  • Please share what kind of event(s) you would implement if you received this grant.
  • Download a blank W-9 form here (we only need the first page): https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 512 MB.

    • Questions?

      Email Devin@directingchange.org or call: 858-324-4846

      In addition to the mini grant funding, the Directing Change Team will provide the following:
      • Work with lead teacher to discuss the project and provide guidance on the mental health or suicide prevention lesson plan, as desired.
      • Review scripts/storyboards for appropriate messaging, if desired.
      • Provide support with AB 2246 policy development and/or review current suicide prevention policy for the district.
    If you are experiencing an emotional crisis, are thinking about suicide or are concerned about a friend call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately: 1-800-273-8255This is a free 24-hour hotline.
    Directing Change is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students. These initiatives are funded by counties through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) and administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
    Suicide Prevention Awareness CalMHSA Logo Your Social Marketer, Inc.