Stone Soup Films tells the real-life stories behind local nonprofits that transform the lives of individuals in need, because crafting meaningful messages empowers organizations to be better champions of their causes – and amplifies their impact. Twice per year Stone Soup selects new partners with limited budgets; then staff and volunteers work with each organization to develop a clear communications strategy. This culminates in a five- to seven-minute film that showcases stories of transformation – effectively and powerfully communicating the heart of each nonprofit’s work. For two weekends a year, the Doc-In-A-Day Challenge offers healthy competition (and a $1,000 prize) for nonprofit filmmaking on the fly, producing two- to three-minute films for the greater good. The market value of this work? Up to $40,000. The financial cost to nonprofits? Zero. A gift to Stone Soup Films is really a contribution to DC’s nonprofits and, most importantly, the people they serve.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide

Population(s) Served: All


  • Total in-kind value contributed last fiscal year:   $602,522
  • Total active volunteers last fiscal year:   131
  • Total films produced last fiscal year:   24
  • Total nonprofits served to date:   100

Awards & Recognition

Awards:

2016 31st Annual Mayor's Arts Award
Excellence in the Creative Industries
September 2016

2014 Best Over All
TechSoup 2014 Storymakers Contest
October 22, 2014

Hope House Kids Award
Founder and Executive Director, Liz Norton
November 20, 2013

Filmmaker of the Month, Founder and Executive Director, Liz Norton
D.C. Office of Motion Picture & TV Development
February 2013

Citations:

"TechSoup Names Winners of Its Annual Storymakers Contest"
Chronicle For Philanthropy
October 22, 2014

"Q&A: Liz Norton, Stone Soup Films"
Elevation DC
June 11, 2013

"Stone Soup stirs film talent with nonprofits in need"
Capital Business: Washington Post Article
January 20, 2013

"Making Soup with Stones: Filmmaking for a Cause"
November 16, 2011

"Good Hope Awards Great Unveiling- Part II"
Beyond Bread - Bread for the City Blog
September 17, 2008


Press

Budget (FY2016)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Stone Soup Films is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $37 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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