The Story of StoryFest
The Tommy Elliott Fund for Community Leadership
StoryFest has been created by The Tommy Elliott Fund, a registered 501(c)(3), an entity formed after a mass shooting in Louisville on April 10, 2023. This tragedy was a pivotal moment for the community, which quickly came together to support each other and focus not on hate, but on hope, proving that light can rise from darkness and create new possibilities for joy and success. The Fund has focused on strengthening Louisville’s local nonprofit sector, recognizing that capacity-building is essential for its long-term effectiveness and sustainability. StoryFest is one part of this capacity-building.
StoryFest has partnered with Leadership Louisville Center’s Ignite Louisville program. The leaders of nonprofits chosen for the Leadership Louisville Center’s Ignite Louisville Leadership Challenge are provided storytelling training to more effectively share their missions, culminating in the April 10, 2025, storytelling competition where grants will be awarded to the nonprofits.
StoryFest at the Muhammad Ali Center
We’re thrilled to host StoryFest at the Muhammad Ali Center (MAC), a museum dedicated to advancing Muhammad Ali’s enduring legacy. Through exhibits, events, and programs, MAC inspires greatness and drives positive change.
In January 2025, MAC launched the Muhammad Ali Index in 12 pilot cities, aiming to ignite compassion within communities. StoryFest perfectly embodies this mission, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling as a compassionate act to attract transformative resources for nonprofits to further their civic missions. Hosting the event at MAC aligns seamlessly with their strategy to activate and celebrate compassion.
Expert Storytelling Training and Coaching
World-class professional storytellers will lead the sessions, which are designed to empower nonprofit leaders to develop and polish inspiring and authentic stories that connect deeply with audiences across the community.
StoryFest provides nonprofit leaders with the tools they need to refine their storytelling skills through day-long workshops and personalized coaching sessions with experts and mentors.
