Cents for Sense: Raising Money for Voter Registration

Raising money for youth organizing - even straight voter registration - can be tough. So kudos to HeadCount or an innovative fundraising strategy that draws on their greatest strenghts: artist relationships. And kudos to all the artists for stepping up like this to support a kindred organization that does good work.

From a press release issued by Head Count (emphasis mine):

More than a dozen artists and promoters are backing HeadCount by agreeing to donate 50 cents from the sale of each ticket at participating concerts to support the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization’s voter registration campaign. These concerts, which include six national festivals as well as events at the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, have all been branded with the banner of “Cents For Sense.” This integrated fundraising and message initiative is expected to raise close to $75,000 and help HeadCount (www.HeadCount.org) achieve its goal of registering 100,000 voters before November’s election.

The festival lineup consists of Summer Camp, Mountain Jam, High Sierra, All Good Music Festival, Camp Bisco, and Gathering of the Vibes. Labor Day weekend concerts by The Allman Brothers Band and Bob Weir & RatDog (August 30th) and Gov’t Mule and Umphrey’s McGee (August 31st) are also participants in the Cents for Sense campaign.

“We set out to find a way that bands and promoters can support the cause and put a real voter participation message behind their concerts,” said Marc Brownstein, HeadCount’s co-chair and the bass player for the popular electronic rock band The Disco Biscuits. “We’re really touched by the outpouring of support.”