Since 2019, the Stories of Impact series has featured more than 120 high-profile international research projects, illuminating the human stories and critical perspectives that embody Sir John Templeton's lifelong fascination with the intersection of science and spirituality. Every podcast episode and short film we have produced offers evidence for Sir John's foundational hypothesis: that spiritual progress is not only possible but essential in the twenty-first century. Stories of Impact exists to advance that hypothesis — to spark imagination, deepen inquiry, and stimulate the intellectual, moral, and spiritual attention of a global audience.

Our core team — journalist Richard Sergay, writer/producer Tavia Gilbert, and distribution and audience development consultant Michele Cobb — is based in the United States, but the stories we tell originate from researchers working across six continents. Our audience is equally international and diverse: research collaborators, educators, parents, students, funders, science-lovers, spiritual seekers, purpose-driven leaders, lifelong learners, and curious laypeople who share a belief that big questions deserve serious, beautiful storytelling.

After six years of exclusive funding from TWCF — during which we have reached millions of viewers and we have garnered 750,000 garnered podcast downloads from around the globe — Stories of Impact is ready to scale. This grant will fund the strategic, operational, and creative work required to transition Stories of Impact from a program supported solely by TWCF into an independent, self-sustaining media brand — one that will continue to serve the TWCF community while attracting new funding partners and researchers whose values align with Sir John's vision and with ours.

Why Now?
Stories of Impact has reached a natural inflection point. We have proven the concept, built the audience, and earned the reputation. What we have not yet done is build the organizational structure and external partnerships that will ensure this work continues — and grows — for years to come. This grant is an investment in a transition that will make Stories of Impact less dependent on any single funder, including TWCF, while deepening the quality and reach of the stories we tell together.

By the end of this grant period, Stories of Impact will be an independent organization with a diversified funding base, an educational curriculum reaching new audiences, a thriving newsletter community, and the professional infrastructure to pursue and secure new long-term partnerships. The work funded by this grant will pay forward — in audience, in impact, and in brand resilience — well beyond the grant period itself.

We are grateful for the funding that has made this moment possible, and we are eager to honor it by building something that lasts.