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We are requesting [specific grant amount] to support the following aspects of TPCI’s Phase 1 development:<ul><li>Personnel Costs: Funding to support a part-time program manager for the mentorship program and event logistics.</li><li>Virtual Event Costs: Costs for hosting our virtual networking event, including technology support, event marketing, and keynote speaker honorarium.</li><li>Marketing &amp; Outreach: Funding to create outreach materials, digital marketing campaigns, and promotional content to grow our membership base and establish our initial presence.</li><li>Website Development: Funds to enhance our website to include a members-only area for mentor pairing, resource sharing, and community engagement.</li><li>Creative Content Production: Additional funds to produce visual content (photos, videos) to promote TPCI's brand, document our journey, and make our events more engaging and shareable.</li></ul>

Budget & Budget Justification | TPCI

The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI) was co-founded by Caitlyn Harris and Christopher Creese—two creatives driven by the shared belief that political creatives deserve more support, guidance, and community than we had when we began our careers.About Christopher CreeseChristopher Creese is an experienced creative strategist who founded CreeseWorks, a boutique consultancy specializing in crafting bold, memorable narratives for political campaigns and nonprofits. He understands the power of creativity to shape public perception and is committed to providing the mentorship and guidance that political creatives need to thrive.Together, we’re building TPCI to reshape what it means to be a political creative—turning an often isolating career path into one of support, innovation, and community.About Caitlyn HarrisCaitlyn Harris has spent over a decade creating, leading, and innovating within political campaigns, building brands that tell powerful stories and winning awards such as the Reed Award for Excellence in Political Branding. Her passion lies in helping others learn from her experiences, and her leadership in building creative teams, coupled with her dedication to mentorship, is at the heart of TPCI's mission.

Organization Information (About Us)

Dear Playbook Imagination Fund Team,We are excited to introduce The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI), a community-driven platform designed to support and uplift political creatives across the industry.Co-founded by 15 year long friends meeting&nbsp;at the edge of DC in college, myself Christopher Creese, and Caitlyn Harris, TPCI aims to build the supportive, engaging network that we both wished we had when we first stepped into the whirlwind of political design.We want to create a space that embodies our vision of "becoming who we needed when we were younger"—a place that not only fuels creative passion but also provides the resources and mentorship needed to thrive in high-stakes political campaigns.With your support, we will bring this vision to life within 30 days by launching the foundational elements of our initiative: a formal mentorship program and a virtual networking event for our first cohort of members.These initial actions will form the cornerstone of a sustainable community that brings together creatives to connect, grow, and set new standards for our industry. Our mailing list, already over 200 names strong, shows the need for this community and the enthusiasm among creatives eager to be part of something impactful and transformational.We greatly appreciate your consideration of The Political Creative Initiative for the Playbook Imagination Fund.We look forward to the opportunity to share more about our vision and how, together, we can reshape the future of political creatives.With gratitude, &nbsp;Christopher Creese &amp; Caitlyn Harris, Co-Founders, The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI)

Cover Letter | TPCI

The Political Creative Initiative is here to build what we didn’t have—a community that supports, mentors, and uplifts political creatives. With the support of the Playbook Imagination Fund, we will take the first steps to build this community, provide tangible support, and lay the foundation for a network that will grow and flourish.We are excited to launch TPCI as a space for real creative growth, a hub of experimentation, and a community that brings lasting, positive change to the way political messages are crafted and communicated.&nbsp;Your support will make this vision a reality, and we are eager to create impactful and lasting experiences for political creatives everywhere.Thank you for considering our proposal, and we look forward to the opportunity to partner with you in making this vision a reality.

