Our Impact
50% of Net Proceeds Support Micro-budget Filmmakers
Thoolie was built to help creators protect their work early, affordably, and correctly. But education and contracts alone don’t solve the access problem.
That’s why 50% of net proceeds from Thoolie Collective purchases are allocated to in-kind legal and production services for micro-budget filmmakers, with a focus on projects budgeted at $20,000 and under.
This is not a donation model.
It’s infrastructure.
Why In-Kind Support (Not Cash)
After years working inside independent film, we’ve seen a consistent issue:
cash grants are often misused, misdirected, or absorbed by expenses that don’t actually protect the film.
So Thoolie does it differently.
Instead of distributing unrestricted funds, support is provided as direct, in-kind services — ensuring resources are used where they matter most: protecting the filmmaker and the project itself.
This model prioritizes:
- accountability
- practical impact
- real protection for real films
The goal is not charity.
The goal is sustainability.
How Support Is Provided
Revenue generated through Thoolie Collective is converted into direct services or vendor-paid support, not cash payouts.
Support may include assistance with:
- Festival submission fees
- State and local filming permits
- Production and post-production software
- Rights, licensing, and chain-of-title documentation
- Essential legal and production tools
Support is provided directly by Thoolie or its partners, based on program focus, availability, and project needs.
Who This Is For
The Thoolie Filmmaker Fund is designed for:
- Independent filmmakers working outside the studio system
- Micro-budget projects already in development or production
- Creators building without gatekeepers, pitch rooms, or institutional backing
- Filmmakers who need protection as much as passion
There are no genre restrictions and no aesthetic requirements.
If the work is real, the support is real.
Transparency & Accountability
Trust matters.
That’s why:
- Support is provided as services, not unrestricted cash
- Allocation guidelines are clearly defined
- Impact language is consistent and disclosed publicly
Questions are welcome — transparency is part of the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Thoolie Collective is not a nonprofit and purchases are not tax-deductible. This is a mission-driven commerce model supporting filmmakers through in-kind services.
Fifty percent (50%) of net proceeds are allocated to direct legal, production, and educational services for micro-budget filmmakers through Thoolie-run programs or vendor payment.
Support is intended for independent filmmakers working on micro-budget projects, typically under $20,000, who are actively developing or producing a film.
Support is distributed through Thoolie-managed programs and initiatives, which may include application-based or curated opportunities. Details are shared as programs open.
Wear the Work. Fund the Work.
Thoolie Collective is one way we turn values into action — transforming apparel into real support for independent film.
