Creating Change: Kevin Bacon's Initiative for Nonprofits with Advertising Week

Innovative Collaboration for Nonprofits

In an inspiring effort to boost the impact of nonprofits across the nation, actor and philanthropist Kevin Bacon's SixDegrees.org is joining forces with Advertising Week, a premier platform in the marketing and media arena. The initiative, dubbed 'Purpose, Produced,' aims to match six nonprofits with creative agencies to develop comprehensive advertising campaigns at no cost to them. This initiative is scheduled to kick off in April 2025 and culminate at Advertising Week New York in October 2025.

Purpose, Produced: A Unique Initiative

The 'Purpose, Produced' campaign is set to provide the selected nonprofit organizations with access to resources usually reserved for major brands, allowing them to launch advertising campaigns that resonate nationwide. Participants will benefit from tailored creative strategies, promotional materials, and significant media exposure across television, online platforms, and billboards, enabling them to amplify their messages more effectively.

Kevin Bacon has been vocally supportive of initiatives that harness creativity for social good. He stated, "This is about showing how creatives can lend their time and talents in a really concrete way to support nonprofits everywhere. We all have something that we can use to make a difference, and we hope to inspire others to get involved in their own way."

Criteria for Participation

To qualify for this unique opportunity, nonprofits must align their programming with at least one of the four key focus areas defined by SixDegrees.org: youth empowerment, justice and equity, sustainable living, and responding to emerging crises. Additionally, eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget of less than $3 million. Throughout this selection process, Advertising Week alongside SixDegrees.org plans to meticulously vet the applicants to ensure a fit for both creativity and meaningful change.

The process will involve selecting a shortlist of 20 finalists who will each receive VIP passes to the Advertising Week event for their entire teams. Out of these finalists, six organizations will ultimately be chosen; five will be selected by the combined efforts of Advertising Week and SixDegrees.org, and the sixth will be determined through a public vote, thereby encouraging community engagement.

Bringing Nonprofits into the Spotlight

Stacy Huston, Executive Director of SixDegrees.org, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "This initiative is about rewriting the playbook on what's possible for small but mighty nonprofits. With 'Purpose, Produced,' we're not just giving these organizations a seat at the table—we're putting their missions on center stage. Our goal is to prove that when creativity meets cause, impact multiplies."

Starting in July, the selected nonprofits will collaborate with their respective creative agencies to develop the campaigns, which will be unveiled during the Advertising Week New York, happening from October 6 to 9, 2025. Here, Kevin Bacon will take the stage to talk about the impact of the initiative further.

Inspiring Action in the Creative Community

Michael Gewirtzman, Global Vice President of Programming for Advertising Week, shared his insights on the initiative, stating, "We've always believed that storytelling is the heart of AWNewYork, but it only matters if we back those stories with action. Collaborating with Kevin Bacon and his team at SixDegrees.org has been an incredible way to illustrate exactly that. This isn't just about two organizations working together; it's a call to our entire industry to showcase what's possible when we invest time, creativity, and resources into something meaningful."

About Advertising Week & SixDegrees.org

Advertising Week, integrated in 2004, has become a leading event that garners the attention of marketing, media, and technology thought leaders from around the world. The event builds connections and fosters discussions on the evolution of marketing strategies that drive innovation across industries.

Founded in 2007 by Kevin Bacon, SixDegrees.org is a nonprofit organization that aims to unite communities to create a collective impact through storytelling and resource distribution. Its programs have earned acclaim and numerous awards, reflecting the organization’s commitment to making a difference in the community.

In conclusion, the 'Purpose, Produced' initiative stands as a beacon for nonprofits to gain crucial advertising resources and further their noble causes. As the initiative unfolds, it promises to highlight the power that collaboration holds in the creative world, showcasing impactful stories that inspire action and drive change.