Conclusion | TPCI

When we first started as political creatives, we lacked mentors, guidance, and a clear roadmap to help us navigate the fast-paced world of political design. It was a journey filled with trial and error, tight deadlines, and immense pressure—without a community to support us along the way. Political creatives work tirelessly behind the scenes, shaping campaigns and voter engagement, yet there is no established network to celebrate their successes, share knowledge, or guide their development. This absence of support limits the potential of many talented individuals. The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI) was created to address this critical need. We want to ensure that political creatives have access to mentorship, meaningful connections, and clear industry standards that help them excel in their roles. By providing a community that offers collaboration, guidance, and support, TPCI will uplift the entire political creative field and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Statement of Need | TPCI

The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI) is an innovative program dedicated to building a supportive community for political creatives through mentorship, industry standards, and networking opportunities.Co-founded by Caitlyn Harris and Christopher Creese, TPCI fills a gap that has long existed in the political creative world—providing professionals with access to mentorship, meaningful connections, and opportunities for career advancement.We seek funding from the Playbook Imagination Fund to complete Phase 1 of our initiative within 30 days: establishing a formal mentorship program and hosting our first networking event.These first steps will lay the foundation for a community that transforms the often-isolated world of political creatives into one of collaboration, growth, and shared best practices. With a mailing list already cracking 200 names, we know there is strong interest in this community, and we are eager to take it to the next level.

Executive Summary | TPCI

TPCI is designed to be a lasting support network for political creatives, well beyond this initial 30-day period. Our sustainability plan involves seeking additional funding through membership dues, ticket sales for future events, and partnerships with political consultancies, creative agencies, and educational institutions. Our goal is to create a self-sustaining community that continues to grow, evolve, and provide value to its members.

As we scale, we envision developing a digital platform that will serve as a hub for all TPCI resources—providing access to mentorship materials, networking opportunities, creative workshops, and career advancement tools. The online platform will allow us to connect members from around the world, making TPCI an international community of political creatives working together to transform political messaging.

Sustainability Plan | TPCI

Goals &amp; ObjectivesThe Political Creative Initiative is focused on creating a sustainable community that supports political creatives at every stage of their careers. Our primary goals for the first 30 days are:- To establish a formal mentorship program that connects experienced creatives with those who are just starting out or looking for guidance.- To host a virtual networking event where members can meet, collaborate, and set the stage for future growth.- To grow our membership base to at least 100 passionate political creatives ready to help build and benefit from this community.Methods/Approach1. Launch the Mentorship Program: We will leverage our existing network to establish mentor-mentee pairs within the first 30 days. Creatives at all levels will be able to apply to either be a mentor or receive mentorship, and we’ll match them based on their skills, experiences, and needs.2. Host Our First Networking Event: This will be a virtual event designed to introduce our new members to each other, spark meaningful conversations, and set expectations for what we hope to build. The event will feature a keynote from a seasoned political creative, followed by breakout groups for more intimate networking and collaboration.3. Membership Outreach: Using our mailing list of over 200 individuals, along with social media, email outreach, and word of mouth, we will grow our membership to at least 100 engaged creatives. We are targeting designers, strategists, and creatives in political spaces who are ready to help build and benefit from this community.Unique Features and Impact in 30 DaysOur plan is to make an immediate impact by connecting at least 100 political creatives through our mentorship and networking programs in the first 30 days. By creating tangible mentor-mentee relationships and facilitating introductions through our networking event, we are setting the groundwork for a supportive, long-lasting community. We also plan to conduct a beta-testing phase during this period, gathering feedback and iterating on the mentorship experience to ensure it is effective and valuable for participants.Additionally, we plan to host regular portfolio reviews and create showcase opportunities where members can gain recognition and feedback from their peers and industry experts. This will create an environment that encourages creative experimentation and rewards excellence, setting a new standard for what it means to be a political creative.

Project Description (Narrative) | TPCI

The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI) is an innovative program dedicated to building a supportive community for political creatives through mentorship, industry standards, and networking opportunities.

The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI) Grant Proposal (CW)

Sustainability Plan | TPCI

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The Political Creative Initiative (TPCI) Grant Proposal (CW)

Sustainability Plan | TPCI