A high-caliber, cross-sector community of professionals using storytelling for social change

The Impact Guild is a curated global network of professionals in media, arts, and entertainment who are advancing social good and healthy democracy through storytelling. Founded in 2019, the Guild connects creators, strategists, funders, and executives across sectors and formats—from film, journalism, and immersive media to philanthropy, social impact strategy, and narrative change infrastructure.

Who We Are

  • Peer Groups organize members by professional expertise
  • Affinity Groups connect members by social issue focus (Democracy, LGBTQ Equality, Responsible AI, and more)
  • Members represent major studios, networks, nonprofits, advocacy orgs, creative industries, and impact funding circles

Who We’re Looking For

Mid- to senior-level professionals who:

  • Leverage storytelling through media, arts, or entertainment in their work
  • Are aligned with our:
  • Vision: A media landscape where the most popular and profitable properties are prosocial
  • Mission: To elevate and accelerate the field of narrative change
  • Values: Media Responsibility, Diversity & Inclusion, Equality, Civic Participation, Sustainability, Accuracy & Authenticity, Global Community, Common Good
  1. Want to build relationships, share knowledge, and collaborate across disciplines
  2. Are committed to equity, inclusion, accuracy, and civic responsibility in media

Membership Benefits

  • Curated Community. Connections and collaborations across our vetted, multi-sector network. Members include mid-level and senior executives at Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Gates Foundation, Spotify, United Talent Agency, and many independent creatives and professionals.
  • Virtual Programming (4x per month):
  • First Friday: Topical discussions with industry expert panels (e.g. The State of Narrative Change, Critical Journalism: Speaking Truth to Power, Cancel Culture, Comedy for Social Change, Rural Audiences & Influence) — join us the first Friday of each month (unless moved to observe a holiday) at 9 a.m. PT on Zoom.
  • Member Monday: Showcasing and accelerating member projects (feedback, connections, and sometimes funding opportunities for member-led initiatives).
  • Third Thursday: Keynote-style fireside chats with media luminaries (past speakers have included Steven Canals, Patrisse Cullors, Rick Cosnett, Jordan Klepper, and Halim Flowers).
  • Member Spotlight: A monthly five-minute pitch mart for nine members to share their projects that need help from the Guild network.
  1. In-Person Gatherings (20+ per year). Most of our in-person programming happens in Los Angeles, but we also have events with some frequency in New York City, Miami, Austin, the San Francisco Bay Area, and internationally in London.
  • Salons: Timely and intimate topical dinners and conversations with sector leaders and members.
  • Peer Group Meet-ups: Opportunities for connection and sharing real-time insights with those who share your sector expertise.
  • Casual Mixers: Cross-Guild meetings of members to converse with mission-aligned individuals across all fields.
  • Impact Guild Forum: Our 2.5-day flagship convening in Los Angeles (November 12-14, 2025) featuring luminaries, experts, and mavericks leveraging storytelling for good; open to members only.
  1. 24/7 Platform Access. Private member directory, discussion spaces, event calendar, and programming archive on our members-only platform.
  2. Opportunities to Lead. Eligible to serve in Guild leadership roles for peer groups, affinity groups, and board committees.
  3. Powered by Impact Guild. Eligible to apply to our project incubator/accelerator program offering back office support, strategic guidance, and ability to accept nonprofit-specific funding.

    More Benefits Coming Soon (2025)

    • AI-assisted Matchmaking. Quarterly intake survey that uses AI infrastructure to connect members who can amplify and accelerate each other’s work.
    • Learning Journeys. Hybrid virtual/in-person curricula incorporating masterclasses, panel discussions, field trips, industry crawls, and online modules on subjects like AI for Creators; Authentic Representation in Practice; and Best Practices for Funding Narrative Change.

    2025 Membership Rates

    • All-Access Membership (for U.S.-based members)
    • $250/year, which includes all virtual and in-person programming and Forum attendance
    • All-Access Membership (for international members)
    • Complimentary, for international members based outside the U.S.
    Note: For 2026 and beyond, the Guild is splitting membership rates into two plans: All-Access and Virtual-Only. Rates will increase for All-Access plans for those admitted after January 1, 2026. Apply now to lock in current pricing for a year.

    Application Process

    The timeframe for member admissions is 4-6 weeks, depending on when prospective members apply and what the Guild’s current application volume is. The process follows five steps:

    • Prospective members first identify the peer group that most aligns with their work.
    • Then they complete the membership application.
    • Peer group leaders review the application and make a recommendation to the Membership Committee of the Board.
    • The Membership Committee formally admits or denies membership.
    • Admitted members are invited to activate their profile, pay membership dues, and engage through our welcome process.

    Next Steps

    • Sign up for our email newsletter, which gets you invited to our First Fridays programming.
    • Apply for Guild membership.
    • Contact us with any questions.

    © 2019-2025 Impact Guild, inc.