...does the money go?
Donations are used for:
-food
-lodging
-admin costs (website, communications)
-transportation (domestic and occasionally international) In 2012 personal funds were used for all international and domestic travel.
-audio/video recording gear and musical supplies
-stipends (for the past three years no wages have been taken for running the program-in the future it is hoped that a small stipend will be made available from the annual budget)
In (2009/10) I raised $4000; mostly from individuals who heard about MSI through word of mouth. I played at pub nights and passed the hat, we had a 50/50 draw, word of mouth, friends and family and some generous companies in the Vancouver film industry made that year a success. With that money I ran the program for three months in two separate locations in Thailand. There was a small amount left over that will be used to produce DVD's to sell this year to raise more funds. No salaries were taken.
In 2010/11 very little money was raised for the program and it ran on personal funds and some small donations from friends.
For 2012, a businessman from Calgary has been kind enough to cover some living costs of the India trip. The program in Sangklaburi was run this year on personal funds.
Things will need to change if the program is to survive and there are three things I am hoping will make MSI more attractive to donors and a full/part time sponsor(s) in the future:
1.Recently I've have gained access to 501 tax receipts through the original sponsor of the program-SACF. Donors from the USA can now receive receipts by using the SACF site and adding special instructions for the donation in the appropriate Paypal window/area which is clearly visible during the donation process.
2.When the application for Canadian charitable status goes through the CRA options will open up and some people who have expressed interest in fundraising for MSI will be able to consider us again. As well, MSI will become a bonafide Canadian NPO with a Board of Directors and will be able to become more visible to the global philanthropic community via the internet and other means.
3. MSI is now running Songlish, a music based ESL (english as a second language) program. For organizations that are looking for something more than just an 'arts' program Songlish is an dynamic addition to any ESL curriculum,
Since 2007 MSI has been to Nepal, Thailand, Burma/Myanmar, and India.
MSI works in refugee camps, schools, orphanages, and youth centres. Preferably in places where there is housing on site or cheap alternatives in the area.
MSI is looking for a semi permanent location where costs could be kept lower and become more effective by longer programs with the students.
The longer the program stays at one location the more effective it will be cost wise and academically.
If there are locations you think would benefit from the program in the USA, Canada or anywhere else in the world please let us or the organization you wish to sponsor know.