The First of Many...
Lighting The Way Awards
Post Production·Pre Production·Production·Social Media·Strategy & Planning·Travel
Project Scope
Visionary Content Group was selected to support the SunTrust Foundation’s Lighting the Way Awards, a large scale initiative designed to recognize and fund nonprofit organizations making a measurable impact in underserved communities. The project required extensive travel, tight coordination, and consistent storytelling across a diverse group of 36 nonprofit agencies operating within one of the Foundation’s four core pillars.
Challange
The primary challenge was scale and consistency. The SunTrust Foundation needed compelling, high quality video content for each nominee to be used during the awards show and across digital and social platforms. This required filming 36 separate nonprofits across 11 states while maintaining a cohesive narrative, production quality, and brand alignment. The timeline demanded efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to operate seamlessly across multiple markets.
The SunTrust Foundation's mission, now aligned with its successor, Truist, was to support financial well-being, focusing on financial education, counseling, career readiness, and small business growth, all under the broader purpose of "Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being" and building better lives and communities by creating economic opportunities for all.
Approach
Visionary Content Group deployed two person production crews to each location, coordinating a mix of air travel and ground transportation to reach destinations ranging from Miami, Florida to Cleveland, Ohio, and as far west as Dallas, Texas. Pre production planning ensured each nonprofit’s story aligned with the Foundation’s mission while highlighting their unique community impact. Each shoot focused on authentic storytelling, real world environments, and human centered narratives that showcased how grant funding would expand their reach.
Execution
Our team produced individual video profiles for all 36 awardees, along with category focused content used during the live awards presentation. In addition to broadcast ready assets, we delivered social media video content tailored to increase awareness and engagement across digital platforms. Every nonprofit received professionally produced video assets they could continue to use beyond the event to support fundraising, outreach, and advocacy efforts.
Results
The Lighting the Way Awards distributed a total of $2.7 million in grants, with each nonprofit receiving a minimum of $75,000 to further their work within their respective pillar. The video content amplified the visibility of the SunTrust Foundation’s impact while giving each awardee powerful tools to tell their story. Collectively, the project strengthened community awareness, elevated nonprofit voices, and reinforced the Foundation’s long term commitment to meaningful social change.
Impact
By combining strategic planning, scalable production, and purposeful storytelling, Visionary Content Group delivered a nationwide initiative that exceeded expectations. The result was not only a successful awards program, but a lasting digital footprint that continues to highlight the SunTrust Foundation’s role in empowering underserved communities.
