Film Production
// a new model for impact storytelling
A new partnership model for authentic impact storytelling, where compelling nonprofit stories meet corporate sponsors who want to be part of real change.
Let's Explore This TogetherA one-time donation helps a nonprofit survive another quarter.
A powerful story changes how thousands of people understand their work, for years.
It attracts volunteers, partners, media attention, and yes, future donors. It gives staff and beneficiaries something to point to and say: this is who we are, this is why it matters.
But most nonprofits can't invest in this kind of storytelling. Not because they don't see its value, because the budget isn't there.
StoryFunder changes that equation.
// the process
01
Through our network and open applications, we identify compelling nonprofits doing transformational work. We invest time in deep storyfinding, talking to people, understanding the real human story beneath the mission.
02
We approach companies and partners whose values align with the story. This might be one lead sponsor, a pool of contributing partners, or a network of supporters. Whatever structure makes sense for the story and creates genuine value for everyone involved.
03
With funding secured, we produce a character-driven documentary that does justice to the story and the people in it.
04
The nonprofit gains something money alone can’t buy: a story that shapes how people understand their mission. One they can use for years: in presentations, on their website, in conversations with future partners.
The sponsoring company becomes part of that story. Not as a logo on a banner, but as someone who helped bring important work into the light.
And the audience? They get to see work that deserves attention, told in a way that actually moves them.
// the team
Lars Grote is a documentary filmmaker specializing in character-driven stories for European nonprofits and B Corps. His work translates complex missions into emotionally resonant narratives that inspire action. He's currently writing Story for Good, a book on strategic storytelling for mission-driven organizations.
View Lars's work →
Lars Grote
Filmmaker & Founder, Shift Videoproductions
Jonas Buysens
Documentary Filmmaker
Jonas Buysens is a dedicated documentary filmmaker specializing in mental health stories that spark lasting change. His trauma-informed approach ensures every story honors participants while driving measurable change in mental health awareness, policy, and support.
View Jonas's work →Together, we bring 12 years of experience creating films that don't just document work. They move people to engage with it.
“The motivation at our core is to do meaningful work that creates real change and helps to build a future that we all, but especially our children and future generations can look forward to. And we believe that the stories we tell and the stories that become part of our shared identity, are key to making this future possible.”
// for companies
Unlike a one-time grant, a film keeps working. It gets shared, re-watched, referenced. The story you help bring to life continues reaching new audiences long after the project is complete.
StoryFunder is a new model. We're not pitching a finished product.
We're reaching out to thoughtful companies who care about authentic impact, to learn, to listen, and to co-design what this could become.
This isn't a sales pitch. It's a conversation.
We want to understand:
If StoryFunder becomes real, it should solve actual problems for companies like yours, not just sound good in theory.
If this idea resonates, or even if you're skeptical but curious, we'd love to hear from you.
An easy quick step you could take is filling out the form next to this text. But ideally, we would like to talk to you in person.
No pitch. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about impact storytelling and what would make partnerships like this work.
Please let us know via the form or email us directly to: lars@shiftvideoproductions.com
We're talking to companies through February and March 2026. If there's genuine appetite for this model, we'll develop our first StoryFunder project together with the partners who helped shape it.
Lars Grote & Jonas Buysens
StoryFunder
// share your thoughts
“Thanks for considering this. We're genuinely excited to explore this with the right partners.”
Lars & Jonas · StoryFunder