Make a Donation 2009/10/08: Our matching grant of $3,000 has been fully matched, however we continue to fundraise for postproduction expenses.
Are you interested in contributing to the project?
You can contribute directly using the PayPal button to your right, but first please read the FAQ below.
Making a Donation: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you guys soliciting donations?
Filmmaking is expensive, even for low budget independent documentaries. Since beginning preproduction in March 2008 the project has incurred expenses of approximately $40,000 US dollars. The project will require approximately another $100,000 to bring it through postproduction to completion. We are exploring a variety of options including film grants, foundation funding, university support and individual donations.
How much of your budget have you covered yourselves?
We have been personally responsible for about 75% of expenses to date.
Why should I give you guys any money?
There are several reasons why you may consider donating to the project. For one, you are directly supporting informative independent media in a climate of increasingly consolidated corporate news. Secondly a donation to the project directly involves you in it and you will be able to take pride in knowing that you played a role in its completion. Finally all donors will receive a screen credit (assuming they so desire).
But I really can’t give very much.
We will be grateful for any amount you feel comfortable with donating. All donors will receive at least a “thank you” screen credit.
How will the money that I give you be used?
Donations will be used for postproduction expenses including editing, computer graphics, sound design, music, legal advice, and administrative expenses, etc.
Are you going to make a lot of money with this film?
Probably not. Except for a few well-known examples, documentaries generally are not very profitable.
If I donate money and the film does make a lot of money, will I get something back?
If by “something back” you mean monetary reward, then the answer is “no.” A “donation” is a donation, not an investment. However, you will have the moral reward of knowing you helped support a film that was successful.
In that case, why can’t I make an investment in your production company?
Complex state and federal securities laws govern private investments in production companies and require substantial paperwork and legal counsel. Furthermore the project would not be able to qualify for fiscal sponsorship by a non-profit organization if it were to have private investors. Therefore we are not currently soliciting private investment in our production company.
Non-profit status? Does that mean I get a tax deduction?
We have applied with the International Documentary Association (IDA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, for fiscal sponsorship. Our application has been approved and the IDA is able to accept tax deductable donations on our behalf. However, donations made to us directly via PayPal or another method do not qualify.
Then why should I bother with Paypal at all?
For smaller sized donations PayPal offers an efficient and convenient way to contribute to the project.
Is PayPal safe?
Yes, it really is.
Do I need a PayPal account?
No, you can use any credit card.
I rather donate via the IDA, what should I do?
We will provide the relevent information for those interested in making a tax deductable donation to the project. Please get in touch with us to discuss this option.
What about making a donation in kind?
Absolutely. If you have or can provide a good or service that you think would help, please let us know!