Today we have a big announcement: Complexly is now a 501c3 nonprofit! 

Thank you for supporting Crash Course on Patreon! You may know Complexly— that’s the media company that produces SciShow, Crash Course, Eons, Ask Hank Anything, Bizarre Beasts, Study Hall, and more. We were founded by John and Hank Green with a mission of creating trustworthy stuff and lowering barriers to knowledge building. 

Until now, Complexly was a company privately owned by Hank and John Green. We are thrilled to announce that Hank and John have donated the company to the public as a new nonprofit 501c3 organization, which will help Complexly fulfill its mission for decades to come. 

It’s never been easier to find information, but it’s also never been harder to know what to trust. Everything is louder, algorithms are sorting us into our bubbles, the guardrails are thin. Complexly has been doing something about this by making educational content that has high standards but is still compelling. But it’s also well-positioned to do more.  Becoming a nonprofit means we will be able to lean into public support– supercharging our mission to make content the world needs, not what is optimized for advertisers.

So… What does this mean for Patrons?

Your Patreon pledge and rewards will not change. This contribution is now tax-deductible, however! Hooray! Your monthly Patreon receipt will serve as your tax receipt.

What does this mean for fans?

You will keep getting to watch Crash Course, SciShow, and our other stuff for free, forever! And we will get to keep making those things without commercial pressures or outside investors! You can rest assured that Complexly will be here in the long term for generations of viewers. 

What does this mean for Hank and John?

Hank and John Green will assemble a board for our nonprofit, and will continue to be involved as they have been in recent years: as advisors, cheerleaders, and sometimes on-screen talent for Complexly shows! 

What does this mean for the Complexly team?

The team is the same! That goes for the folks directly making the shows, as well as the administration and leadership team. What’s changing is Complexly will have a volunteer board of directors overseeing the organization at a high level, and making sure that the mission is always put first.

How do donations work now?  

You can make a tax-deductible donation to support our work at any time at complexly.org. Donating directly will be the way that most of your contribution goes directly to our work. If you make a donation via fundraisers like the Crash Course Coin, some or all of your contribution may be tax-deductible as well. If your company matches donations, or if you want to make a major gift, Complexly is now eligible to receive donations like this! Contact us via complexly.org.

Thank you for your support here on Patreon. We’re excited as we enter this new chapter, with a new structure and the same mission, set up for an even bigger impact.