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Kickstarter is a
Benefit Corporation

Kickstarter’s mission is to help bring creative projects to life. We measure our success as a company by how well we achieve that mission, not by the size of our profits. That’s why we reincorporated Kickstarter as a Benefit Corporation in 2015.

Benefit Corporations are for-profit companies that are obligated to consider the impact of their decisions on society, not only shareholders. Radically, positive impact on society becomes part of a Benefit Corporation’s legally defined goals. When a company becomes a Benefit Corporation, it can choose to make further commitments. In our new charter (shown below) we spell out our mission, our values, and the commitments we have made to pursue them.

We will deliver a benefit statement annually that will measure the results of our efforts to promote these public benefits.
1
Kickstarter’s mission is to help bring creative projects to life

Kickstarter will create tools and resources that help people bring their creative projects to life, and that connect people around creative projects and the creative process.

Kickstarter will care for the health of its ecosystem and integrity of its systems.

Kickstarter will engage beyond its walls with the greater issues and conversations affecting artists and creators.
2
Kickstarter’s operations will reflect its values

Kickstarter will never sell user data to third parties. It will zealously defend the privacy rights and personal data of the people who use its service, including in its dealings with government entities.

Kickstarter’s terms of use and privacy policies will be clear, fair, and transparent. Kickstarter will not cover every possible future contingency, or claim rights and powers just because it can or because doing so is industry standard.

Kickstarter will not lobby or campaign for public policies unless they align with its mission and values, regardless of possible economic benefits to the company.

Kickstarter will not use loopholes or other esoteric but legal tax management strategies to reduce its tax burden. Kickstarter will be transparent in reporting the percentage of taxes it pays and explaining the many factors that affect its tax calculation.

Kickstarter will seek to limit environmental impact. It will invest in green infrastructure, support green commuting methods, and factor environmental impact when choosing vendors. Additionally, Kickstarter will provide recommendations and resources that help creators make environmentally conscious decisions on tasks, like shipping and packaging, that are common to the use of its services.
3
Kickstarter supports a more creative and equitable world

Kickstarter will annually donate 5% of its after-tax profit towards arts and music education, and to organizations fighting to end systemic inequality as further defined in sections 4(c) and 5(c) below (the “5% pledge”).
4
Kickstarter is committed to the arts

Kickstarter will always support, serve, and champion artists and creators, especially those working in less commercial areas.

Kickstarter will foster a supportive environment for employees to work on their own creative projects, including time off to pursue them.

Half of Kickstarter’s 5% pledge will be devoted to arts and music programs for children and young adults, with a primary focus on underserved communities in New York City. Funds will be distributed to 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, or via programs developed by Kickstarter.
5
Kickstarter is committed to fighting inequality

Kickstarter will provide opportunities and paid time off for employees to provide professional mentorship and skills training to people from groups underrepresented in the worlds of art, business, or technology.

Kickstarter will report on team and leadership demographics, executive and CEO pay ratios, and programs and strategies employed to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization.

Half of Kickstarter’s 5% pledge will be devoted to organizations addressing systemic inequality. Kickstarter will primarily focus such contributions on 501(c)(3) organizations fighting to end prejudices against and increase opportunities for people of color, women, and LGBTQ individuals.
We will deliver a benefit statement annually that will measure the results of our efforts to promote these public benefits.
The first benefit statement will be released in February 2017.