Footnotes Project is an independent, creative community program rooted in making by hand and giving thoughtfully. Managed by Ileana, the project brings people together to create physical, handmade work that is donated in partnership with organizations serving the community. Each gathering is designed as a shared experience where care, attention, and collaboration are central to the process. Footnotes Project works with forms of making that have historically existed in the background of daily life—practices that are careful, time intensive, and quietly sustaining. While they may not always be centered or celebrated, they have long supported families, relationships, and communities. Rather than focusing on scale or visibility, Footnotes Project centers presence. The work values time spent together, the act of making something tangible, and the intention behind offering it outward.

Recently, I have found personal healing and joy through crafting, especially during stressful times. The excitement and gratitude from gifting unique, handmade items inspired me to keep doing this work, not just for myself but with others. By collaborating with organizations and gifting them creative work, I hope to support their missions and foster new connections through community making.

Community contributions help cover the tangible costs of each project so that gatherings can remain accessible and the focus can stay on creating with care. Contributions are used to cover materials such as paper, paint, clay, mosaic pieces, and basic tools needed for each project. All work created through Footnotes Project is made collaboratively and donated in partnership with organizations aligned with care, dignity, and community connection. No one profits financially from this work. Footnotes Project is an independent, community funded creative program. It is not a nonprofit organization. Any remaining project costs are covered personally by the organizer to ensure that the work can continue thoughtfully and sustainably.

If you choose to contribute, you are helping make space for people to gather, create slowly, and leave something meaningful behind. Thank you for supporting small gestures, shared making, and the quiet work of connection.