Footage Foundation

What Footage Foundation does

Footage Foundation, founded in 2009 by five women social science PhD colleagues at the University of Cambridge, is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates as a global feminist research and action organization. It co-designs trauma-informed, participatory interventions with women, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQIA+ communities facing gender-based violence and displacement, delivering programs across 12+ countries on four continents. Its core portfolio includes the Girl-talk-Girl digital storytelling platform (described as the world's largest digital storytelling platform for young women on GBV), FemSMS (a compassionate SMS/voice note/app-based messaging service launched in May 2022 for women in conflict zones), Her{connect}Her (narrative workshops for refugee and migrant women), StrengthIN (a wellbeing initiative), PowerTools Kyrgyzstan (GBV prevention), WebinHERS (educational webinars), and Compassionate Cash (unconditional cash assistance in Ukraine). All interventions are powered by the proprietary mVoiceWorks© participatory voice methodology, a common-law trademark combining workshops, mobile digital storytelling, and human-centered design. The organization distributes through self-serve digital platforms, direct community engagement, and an online merchandise store, and has received 12 Public Diplomacy awards from the U.S. Department of State.

The organization's business model is donation- and grant-based as a registered 501(c)(3) with US tax-deductible contributions, supplemented by merchandise sales ($4-$44 price points) and a recently launched fee-for-service social impact consultancy (Footage Lab+). Revenue streams include individual donations (accepted via Venmo, checks, wire transfers in all currencies), institutional grants from the US State Department and affiliated embassies (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Chile), foundation grants (Vodafone Americas Foundation, Forix Foundation), and event-based fundraising (Giving Tuesday). The organization expanded in 2024 by establishing Footage France as an association loi 1901 to serve as an EU-based hub for regional programs, partnerships, and visibility, and integrates all entities under the Footage Lab umbrella brand. The organization reports 96% program efficiency and maintains a small core team of founders, board members, international advisors, and program staff operating from headquarters at 33 Irving Place, New York, NY.

Name

Footage Foundation

Legal name

Footage Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://footageproject.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Footage Foundation is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2009 by five Cambridge PhDs, that delivers trauma-informed participatory interventions — including the Girl-talk-Girl storytelling platform and FemSMS crisis messaging — for women, gender-expansive, and LGBTQIA+ communities affected by gender-based violence and displacement across 12+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Gender Justice & Humanitarian Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services (512191), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Protection, Child Protection & Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response (BPAGAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment (BPAGABAF), Safeguarding, Accountability & Compliance (ESG, Gender/GBV, Do No Harm) (BPADAEAM), Branded Documentary / Nonfiction (Corporate & NGO) (MPADADAK), Social Issue & Advocacy Documentaries (MPADADAG)

Keywords

• Feminist research programs
• Gender-based violence interventions
• Trauma-informed support
• Refugee women services
• Compassionate messaging

Headquarters

HQ city

New City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Footage Foundation receives donations from individuals and grants from institutional funders including US State Department, foundations, and corporate partners. 96% of every dollar reaches interventions.
2. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling branded merchandise including tote bags, hats, t-shirts, and stickers. Products include Compassion in Action line and Pride merchandise.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Footage Foundation is a global feminist research and action organization that co-designs trauma-informed, participatory interventions with women, gender-expansive, and LGBTQIA+ communities facing gender-based violence and displacement. Its core offerings include the FemSMS compassionate SMS messaging service, the Girl-talk-Girl mobile digital storytelling platform, and the Her{connect}Her narrative workshops for refugee and migrant women, all powered by its proprietary mVoiceWorks© methodology. The organization operates across more than twelve countries on four continents and delivers cash assistance, educational webinars, and advocacy campaigns under the Footage Lab umbrella.

Product overview

Footage Foundation operates as a platform-plus-modules organization offering multiple interconnected feminist research interventions and digital programs. The core portfolio includes FemSMS (compassionate messaging service for women in crisis zones), Girl-talk-Girl (mobile digital storytelling platform for GBV awareness), and Her{connect}Her (narrative workshops for refugee women), all powered by the proprietary mVoiceWorks© methodology. Additional programs include StrengthIN (wellbeing initiative), PowerTools Kyrgyzstan (GBV prevention), WebinHERS (educational webinars), and Compassionate Cash (humanitarian assistance). The organization also runs advocacy campaigns like What Would You Say to Her? and Voices of Resilience, delivered under the Footage Lab umbrella brand which integrates the US nonprofit, Footage France, and Footage Lab+ consultancy. Supporting platforms include the footnotes.¹ blog.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Footage Lab: Umbrella identity integrating Footage Foundation (US nonprofit), Footage France (EU nonprofit), and FootageLab+ (social impact consultancy) to deliver feminist impact across grassroots, national, and international levels.
• Girl-talk-Girl
• Her{connect}Her
• FemSMS
• PowerTools
• Compassionate Cash
• StrengthIN
• WebinHERS
• mVoiceWorks
• footnotes¹

