Community Outreach Objectives.

The primary purpose for issuing a community grant/donation is to give back to the communities where theaters are located. The secondary objective is to build relationships in the community that create goodwill for exhibition.

The best way to meet these objectives is to answer the ‘Why’ question when selecting a recipient organization (i.e. grantee). What problem is the organization solving and why does that issue matter to exhibition? Why is this organization important to theater owners in California and Nevada.

There are many worthy organizations doing wonderful work, but we cannot fund all of them. Ultimately, the Community Outreach program is to help promote theatrical entertainment. We can fulfill that goal by supporting organizations in the communities where there is an obvious connection for movie theaters.

We will publicize our generosity to build goodwill in communities by leading with the ‘Why’ statement.

 

Community Outreach Program 2023


Jacob’s Heart - $25,000
Jacob's Heart provides a variety of financial and emotional support services to children and their families for children stricken with cancer who reside in the San Francisco South Bay Area. NATO of CA/NV will again join with the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and CineLux Theatres to provide a grant for Camp Heart + Hands family retreat. In 2022, the camp served 75 families, normally 35 families before Covid. The camp will again serve 75 families.

Side by Side - $30,000
Operating in four Northern California counties, Side By Side assists over 2500 children, young adults and family members per year with much needed services related to behavioral and mental health, early intervention in schools, LGBTQ issues, transitional housing, and special education. NATO of CA/NV believes in the mission and the work being done by Side by Side. As teens and young adults deal with the increased mental health issues, we are happy to know that an organization like Side by Side is answering the problem.

Variety Boys and Girls Club - $35,000
Variety Boys & Girls Club provides a pipeline of support designed to give youth the tools required to attain a degree after graduating high school, break the generational cycle of poverty imposed by their zip code, and reverse decades of institutionalized inequality. The importance placed on STEM initiatives at the turn of the 21st century has predictably only grown. In the twenty years since and with NATO of CA/NV’s help, club programming has adapted as quickly as times have changed, offering a suite of programming emphasizing STEM concepts through the Digital Media Center. An investment in this program is a winning investment in the success of hundreds of kids with endless potential. NATO of CA/NV is part of the powerful partnership between Variety Boys & Girls Club, the community, youth, and families that has set the community on a course of transformation.

Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY) - $15,000
Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY) is a best-in-class nonprofit serving San Francisco Bay Area youth impacted by the justice system. They connect young people with positive mentors and role models, promote their understanding of the law and their rights, and support them to become leaders among their peers and in their communities. This grant will fund the FLY Law Program, an interactive 12-week program for youth who want to learn more about the law while building skills to help them navigate their lives.

Vidiots Foundation - $10,000
The long-awaited Vidiots community film center has opened. NATO of CA/NV joined an impressive list of companies and individuals from the entertainment community to support this iconic film center and advocate for theatrical entertainment. We are excited for the possibilities as Vidiots sets out on its mission to help generations learn and appreciate the wonders of movies, especially when experienced on the big screen.

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Lollipop Theater Network - $5,000
Lollipop Theater Network delivers the season’s biggest blockbusters while they are still in the theater right to those children and their families at the hospital, working with leading motion picture studios to bring the joy, magic, and momentary escape of the movies to those who need it most. No one should be denied the big screen experience, especially a child dealing with illness or injury. NATO of CA/NV joins Lollipop in bringing the big screen experience to the hospital.

Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission LA - $10,000
NATO of CA/NV has sponsored the Christmas Store since 2020 that takes place at three locations: Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens and Angeles House. During the Christmas Store, parents can shop free of charge, have all gifts wrapped and ready for Christmas morning. In 2022, the Christmas Store provided gifts for 500 families.

Fulfillment Fund

Fulfillment Fund - $10,000
Each year, the Fulfillment Fund Scholarship provides financial and mentoring aid to college-bound students. In addition to scholarships and stipends, students have access to College Success Programs, including career readiness sessions, networking opportunities, workshops, and personalized support to help them navigate any academic, social, or financial obstacles.

NATO of CA/NV recognizes the tremendous barrier for theater employees and their immediate family members to attend college or trade school. We appreciate the work being done by Fulfillment Fund and the partnership to help manage our scholarship program.

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Roybal High School For Film & Production - $50,000
To ensure Roybal students have access to the education and equipment resources they need to continue the pursuit of their chosen career pathways after graduating from Roybal, NATO of CA/NV has established a post high school enrichment fund that will award selected students a one-time $1,500 fellowship to support specific post-graduation needs. Graduating Seniors who plan to pursue post-high school careers in Roybal’s designated film and television production career pathways are eligible to apply for the fellowship.

NATO of CA/NV is proud to join the film community in supporting the Roybal school, named after a historic member of the US Congress (first Latino member) from Los Angeles; helping the next generation of underrepresented students start a career in movie making.

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Californians For The Arts - $5,000
Californians For The Arts is the only comprehensive, multidisciplinary organization focused on advancing and building public awareness of the value and impact of arts, culture, and creativity across California. Moved by their deep conviction of the civic and personal value of the arts, their mission is to ensure that the arts are accessible to all Californians; are an ongoing part of the public dialogue and to encourage Californians to care about the arts as a critical component of their own lives and the lives of their communities. NATO of CA/NV believes in the work done by Cal Arts and is proud to support them as a thank you for the assistance being provided to community theaters.