What is Game Music Initiative, Inc (GMI)?
Basically, Game Music Initiative, Inc (GMI) is a 501c3 (EIN: 81-4140676) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to video game music.
Whether promoting VGM as an art form, supporting not-for-profit projects like OverClocked ReMix, or contributing to free & open research/education surrounding the medium, GMI is committed to providing a legitimate, non-commercial, enduring support structure to the efforts of fans, students, teachers, and professionals alike.
How is GMI different from OC ReMix?
Why is it necessary?
OverClocked ReMix (http://ocremix.org) was started in December of 1999 as a project & community dedicated to VGM by David Lloyd, and while it has strictly operated as a not-for-profit, bound by the terms of its agreements with submitting artists, it was never officially a registered 501c3 charity. OverClocked ReMix, LLC was a sole proprietorship organization, owned entirely by Mr. Lloyd, with nothing explicitly spelled out regarding what should happen if he passed away and no legal restrictions on whether he could, for example, sell the domain name to a third-party and take a (much-needed) vacation to Tahiti. Game Music Initiative, Inc was created on November 26th, 2016, to help address the following concerns:
- For increased financial transparency and assurances to the community and to artists in particular, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization is preferable to a sole-proprietorship LLC. Short version? More legit.
- Shared ownership & leadership by a board of directors provides a path forward should any individual crucial to the operation of OC ReMix or related sites be unable or unwilling to continue running things. Short version? If any of us die, there’s a plan.
- The laws of the United States of America and the bylaws adopted by GMI provide a legal framework that requires the organization’s assets be used for related, non-profit purposes if the organization is dissolved or changes leadership. Short version? GMI can NEVER “sell out”.
The creation of GMI and its adoption of OC ReMix as a fully-funded project ensures that the community & collection will persist for as long as there are staff willing to lend a hand, and can never be re-purposed, repackaged, or sold to another individual or organization for commercial applications.
Why is it called “Game Music Initiative”?
Why not “OC ReMix Foundation” or something like that?
We wanted a name that more explicitly spelled out the purpose/focus of the organization, without tying it exclusively to OverClocked ReMix. While keeping OC ReMix operational is a focus, we plan on supporting many not-for-profit projects related to VGM & are excited about what the future holds!
What do you use donated funds for?
AKA “Where does the money go?”
Anyone donating to a charity should want to know why that donation is needed and how it will help. Basically:
- Operation of sponsored projects; primarily OverClocked ReMix
- Web hosting and associated technical services fees
- Software subscriptions and tools necessary to the continued development and enhancement of the site
- Contracted/third-party software development, graphic design, audio production, research, data entry, etc. services for the site or individual albums
- Promotion of sponsored projects specifically, and video game music more generally
- Advertising on social media
- 50% reimbursement of travel and lodging for approved promotional events like conventions, expos, etc.
- Continued compliance as a 501c3 charitable organization (paperwork, fees, legal/financial services)
- “Rainy Day” fund for any operational or logistical challenges we might encounter
Does this mean I can deduct donations on my taxes?
If you’re a citizen of the United States, charitable donations to Game Music Initiative can be deducted on your annual income taxes, just like any 501c3 charitable organization. Our tax ID, aka EIN, is 81-4140676. Check your tax forms or consult an accountant if you’re fuzzy on the specifics!