Funding for Social Impact Projects
$40M+
Raised Since 2021
Cumulative funds raised for projects supported by E2AC—not annual fundraising or unrestricted E2AC revenue.
History
The story of where we began and where we're going.
Our Story
Entertainment to Affect Change was founded in 2014 by Patrick James Lynch and Ryan Gielen, with a story rooted in loss. After Adam Lynch passed away due to severe hemophilia, his brother Patrick began listening to and telling the stories of patients who shared their inherited bleeding disorder. Those stories entertained, engaged, educated, and inspired—showing how storytelling could affect change. Together, Patrick and Ryan founded the award-winning patient-engagement agency Believe Limited and its nonprofit partner, E2AC. Because change starts with a story.
Mission
To connect creators, causes, and funders through storytelling that inspires meaningful social impact.
Vision
A world where powerful stories have the support, resources, and audiences they need to make a difference.
2014–2020:Our Beginnings
E2AC began by producing films that brought important human stories to audiences. Our first project, sometimes i think about dying, was a scripted short film selected for the Sundance Film Festival and shortlisted for an Academy Award.
We went on to produce the feature-length documentaries Bombardier Blood, with executive producer Alex Borstein, and My Beautiful Stutter, with executive producers Paul Rudd, Mariska Hargitay, Peter Hermann, and George Springer.
These early projects demonstrated the power of storytelling to build awareness, inspire conversation, and connect communities around important causes.
Early Impact Highlights
300+
worldwide screenings across 30 countries
2 million+
social engagements across Facebook and Instagram
10
film festivals and 5 Best Documentary Awards
2020
Shorty Social Good Award — Winner
2021–2026:Expanding Our Impact
In 2021, E2AC entered a new chapter, expanding beyond individual film productions to build an organization that supports creators, causes, and funders across a growing range of social impact initiatives.
Through fiscal sponsorship, film programming, creative partnerships, and fellowship opportunities, E2AC developed the infrastructure and community to support projects at every stage of their journey.
During this period, E2AC expanded its professional staff, established a governing board, and strengthened a network of supporters helping bring meaningful stories and projects to life.
Projects Supported
400+
Projects Supported
More than 400 creative and social impact projects supported by E2AC.
Our Team
From a small team to a professionally staffed nonprofit
Meet Our Team2027 and Beyond:The Next Chapter
As E2AC looks toward 2027, we're preparing to launch our next chapter as Act Four, expanding our vision for how storytelling can connect people and inspire action.
From the launch of Act Four Streaming to the revival of The Malverne Cinema, we're building new ways for audiences to experience powerful stories and engage with the causes behind them.
At the same time, we're growing our network of creators, causes, funders, and supporters across all our programs, strengthening the community that makes this work possible.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Meet Our Team