Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES THIS WORK?
The Mars Initiative is building the Mars Prize Fund. This is a monetary prize that will be awarded to the
first organization that successfully completed a crewed mission to the surface of Mars. The prize fund is
crowdfunded entirely by donations from individuals and companies.
What makes the Mars Initiative different?
We run 100% on volunteer power. Unlike other nonprofits, your donation to the Mars Prize fund will
only be spent on the goal, Completing that first crewed trip to mars. It will not be spent on salary or
overhead. It will be invested and will grow over time.
Why is a Mars Mile $100?
The cost of the first trip is estimated to be about $30 Billion. The distance Humans will travel is about
300 Million miles. $30B/300M miles is $100/mile. This is the full cost of that mile of the trip.
Is the Mars Initiative Sending a Mission to Mars?
No. We are helping fund it. Many organizations are interested in the technical aspect of creating the first crewed mission, but none of them have enough financial support to do it. The Mars Initiative is going to provide the missing financial link in the mission through crowdfunding.
How much $$ is the Mars Initiative trying to raise?
In short, as much as possible. Using previous prize funds as an example, to be successful we don’t need to raise the entire cost of the mission. Usually a few percent of the total cost will stir the economic activity needed to get the mission completed.
300 Million miles sounds like a lot!
To put it in perspective 300 Million is less than one mile per person in the United States and less than one mile for every 25 people in the world. Also we are not trying to fund the entire mission, just a small part of it.
How Do I Donate Using Amazon Smiles?

Amazon Smiles donates 0.5% of purchases on Amazon.com for sessions initiated using our Smiles URL. This program is free to use and makes a difference for us.

 

  1. Open a new browser window or tab and enter this URL: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/45-2975438
  2. Shop for your favorite products.
  3. Add products to your Cart and check out
  4. The funds will automatically be deposited into our account
  5. Bookmark the URL and use it whenever you shop on Amazon.
Why Do you Sponsor Other Initiatives?

Besides the Mars Prize Fund, the Mars Initiative also sponsors shorter-term initiatives, such as the Grant Program. These are exciting to us for several reason. First, they provide immediate benefits that can be realized and demonstrated in shorter timeframes. They help us sustain momentum. Secondly, they are compatible with our overall goal of supporting the manned exploration of Mars. Finally, they provide additional opportunities for outreach and fundraising.

Is the Mars Prize Fund Used to Support Other Initiatives?

No, the Mars Prize Fund is never withdrawn to support other initiatives, such as the Grant Program. Donors make a choice at the time of donation.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?
The Mars Initiative is building the Mars Prize Fund. This is a monetary prize that will be awarded to the
first organization that successfully completed a crewed mission to the surface of Mars. The prize fund is
crowdfunded entirely by donations from individuals and companies.
What makes the Mars Initiative different?
We run 100% on volunteer power. Unlike other nonprofits, your donation to the Mars Prize fund will
only be spent on the goal, Completing that first crewed trip to mars. It will not be spent on salary or
overhead. It will be invested and will grow over time.
Why is a Mars Mile $100?
The cost of the first trip is estimated to be about $30 Billion. The distance Humans will travel is about
300 Million miles. $30B/300M miles is $100/mile. This is the full cost of that mile of the trip.
Is the Mars Initiative Sending a Mission to Mars?
No. We are helping fund it. Many organizations are interested in the technical aspect of creating the first crewed mission, but none of them have enough financial support to do it. The Mars Initiative is going to provide the missing financial link in the mission through crowdfunding.
How much $$ is the Mars Initiative trying to raise?
In short, as much as possible. Using previous prize funds as an example, to be successful we don’t need to raise the entire cost of the mission. Usually a few percent of the total cost will stir the economic activity needed to get the mission completed.
300 Million miles sounds like a lot!
To put it in perspective 300 Million is less than one mile per person in the United States and less than one mile for every 25 people in the world. Also we are not trying to fund the entire mission, just a small part of it.

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Mars Initiative is a non-profit organization, 501(c)3. We are comprised entirely of volunteers from around the world who donate their time and expertise. 100% of the Mars Prize Fund Balance will be awarded to the first entity that safely lands humans on Mars.

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Mars Initiative is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are comprised entirely of volunteers from around the world who donate their time and expertise. 100% of the money we receive will be awarded to the first entity that lands humans on Mars.

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