Budget overview

Overview

The proposed funding range for this six-month pilot is $175,000, with an additional $35,000 for annual report support.

A retainer-style billing model will be used to support the evolving nature of storytelling, engagement, and creative production while allowing for periods of more intensive activity (coordination, fieldwork, editing, reporting, and events).

Production Phases Covered

• This budget covers the full production process, including:

• Pre-production: Concept development, planning, scheduling, community coordination, outreach, and logistics.

• Production: On-the-ground documentation, filming, photography, community engagement activities, and workshops.

• Post-production: Editing, story synthesis, design, preparation of reports and multimedia assets, and delivery of final materials.

Personnel (Independent Contractors)

Costs include compensation for independent contractors with expertise in:

• Communications and storytelling

• Project management and coordination

• Graphic design and visual communication

• Digital Media: Video Productions / Photography

• Logistics and on-the-ground support

• Direction (creative and production director roles)

• Support systems (assistants, tech support, and facilitation support)

These roles ensure culturally responsive, high-quality storytelling and smooth execution across all phases of the project.

Evaluation and Learning

Success will be assessed primarily through qualitative and narrative-based indicators rather than conventional quantitative measures alone. Evaluation will focus on:

• The depth and diversity of stories collected and shared.

• Levels of audience engagement and community participation across events and digital platforms.

• Evidence of strengthened relationships among residents, community organizations, and Oishei Foundation.

• Narrative insights that reveal emerging community priorities, values, and opportunities for future investment.

This evaluation approach reflects the trust-based and relational nature of the initiative while generating meaningful learning for future strategy.

Equipment, Space, and Engagement Costs:

• Equipment fees, including camera, audio, lighting, and related gear, particularly in cases where rental is the most cost-effective option.

• Space rental for filming, community gatherings, and convenings.

• Workshops and engagement activities aligned with the project’s purpose of community engagement and power building, including materials, basic hospitality, and facilitation costs.

Annual Report Support (Visual Direction & Story Integration)

• This line item covers creative support for the organization’s annual report, focused on visual direction and story integration based on content provided by the Foundation. Work may include:

• Translating existing narratives, data, and partner stories into a cohesive visual approach for the annual report.

• Recommending and developing layouts, graphic treatments, and visual assets that align with the Foundation’s brand and reflect community-centered storytelling.

• Advising on photo selection, captions, pull quotes, and story placement to ensure alignment with the broader strategic storytelling initiative.

• Coordinating with the Foundation’s communications and design partners to ensure that report visuals and narrative elements are consistent, accessible, and grounded in the lived experiences captured through the project.