Support | American Film Institute
With your support, AFI protects our past and creates our future. Together, we empower storytellers and inspire audiences. Through your generous gifts, AFI is building a more inclusive community for future generations of filmmakers and driving culture forward. AFI’s innovative education programs provide hands-on training to gifted young filmmakers. AFI festivals bring artists and audiences together to experience the best in cinema.
Your support has a profound impact. Please join us today.
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Frequently asked questions
When will I receive my Membership Card?
You’ll receive your membership card within 3-4 weeks of AFI receiving your membership contribution.
Can I buy and access my Membership online?
Yes. To become a member, visit AFI.com/support. To access your membership, check your membership status and view giving history, visit AFI.com and click on “Log In.”
If I contributed in 2024 to become a member, will my contribution automatically be transitioned to the new membership levels?
If you contributed on or after September 1, 2024, you will automatically be transitioned to the new membership levels.
My 2024 contribution doesn’t match the new levels. What level am I in now?
The AFI Advancement department will consider your giving history and the amount of your latest contribution to determine your new level.
Can I decline benefits and have 100% of my contribution go to AFI?
Of course, you can elect to decline benefits and make a direct donation to AFI General Support. You can do this by either contacting AFI Membership at 800.774.4234 or by checking the box to decline benefits on the renewal form.
Can I gift a membership to someone?
Yes, please contact AFI Membership at 800.774.4234 or [email protected] to gift a membership to someone.
I accidentally contributed twice online. What do I do now?
If you accidentally gave online twice, please contact the Membership department listed above to request a refund for one of the transactions. You may also choose to apply the second payment to another year of membership, and the expiration date will be adjusted accordingly.
What’s the discount on tickets to AFI FEST presented by Canva?
All members get a 20% discount on AFI FEST tickets.
How many tickets can I buy for the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala?
Each member can buy four tickets to the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala. For members receiving complimentary tickets – AFI-cionados and above – this is in addition to the tickets you already receive.
Do I automatically get the complimentary tickets to the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala and passes to AFI FEST?
No, you need to go online and RSVP for the complimentary tickets and passes.
How long does the pre-sale access to AFI FEST and the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala last?
The pre-sale access usually lasts about 5-7 days.
Can I get a refund on my annual membership?
Yes, you can get a refund on your annual membership for up to 30 days after the contribution.
I lost my membership card. Can I get a replacement card?
Yes, you can contact the AFI Membership number listed above to request a new card. There will be an additional processing charge of $5 for this request.
How does this affect my Silver Cinema Club benefits at the AFI Silver Theatre?
If you are a member of the Silver Cinema Club at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, we invite you to take advantage of both membership programs. The Silver Cinema Club offers great benefits at the AFI Silver Theatre, while the AFI Membership allows you an exclusive engagement with everything AFI has to offer on a national level.
If you have any questions about membership, please contact AFI Membership at
800.774.4234 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT) or at [email protected].
AFI Federal Tax ID: 52-6072925
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
Find out all the ways you can champion the art of the moving image both today and in the future. There are many planned giving options that can benefit you and AFI.
EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS
Many companies have a matching gift program for employees that will double or triple your impact – and some even match gifts made by retirees. Contact your HR department to find out if your employer participates. Please note that some companies do not match membership gifts for which benefits are received.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
If you’re interested in making an in-kind donation such as equipment, computer hardware and software, books, artifacts and art, please contact us. Your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate area of the Institute to determine if your donation fits our current needs in support of our mission and programs.
GIFT OF STOCK
You could make a gift of appreciated securities that costs you less than the benefit it gives AFI, and also avoid capital gains tax. The stock donated must have been held long-term (more than 12 months) for you to receive the greatest tax savings. To ensure proper handling, please notify us of your gift.
CONTACT US
To learn more about the many ways to give, contact AFI Advancement at [email protected] or call 1.800.774.4AFI.
FUTURE GIFTS
BEQUESTS
Wills and living trusts are the most popular and simplest way to arrange a legacy gift. To include AFI in your will, please use the following language:
“I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to the American Film Institute [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS
Continue supporting our work even after your lifetime by naming AFI as a beneficiary of your donor advised fund, retirement plan, IRA, or life insurance policy. It is the most cost-effective gift you can make, saving other less-taxed assets for loved ones.
Retirement Assets
Retirement assets can be among the costliest assets to distribute to loved ones because they are subject to income taxes. Because AFI is tax-exempt, when you name us as a beneficiary of your retirement account, you bypass any income taxes.
Life Insurance
Naming AFI as a beneficiary of your insurance policies can provide a low-cost method of financial planning with a large impact to AFI.
