The initial fundraising campaign for the launch of 3-D SPACE has officially ended, and thanks to your generous support, we have raised over $14,000 to get this museum and educational center off the ground.
When we started this campaign, we decided to swing for the fences, and set a goal that would cover or first year of operation, and while we fell short of that goal, we are still thrilled at what we have accomplished.
We chose to do this round of fundraising on Indiegogo because, unlike some other crowdfunding sites, here we get to keep the money we raise even when we fall short.
When we set out to start 3-D SPACE, we didn’t have a lot of the things that the big crowdfunding campaigns have (the ones you hear about on the news). There was no financial backing in place yet, no budget for advertising or PR, no staff of web designers - just a grassroots idea, and a dream. With nothing but my own personal passion for this project, I was able to raise $14,538. That’s a pretty big deal, and it’s all thanks to you.
So what happens next? We have raised enough to move forward with the first phase of our launch, and can now afford the costs to file the documents that will make 3-D SPACE a real nonprofit entity.
We also have enough to maintain the storage of the thousands of 3-D artifacts and images in our collection while we wait for our tax-exempt status to be approved by the government. Once we officially become a 501(c)3 organization, we will have new avenues to seek funding for our ongoing operations, as well as finding a location to house our center and museum.
I have started the paperwork filings with the state and federal governments. We are working with a consultant who has a very successful rate of acceptance for 501(c)3 status, and is confident that we will have our approval rather quickly. He will also make sure that we meet full compliance with all regulations. So we should be able to start seeking grants and corporate donations very soon. As a pending 501(c)3, we are also now ready to accept tax-deductable donations from individuals.
Our new website has gone live at www.3-DSPACE.org, and will be updated frequently as this project grows. I look forward to keeping you up to date with our progress. Thanks again for you support and encouragement.
And on another note, it’s time again for the Annual LA 3-D Movie Festival. We are putting together a fantastic and eclectic program of 3-D screenings and events which will take place next month from December 12-14 at the Downtown Independent Theater. This is the 11th time we’ve put on this event, and we have some very special treats in store for you this year, including an evening with the acclaimed band OK Go, a celebration of 3-D comic books, several premieres, a look at the latest stereoscopic student films, a wonderful program of independent shorts in competition, and of course, the LA 3-D Club’s Holiday Party and Reception. Tickets and passes will go on sale at the end of November, and the full schedule will be online soon at www.LA3DFest.com
It’s the biggest fundraiser for the club, and I can guarantee that it will be a great festival this year. I look forward to seeing all of you there!
