Jesse and Judith Thompkins launched The Jesse Thompkins III Foundation for Young People in the Arts in memory of their son, a young filmmaker, who died on August 3, 2008 in a traffic-related accident in Brooklyn, New York. His passion to write and direct was evident in the many short films he created during his lifetime.
“Everything I write is informed by my own experiences and the experiences of the people around [me]. I take strands from here and there to make my rope. Then I tie my own knot. Problem is sometimes the knot doesn’t hold. I try to untie it and re-tie again and again until it holds.” – Jesse Thompkins III
Mission: The Jesse Thompkins III Foundation for Young People in the Arts (JT3Art) invests in the development of emerging artists who best embody our namesake’s tenacity in the pursuit of their artistic passion.
This year, we will award one grant of at least $2,000 and additional grants of
lesser amounts. Award-winning films will be screened at our Awards gala in the Fall.
In October 2009, JT3 Art made unrestricted JT3 Artist Awards to: Bridget Palardy; Nikyatu Jusu, Wendy James,
Chioke Nassor, and Andrew Brotzman. To read more about our award winners and view their films, please click here.
How You Can Help
You can participate in our 2010 Awards program by purchasing a ticket for our "Cocktails for a Cause" event, a special
fundraiser generously sponsored by The Gates NYC,
Maggie Brown Restaurant,
DJ Ish Master,
and other supporters
in New York City on Tuesday, June 8th. Purchase a ticket now for a special $35 price -- $40 at the door. Produced by Roc-elle Records.
Or, if you cannot attend this fundraiser, we welcome your donations from this website.
Those who wish, may send donations to: Jesse Thompkins III Foundation for Young People in the Arts, Chevy Chase Bank, 925 15th St NW, Washington DC 20005. You may also make a credit card donation by entering a donation amount below.
