The Sanctuary for Independent Media’s 2025 Capital Campaign
Help Us Raise $50,000 by December 31st
The Sanctuary for Independent Media stands as more than just a building – we are a beacon of hope, creativity, and resistance in the Capital Region. But right now, we need your help.
Our roof is failing. Water damage threatens the very foundation of everything we’ve built together over the past 20 years. Spot fixes have kept us going, but it’s time to replace the roof completely. Without immediate action, the space that has nurtured countless artists, activists, and community voices could face long-term damage.
Why This Matters Right Now
We have until December 31st to reach our $50,000 goal. Every day we wait, the damage grows worse. Our current roof has served us well, but decades of Upstate New York weather have taken their toll. Water leaks are compromising our:
- Performance and exhibition spaces where diverse voices share their stories
- Media production and broadcasting equipment that amplifies grassroots journalism
- Community meeting spaces where social justice initiatives take root
- Archives and resources documenting our region’s activist history
This isn’t just about fixing a roof – it’s about preserving a vital hub where democracy thrives through art, media, and action.
Campaign Progress
Our Goal – $50,000
This campaign brings us full circle. In 2005, members of Hudson Mohawk Indy Media, led by Steve Pierce and Branda Miller, bought this century-old church that needed serious work. Our first fundraiser was “Raise the Roof,” fixing a leak so independent voices could have a home at a moment when corporate media was failing to question a disastrous war.
The full project costs $200,000: roof replacement, mold remediation, and improved drainage. Thanks to McCarthy Charities, an anonymous foundation, and ARPA funding, we have secured $50,000 already. We are applying for a grant for $100,000 that requires a 1:1 match. Please help us raise $50,000 by the end of the year to unlock that grant funding and complete this essential project!
We Need Your Help
The Sanctuary for Independent Media has always been about collective power – the power we have when we come together for creativity, justice, and change. Now, we’re asking you to be part of our story of resilience. Twenty years ago, you helped us “raise the roof.” Helps us do it again.
For questions about the campaign or alternative ways to support, contact us at [email protected] or call (518) 272-2390. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 35, Troy, NY 12181. The Sanctuary for Independent Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – all donations are tax-deductible (EIN 11-2538804).
