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CONTRIBUTIONS: ALL contributions go directly to the project. There are no “administrator
fees”, “advertising fees”, etc.
Since recently receiving our IRS 501c3, we can now give contributors equal
value tax deductions for their services, material, equipment, or
funding.
We're eventually going to get a "budgeting pie chart" up, but it
would be just about one solid pie anyway, with no "slices".
Many non-profits use the VAST majority of contributions and grants to pay
high $ for management, administrators, marketing, workers, etc., rather than
putting the majority of the money towards the project's stated purpose.
We KNOW that to do this requires making a living, and to do it full time,
requires the organization's employees to make a decent living. But we don't
think they should be nearly like the salaries and budgets "for profit"
corporations have. And have you ever seen "charity" TV commercials?
Guess where the advertising money comes from, and where it doesn't go. Sure,
sometimes it's necessary, but often it's not.
SUSPRO however, is a REAL "grass roots" not for profit
project. It is a labor of love that we feel is necessary to help neighbors, and the world. Thus far, it has been paid for by
our volunteers and contributors. And
"advertising/marketing" has been word of mouth, and networking.
Unlike "profitable" non-profits, NO ONE associated with our project
has ever been paid AT ALL, from its beginning (about 4 years ago) to present. In
fact, all land and 99% or so of the equipment was purchased by the farming
families who started it, NOT from non-profit grants or contributions.
Because the property is so remote (13 miles of
rough jeep trail that even starts off dirt roads in the middle of nowhere),
commuting is out of the question.
Construction volunteers have lived in several austere conditions
in campers and old travel trailers on the land,
at approximately 9500 feet elevation (mostly below freezing temps throughout the
year), without refrigeration or electricity (solar electric has
just finally been completed after years).
Perhaps eventually we'll have enough funding
for volunteers/administration supervisors to live on the property, in more
reasonably comfortable
conditions, with reasonable incomes to support themselves and their families.
Then they will be able to totally focus on the project rather than maintain other jobs.
But we will continue, with or without that.
Approximately 1 or 2 % has gone towards paying unaffiliated,
outside subcontractors for heavy equipment work and highly skilled things the
volunteers cannot do, such as well-drilling, cement trucks/pouring, shot Crete,
steel rebar/wiring, etc. But again, ALL contributions go directly into the
project.
Application for IRS non-profit status was assisted by an attorney, whose fees
were contributed by a supporter who received no personal benefit other
than a post-approval tax-deduction.
We feel the sustainable living project is crucial, especially now. Besides
demonstrating how to build (or have built), low/no energy housing - from
luxurious to quick and funky $50 "earthsheltered" housing (with a
view!) that is naturally warm in winter/cool in summer, it will also offer
lessons in many improved (and old time-proven) ways to grow your own food, or
even do it as a small "Earth friendly" business. And even if it fails
- you get to "eat your business" instead of "lose your
shirt"! We also hope to show how to have very comfortable energy efficient
lifestyles.
If you have any questions on more specifics, please contact us.
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