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Join us in dismantling barriers for visionary Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists.

A world where Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists are irresistibly celebrated, centered and cared for is not a passing dream, but a promise that whispers at the edges of what we already know and experience. BlackStar’s ecosystem of visionaries, made up of artists, staff, and donors, recognize that bringing this liberatory world into being requires dedication, rigor, and an investment in reciprocity.

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Make a Gift

All donations are tax deductible and can be made via credit card, by check, or through your employer’s match program. Become a sustaining donor with a monthly gift.

Become a Member

By becoming a member, you help BlackStar sustain our year-round programmatic work, uplift the work of artists of the global majority, and challenge mainstream narratives of erasure. Benefits include discounted submissions, merchandise, festival passes, and much more.

Luminary Giving Circle

The Luminary Giving Circle is a community of high-level donors ($1k+) dedicated to the evolution and continuous expansion of BlackStar, our programming, and our organization’s global network of artists. Contributions can be made in the form of a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation. Luminary Circle members are recognized by their cumulative giving total to the annual fund.

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Corporate Sponsorship

Support one of our many amazing programs while simultaneously supporting your company’s business objectives. Sponsors receive a variety of benefits (e.g., activation opportunities, invitations to special events, merch discounts for staff, and more). Reach thousands through the BlackStar network of filmmakers, artists, and other partners.

FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions? FAQs Questions?

I’d like to arrange for a screening and conversation at my work, does BlackStar do this?

Yes, BlackStar has year-round curatorial programming where organizations and/or companies will invite us to curate a selection of films and host a panel discussion or conversation. If you’d like to inquire more about this, please email our Program Manager, Nyla Daniel, at Nyla [at] blackstarfest.org.

Does BlackStar accept in-kind donations?

On occasion, BlackStar will accept in-kind donations to support specific programming events like the film festival. If you have any questions, please email Development Manager, Michele Pierson, at Michele [at] blackstarfest.org.

Does BlackStar offer any advertising opportunities?

Yes, BlackStar does have advertising opportunities. Please email our Creative Director, Leo Brooks, Leo [at] blackstarfest.org to learn more.

I would like my company to sponsor BlackStar, how do I do this?

BlackStar welcomes corporate sponsorship and invites corporate sponsors to explore what opportunity is best aligned with their interests. Our corporate sponsors have supported our annual film festival, filmmaker seminar, filmmaker lab and more.

For more information or if you’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss existing or bespoke opportunities, please email our Chief Operations Officer, Catherine Lee at Catherine [at] blackstarfest.org.

How do I include BlackStar in my estate planning?

Please email questions to our Chief Operations Officer, Catherine Lee at Catherine [at] blackstarfest.org

If I make a donation to BlackStar, is it tax-deductible?

Yes, if you make a charitable donation to BlackStar, it is considered a tax-deductible donation. Please visit the IRS website for more guidelines on charitable giving.

My workplace offers matched donations. How do I set that up?

BlackStar Projects is listed on Benevity Causes, used by a majority of corporate workplaces for charitable giving. If your employer is not on Benevity Causes or implements its match program differently, use our EIN number, 75-3129761. If you have questions, please email our Senior Director of Development & Operations, Catherine Lee at Catherine [at] blackstarfest.org

My workplace offers the option to donate from my paycheck. Can I donate to BlackStar this way?

BlackStar is currently enrolled in Benevity Causes, used by a majority of corporate workplaces for charitable giving. Use our EIN number, 75-3129761, to designate your gift. If you have questions, please email our Chief Operations Officer, Catherine Lee at Catherine [at] blackstarfest.org

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Luminary

Film Scholar

Film Enthusiast

Film Archivist

In-Kind Contributions

In-Kind Contributors

Foundations

Support for BlackStar is provided in part by Critical Minded, Ford Foundation/JustFilms, Hewlett Foundation, Independence Public Media Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, McLean Contributionship, Mellon Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Perspective Fund, Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Philadelphia's Cultural Treasures, Pop Culture Collaborative, Ruth Foundation for the Arts, Samuel S. Fels Fund, Surdna Foundation, Wallace Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and Wyncote Foundation. Invaluable support is provided by the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania.