History
Thriving Communities was born from the joy and inspiration of storytelling, uplifting those who create lasting impact in neighborhoods and communities, and fostering connection through film and gathering.
The Beginnings
Thriving Communities grew out of the joy and inspiration that Jerry Millhon found in his work as Director of the Whidbey Institute in 2012. Along with others, he began to see Thriving Communities as a call to action—to share stories about people who inspire actions and movements that celebrate and make a profound difference in neighborhoods and communities. We make two to four documentaries a year about "Common people doing uncommon work for the common good."
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Our partner films are premiered at an event we call a "Gathering" to honor those we have filmed and provide space for people to connect with them and the community. We consider these stories and the people we honor as a gift of collaboration and inspiration.​
On Thriving Communities
Thriving Communities Founder, Jerry Millhon
Learn more about Thriving Communities
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Annual Operating Budget $175,000 ​
Nonprofit Status
Thriving Communities is a nonprofit organization fiscally sponsored by
Mission Edge, 2820 Roosevelt Rd. Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92106
Tax ID: 27-2938491
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​How many films has Thriving Communities produced so far?
Thriving Communities produced or collaborated on over 60 films since 2012.
When was Thriving Communities founded?
Thriving Communities was founded in 2012.
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​What do we mean by "Thriving Communities"?
At Thriving Communities, we leverage the power of storytelling and film to ignite community engagement and foster transformative dialogue. By highlighting the impactful stories of change-makers and their communities and creating forums for learning, we provide a stage for these narratives and inspire broader action.​
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​Since our inception, we have been asking the question: What makes communities thrive? Our films and programs have focused on specific areas that are part of the answers we’re finding to that question from across the country, based on the input from our trusted Advisors and stakeholders around the globe: Food, Local Economy, Health, Shelter, Water, Arts & Culture, Youth, Trauma, Belonging, Prison Reform & Re-entry, and Regenerative Agriculture.
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​Which Thriving Communities are you?
"Thriving Community" is broadly used to describe genuinely flourishing communities. It is also used as a proper name by various organizations. We are a US-based media nonprofit specializing in short documentary films about grassroots projects that grow community power and resilience.
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How does Thriving Communities choose who we feature in a film?
After the premiere of each year's films at our Gathering of organizations and community leaders, we pause to reflect and review the year's work and sense the direction of future themes. Partner organizations are often referred to us or encountered along the journey as we share the stories of the people and organizations we film.
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​What happens to the films after they're made?
The films are made to give back to the featured organizations in each movie. Before that, we hold an in-person Gathering, where we bring all participants in the film, like-minded community organizations, leaders, and interested community members together to discuss the themes and stories presented in each documentary. The partner organization guides the editing and release of the film. We post the movies on our website and Vimeo when they are officially designated public by the partner organization.