What is the future of the Horizons organization?

Public interest in psychedelics continues to soar, with legal access to these experiences likely to arrive in the near future in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and other jurisdictions. 

The coming shifts in legal and public acceptance of psychedelics will create many opportunities for Horizons to pursue its mission in new and expanded ways.

In order for Horizons to pursue those opportunities, it also needs to change.

We want to remain a leading platform for public education and dialogue around this complex and important topic during this historic time.

We also want to reach new audiences, teach more people, and connect more communities.

In order to further this mission, we have decided to establish a long-term partnership with a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC).

Horizons Media, Inc. will continue to be the owner of the “Horizons” name and associated intellectual property, which it will license to the PBC under conditions that preserve its integrity.

The Public Benefit Corporation will also be led by Horizons founder & director Kevin Balktick, under the supervision of Horizons Media, Inc.

We made this decision in early 2021, after much deliberation by the Horizons Media, Inc. board and in consultation with leaders of many community organizations.

This process will unfold over the course of the next year, and we will update our community regularly on progress.

Reasoning and reality

In the past, Horizons has functioned as an unfunded community project, with its board members, directors, speakers, and staff receiving minimal or no compensation for their time and responsibilities.

This is neither a sustainable model to continue operation of the annual conference, nor a solid foundation for growth to meet the needs of the moment and future.

Horizons believes that with ample support in the short-term, we can build an expanded and economically viable institution for the long-term.

Pursuing that goal will require resources that we cannot access with our current funding model as a not-for-profit educational charity.

By establishing a PBC, we can more readily and flexibly available funding under an investment model that lets us build community-focused services.

Benefits of the hybrid & PBC models

The hybrid 501(c)(3) - PBC model allows us to access investment funding while strengthening our integrity.

The PBC model allows us to embed a public benefit mission, goals, and restrictions within our charter and bylaws to guide our activities, and create non-financial accountability goals.

The actions of the PBC are further restricted by the license agreement that permits the use of the “Horizons” name, which remains under the control of the 501(c)(3).

The not-for-profit will remain under the control of trusted community members. They will effectively supervise the PBC.

We are currently in the process of developing and documenting these structures, and we will share more information about all of this as we pass milestones and complete objectives.

Investment & alignment

We are seeking investors who understand the set and setting of Horizons.

Our goal is to become economically sustainable and valuable while pursuing our mission with integrity. 

Investors in Horizons PBC can expect inclusion in its governance and healthy returns, alongside its talent, team, and founders, and a healthy dose of input from the larger community itself.

We have no plans to sell Horizons, take it public, or mistake short-term gain for long-term benefit.

We welcome inquiries from anyone interested in supporting Horizons as an investor.