Real Estate
If you own real estate that has appreciated in value, you may wish to leave a gift of real estate in your will to AFI to reduce your tax burden. You can make a gift of your residence, vacation home or farm to obtain a substantial tax deduction and, at the same time, retain the right for you and your spouse to live there during your lifetimes.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS
In the right circumstances, this plan can increase your income, reduce your taxes, unlock appreciated investments, rid you of investment worries and ultimately provide very important support. With a charitable remainder trust, you can receive income each year for the rest of your life from assets you give to the trust you create. Your income can be either variable or a fixed amount. The remaining balance passes to AFI at the termination of the trust.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS
Make a donation now while reducing the tax burden for your heirs in the future. You give assets to a trust that pays AFI an income for a specified number of years. The longer the length of time, the better the gift tax savings for you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to your family or other beneficiaries you select.
This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members. This type of charitable lead trust (also called a non-grantor, or family lead trust) is especially appealing to AFI supporters who are financially comfortable enough that they can forgo investment income on some assets.
CONTACT US
For questions or more information on how these gifts might work for you, please contact AFI Advancement at [email protected] or call 1.800.774.4AFI.
The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 52-6072925.
American Film Institute
2021 North Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
Find out all the ways you can champion the art of the moving image both today and in the future. There are many planned giving options that can benefit you and AFI.
EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS
Many companies have a matching gift program for employees that will double or triple your impact – and some even match gifts made by retirees. Contact your HR department to find out if your employer participates. Please note that some companies do not match membership gifts for which benefits are received.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
If you’re interested in making an in-kind donation such as equipment, computer hardware and software, books, artifacts and art, please contact us. Your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate area of the Institute to determine if your donation fits our current needs in support of our mission and programs.
GIFT OF STOCK
You could make a gift of appreciated securities that costs you less than the benefit it gives AFI, and also avoid capital gains tax. The stock donated must have been held long-term (more than 12 months) for you to receive the greatest tax savings. To ensure proper handling, please notify us of your gift.
CONTACT US
To learn more about the many ways to give, contact AFI Advancement at [email protected] or call 1.800.774.4AFI.
FUTURE GIFTS
BEQUESTS
Wills and living trusts are the most popular and simplest way to arrange a legacy gift. To include AFI in your will, please use the following language:
“I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to the American Film Institute [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS
Continue supporting our work even after your lifetime by naming AFI as a beneficiary of your donor advised fund, retirement plan, IRA, or life insurance policy. It is the most cost-effective gift you can make, saving other less-taxed assets for loved ones.
Retirement Assets
Retirement assets can be among the costliest assets to distribute to loved ones because they are subject to income taxes. Because AFI is tax-exempt, when you name us as a beneficiary of your retirement account, you bypass any income taxes.
Life Insurance
Naming AFI as a beneficiary of your insurance policies can provide a low-cost method of financial planning with a large impact to AFI.
Real Estate
If you own real estate that has appreciated in value, you may wish to leave a gift of real estate in your will to AFI to reduce your tax burden. You can make a gift of your residence, vacation home or farm to obtain a substantial tax deduction and, at the same time, retain the right for you and your spouse to live there during your lifetimes.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS
In the right circumstances, this plan can increase your income, reduce your taxes, unlock appreciated investments, rid you of investment worries and ultimately provide very important support. With a charitable remainder trust, you can receive income each year for the rest of your life from assets you give to the trust you create. Your income can be either variable or a fixed amount. The remaining balance passes to AFI at the termination of the trust.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS
Make a donation now while reducing the tax burden for your heirs in the future. You give assets to a trust that pays AFI an income for a specified number of years. The longer the length of time, the better the gift tax savings for you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to your family or other beneficiaries you select.
This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members. This type of charitable lead trust (also called a non-grantor, or family lead trust) is especially appealing to AFI supporters who are financially comfortable enough that they can forgo investment income on some assets.
CONTACT US
For questions or more information on how these gifts might work for you, please contact AFI Advancement at [email protected] or call 1.800.774.4AFI.
The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 52-6072925.
American Film Institute
2021 North Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
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Movie Lover
Champion our mission and deepen your connection with AFI and the art of film
LEARN MORE $60 SELECT
Cinephile
Complimentary AFI FEST tickets and pre-sale access to the AFI Life Achievement Award
LEARN MORE $150 SELECT
Advocate of the Arts
Complimentary AFI FEST tickets and a special limited edition member gift
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AFI-cionado
Complimentary AFI FEST tickets and a complimentary mezzanine seat at the AFI Life Achievement Award
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Patron Circle
PREMIERE CIRCLEPremiere Circle members are the champions of AFI’s future and receive unparalleled access to AFI festivals and events
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Select your level of Premiere Circle membership
Patron Circle
Premiere Circle members are the champions of AFI’s future and receive unparalleled access to AFI festivals and events
LEARN MORE $2500 SELECT
DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE
VIP access to AFI festivals and year-round events that bring you closer to the AFI programs you support
LEARN MORE $5000 SELECT
CHAMPION’S CIRCLE
VIP access to AFI festivals, plus a special invitation to go behind the scenes at the AFI Conservatory
LEARN MORE $10000 SELECT
Champion’s Circle
Supporters who are the heart of philanthropy at AFI and receive a curated experience to match their interests
LEARN MORE $25000 SELECT