Crowd funding is becoming increasingly popular among creatives. With more sites springing up and more artists asking for funds, Don’t Take Pictures spotlights projects that benefit the arts community.

This month’s crowd funding roundup presents an iconic New York organization for independent film.

Rooftop Films: 20 Years of Underground Movies

19 years ago, a 16mm projector and a screen were erected atop an East Village tenement apartment to screen independent films and thus Rooftop Films was born. Since then, it has grown and changed as much as New York City, but its mission remains the same—to provide a place for independent filmmakers to share their work with film lovers and the general public. Now approaching its 20th anniversary, Rooftop Films Annual Summer Series is looking to expand into under-served areas and enhance its programming.

To make the cinematic experience even more unique, Rooftop Films is looking to incorporate live music, filmmaker Q&A’s, and more world premiers of independent films into its programming. The organization would like to revisit some of its past venues like the New Design High School rooftop in the Lower East Side, as well as expand its screenings to areas like Staten Island and the South Bronx where many communities have limited access to arts and cultural events.

Ticket sales for screenings make up less than 15% of the non-profit’s budget, so Rooftop Films has set a goal of $45,000. The rewards range from a simple thank you for $5 to digital downloads of films to swag and tickets to screenings. A $75 donation includes a membership that comes with free access to over 45 events and other perks.

Read more about the organization on their Kickstarter page.

There are 15 days left to fund this project.

Do you know of a crowd funding project that benefits the art community? Let us know at info@donttakepictures.com.