HOW YOUR DONATION CAN HELP LIFT

There are as many ways your donation can help support LIFT and independent filmmaking in Canada as there are films out there to be made. In response to our donors requests to help with specific areas we've outlined three main categories you can choose to make a simple donation to:

- LIFT Capital Fund (to assist with capital purchases)
- The LIFT Operating Endowment (this permanently held trust with the Ontario Arts Foundation ensures long-term operational stability)
- and The LIFT Programming Fund (this fund helps LIFT commission new work by emerging and established Canadian Filmmakers).

To make a donation to a specific area make a note and we'll be sure your donation is used as you wish.

** When donating through CanadaHelps secure system please put your correct address and contact information (including email) as you will be emailed a tax receipt right away (via CanadaHelps). Donations with invalid contact info will not be able to receive tax receipts. **

If you wish to make a donation to establish an award for filmmakers, specifically support another part of the organization, donate securities or equipment please contact the LIFT office directly at 416.588.6444 Ext. 223 or e-mail donate(at)lift.on.ca

Thank you,
The LIFT staff and Board of Directors

VISION

LIFT is the primary community hub for film-related practices and facilitates the sustainability and production of celluloid works on a local, national and international level.

MISSION

LIFT is a member-driven non-profit organization that provides affordable access to equipment, education and space for those who want to make films, out of a passion for, and commitment to, the practice of filmmaking on celluloid.

LIFT VALUES

- Diversity in all its manifestations, including race, language, gender, social class, age and level of experience as a filmmaker
- Affordable access to services and programs that minimize economic barriers to working in film
- The materiality and technology of working with celluloid as a medium
- Serving as a community hub for filmmakers
- Providing quality service to an engaged and participatory membership

GUIDING PRINCIPLE

LIFT is Canada's foremost artist-run centre for those wishing to create films on celluloid. It is a custodian of equipment and specialized knowledge of that medium. To ensure that emerging and established filmmakers have an opportunity to work with celluloid, LIFT offers a variety of programs (workshops, equipment rental, screenings, etc.) that empower filmmakers in the medium. LIFT also acknowledges the validity of other film technologies, such as digital and emerging hybrid media, and provides modest programs to filmmakers who wish to create on other media.

LIFT'S HISTORY

LIFT was incorporated in 1981 as a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the creation of independent film works. The organization began with 25 members and an annual budget of $1,800. The founding meetings were held at The Funnel, an art gallery, performance space and small-scale film distribution center erected as a reaction to the ambiguous state of the now defunct "Toronto Filmmakers Co-op". As a result of a wide-spread and diverse need for its services in the community, LIFT evolved into what it is today.

By 1983 LIFT provided 16mm production and post-production equipment to its members, primarily donated by York University and the National Film Board of Canada. In 1984, with 37 members LIFT hired part-time staff and began receiving development funding from the Arts Councils. The first LIFT newsletter was published in April 1985. By 1987 LIFT was producing a popular bi-monthly newsletter and had begun offering a regular workshop series. At this time LIFT was also successful in obtaining charitable status. From 1984 to 1995 LIFT operated out of 345 Adelaide Street West before moving to its current home - 171 East Liberty Street, from which we will be moving in the Summer of 2008.

LIFT is becoming increasingly known both nationally and internationally as a film production centre with a level of equipment sophistication beyond any other in the world. On a local level the development of LIFT's workshop and educational programming is working to mentor new generations of artists in handmade and artist based film practices. Currently operating with a full-time staff of five, the Executive Director, two Technical Coordinators, Membership Coordinator and Workshop Coordinator, the LIFT staff assist members' skill development and productions in an active and supportive manner.