Fundraising for Second Chances: A Call to Action
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Chapter 1: The Challenge of Fundraising
As inflation escalates, we are witnessing a rapid decline in donations. We understand the struggles many are facing, but we find ourselves in urgent need of financial support to manage mounting medical expenses.
"In our contemporary landscape, failure is often viewed as unacceptable. NASA famously encapsulated this sentiment with the phrase, 'Failure is not an option.' However, true innovation requires us to embrace risk and acknowledge that setbacks are part of the journey."
Innovation thrives on the willingness to take risks, as seen in the endeavors of companies like SpaceX and RocketLab, who boldly pursue new technologies despite inevitable failures. In 2013, the Mars Curiosity Rover introduced a novel landing method, demonstrating the spirit captured by the slogan, "Dare mighty things."
At CosmoQuest, we strive to embody this spirit of audacity as we develop new ways to engage the public in scientific exploration through digital platforms. Yet, our journey is not without its challenges, and we sometimes face significant setbacks.
Section 1.1: A Tale of Two Hangout-a-thons
In July, we embarked on an innovative approach for our annual fundraiser—our Hangout-a-thon. Over 36 hours, we aimed to raise funds while constructing moon bases in both Lego and Minecraft. We observed other streamers successfully raising substantial amounts through similar long streams, but we learned that our approach did not yield the same results.
Consequently, we are preparing for another attempt. The challenges of funding space science, education, and communication are formidable. From November 3 to 5, we will host a 32-hour streaming event, featuring conversations, guest appearances, and games, all aimed at celebrating the joy of learning. Our goal is to raise $30,000—this is our opportunity to stabilize our budget.
Section 1.2: The Theme of Second Chances
During these 32 hours, we will reflect on the remarkable instances in science and life where second chances have led to extraordinary outcomes. Notable examples include the Hubble Space Telescope, which received a second chance through corrective optics, and the Kepler mission, which was revitalized through the K2 program.
We aim to celebrate these scientific triumphs while also imagining alternative histories and the potential for new beginnings. The narrative of science is ongoing; it’s never too late to rectify past mistakes and honor those who have been overlooked.
Chapter 2: Where Your Contributions Go
CosmoQuest operates under the Planetary Science Institute, and your tax-deductible donations (where applicable) enable us to produce acclaimed programs like Astronomy Cast, 365 Days of Astronomy, and Escape Velocity Space News. Your support also facilitates our live streams, watch parties, and special events on Twitch.tv.
Moreover, we are developing a framework for citizen science projects, a Discord chatbot for various information needs, and a Q&A chatbot to assist educational streamers.
Why This Matters
We genuinely dislike fundraising. If it were feasible, we would rather focus solely on delivering science without the need to solicit funds. However, recent trends show a 40% decline in our Patreon income, exacerbated by rising inflation. Despite diversifying our income streams, including an increase in advertisements, it has not compensated for the losses we've incurred.
We have implemented cost-cutting measures and are beginning to see a decline in the quality of our offerings. Both Pamela and Ally have faced personal health challenges, resulting in significant medical bills that further strain our resources.
In light of these circumstances, we are reaching out for your assistance. We want to continue providing high-quality scientific content and focus our efforts on delivering the best possible experience to you.
Bottom Line
These are challenging times for everyone. Our Patreon income reflects this trend across various projects. We wish we could work for free, but the reality is that we are facing significant medical expenses, making it even more difficult.
Can you provide us with a second chance to continue our work in science and science communication?
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