Frequently Asked Questions

Rebuilt Village, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in January 2025 in Ocoee, Florida. Our mission is to enrich the community by telling stories through the art of film and media — empowering local youth to capture and preserve narratives that are deeply personal. We were born from Rebuilt Minds, an Orlando-based production company.

Yes. Rebuilt Village, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Our IRS determination letter is on file and available upon request — contact us at hello@rebuiltvillage.org. Our EIN will be listed publicly once the IRS determination is finalized.

Rebuilt Minds is the Orlando-based production company that incubated Rebuilt Village. While they share founding leadership and a commitment to film as a community tool, they are separate legal entities. Rebuilt Minds handles commercial and professional production work; Rebuilt Village is the nonprofit arm focused entirely on youth education and community storytelling.

Rebuilt Village is governed by a volunteer board of directors and led by Executive Director Tony Golden. Our current leadership team includes Steve Kohn (President), Amanda Baez (VP), Kenya Fulton (Treasurer), Jess Ayala (Secretary), and board members Aaron Tanyhill and Karen Rugerio. Learn more on our About page.

We are based in Ocoee, Florida (Orange County). Our primary programming partner is the John H. Jackson Community Center in Ocoee. We also partner with Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando for annual events.

We offer three core programs: a two-week Summer Cinematography Camp for youth ages 14–18 (held at John H. Jackson Community Center), ongoing Narrative Preservation Workshops open to all community members, and periodic masterclasses on topics like lighting, grip, and directing. All youth programs are completely free. See our Programs page for details.

Our flagship program. Two weeks of full-day training (9 AM–3 PM, weekdays) at John H. Jackson Community Center in Ocoee. Students work with Blackmagic Cinema and RED cameras, learn lighting and color grading, and premiere original short films at a closing community screening. The program is free for all accepted students. The 2026 session runs July 13–24.

Film-apalooza is a three-day community film festival held at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando (May 15–17, 2026). It features community screenings, filmmaker panels, hands-on workshops, and an awards ceremony. Rebuilt Village is a proud sponsor and co-organizer. The event is open to all ages.

Students train on professional-grade Blackmagic Cinema cameras, RED cameras, and full lighting and grip setups — the same tools used on professional productions. Rebuilt Village's Film Equipment Fund supports ongoing gear acquisition. Students do not need to own equipment to participate.

Enrollment information for the 2026 Summer Camp will be announced via our events calendar and social media. In the meantime, you can contact us to express interest and be notified when applications open. All youth programs are free and open to Ocoee-area youth ages 14–18.

Yes. Our community workshops (Narrative Preservation Workshop, masterclass events) are open to all ages. The Summer Camp is designed specifically for youth ages 14–18. Check the Events calendar for upcoming community-facing sessions.

We welcome volunteers in production mentorship, event coordination, marketing, and community outreach. Organizations interested in sponsorship or partnership — including event co-sponsorship and in-kind equipment donations — should reach out via our contact form. Corporate sponsorship packages are available for Film-apalooza 2026 and the Winter Gala.

Yes. Rebuilt Village, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law. After each donation you will receive an official tax receipt by email with the relevant details for your records.

85% of all funds go directly to programs — equipment, facility costs, instructor stipends, and student materials. The remaining 15% covers operational costs. You can give to the General Operating Fund or direct your gift to a specific restricted project: the Film Equipment Fund, Youth Scholarship Fund, Summer Camp Launch, or Film-apalooza sponsorship.

Yes — and monthly donors are some of our most impactful supporters. You can choose a monthly frequency on the Donate page. Monthly gifts are processed via Stripe and can be cancelled at any time by contacting us.

Many employers match charitable contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations — sometimes dollar-for-dollar or more. Contact your HR department to check eligibility. If your employer requires documentation, contact us and we will provide the necessary verification materials.

Yes. On the Donate page you can add a tribute or memorial note. The honoree's name will appear on your official tax receipt.