Products and services

• FemSMS Compassionate text-based information service co-designed with women and LGBTQIA+ people in crisis zones, providing trustworthy information, recognition, and connection via SMS, voice notes, meditations, and a co-designed mobile app. Covers safety, mental health, and gender-based violence resources.
• Girl-talk-Girl Mobile digital storytelling platform where young women at risk of or affected by gender-based violence produce and share stories based on lived experiences to spark peer-to-peer dialogue internationally.
• Her{connect}Her Narrative workshops and connection program for young refugee and migrant women worldwide, cultivating participants' agency, belonging, and resilience. Delivered in Sweden, France, Greece, and the UK.
• StrengthIN Evidence-based initiative focused on sustainable development and the mental, social, and emotional wellbeing of young women, addressing overlooked basic needs such as self-worth and connection in global crises.
• PowerTools Kyrgyzstan Collaborative initiative that enhances capacity of Kyrgyz civil society and government to address gender-based violence through research, workshops, and advocacy. Led by Footage Foundation in partnership with El Agartuu Public Association.
• WebinHERS

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of interventions show measurable increase in compassion for self and others
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NYC Pride (Heritage of Pride)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Pride Gives Back grant funder for FemSMS NYC Pride Edition. NYC Pride's community investment program supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations across the five boroughs.
• Project KeshercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in FemSMS development since 2022, supporting women in Ukraine and crisis zones with messaging services.
• QaravancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots LGBTQ+ network supporting queer immigrants and exiles from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus. Partner in FemSMS NYC Pride Edition.
• El Agartuu Public AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKyrgyz civil society partner working with Footage on PowerTools Kyrgyzstan to address gender-based violence through research, workshops, and advocacy.
• SayItForward.orgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of presentations and events including Compassion in Action at CSW69 and VoicePower sessions.
• Soka Gakkai InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Compassion, Service, and Storytelling presentation at UN Commission on Status of Women.
• Airbnb.orgminorOthersPartner listed in Funders & Partners section.
• TubmanminorOthersPartner listed in Funders & Partners section supporting women and families.
• A Drop in the OceanminorOthersNorwegian humanitarian organization partnered with Footage.
• Maison des Femmes de ParisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench women's organization partnership supporting feminist interventions.
• Theatre for DialogueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUkrainian theater organization using dialogue for social change.
• Girls Inc. of Bristol, VirginiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGirls Inc. chapter providing programming for young women.
• Alternatives for GirlsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization supporting girls and young women in Detroit.
• Project Kesher UAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUkrainian branch of Project Kesher supporting women in conflict zones.
• Artil MaidanminorOthersUkrainian community organization.
• UkraineNowminorOthersUkrainian media outlet partnership.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Equality Now: International feminist nonprofit using advocacy and legal action to end gender-based violence, with similar GBV prevention focus and global programmatic footprint.
• MADRE: Grassroots feminist organization partnering with women-led groups globally to address gender-based violence and displacement, comparable in size, mission, and beneficiary communities.
• Vital Voices Global Partnership: Global nonprofit investing in women leaders and addressing GBV through participatory programming and policy advocacy, closely comparable in model and scale.
• Women for Women International: Nonprofit serving women survivors of war and conflict through training, advocacy, and direct support, overlapping directly with Footage's refugee/GBV beneficiary base.
• Global Fund for Women: Grantmaking foundation funding women's rights organizations globally, with overlapping funding partners and shared gender-equality mission in humanitarian and conflict settings.

Broad incumbents

• UN Women: UN entity advancing gender equality and the Women, Peace and Security agenda globally, identified as a programmatic counterpart of Footage and a backer of its policy work.
• International Rescue Committee: Large humanitarian NGO serving refugees and displaced populations across conflict zones including Ukraine; broader scope but overlapping crisis-response beneficiary base with Footage.

Emerging players

• StoryCenter: Nonprofit pioneering digital storytelling and participatory media for social change, with directly comparable methodology to Footage's mVoiceWorks digital storytelling approach.
• WITNESS: Human rights organization that equips activists to use video and storytelling for advocacy, overlapping with Footage's video-based GBV advocacy and survivor-led content.

Others

• Refugees International: Advocacy organization protecting refugees and displaced people globally, adjacent to Footage's humanitarian footprint and shared policy advocacy agenda.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/footageyouth
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6j9Z6dKq56LmWqCkVJKvZQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/footageproject
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/footage-project
• Instagraminstagram.com/footageproject

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Footage Foundation