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more of a difference. Music and songwriting had always been my passion, yet I let
them be subservient to my job and to life in general. I've always had an affinity for
worthy causes and many of my songs reflected that.
As the economy declined I was layed off and took it as a sign that the universe was
trying to send me a message. I took a year to do some serious soul searching and
immersed myself in music and career counselling to help find my next path.
After completing various personality profiles and skills surveys I met with a counselor
who helped me determine my path with one question: "What would you be doing with
your life if you didn't have any outside responsibilities?" The answer came without
hesitation: "I'd use music to help bring awareness and financial support to causes." As
soon as I heard the words come out of my mouth I realized that in order to have a more
meaningful life I could never go back to the high-tech corporate world.
At that moment I began developing Musicians for a Cause and decided to risk living off
my IRA to start an organization that I feel completely passionate about. I sought the
advice of experienced professionals in the music and nonprofit industries to develop a
sound strategy for starting the organization.
The more I talked to others, the more I realized just how many people there are
searching for ways to give back to society. In particular, I spoke to many songwriters
who would love to see their music have meaning (second only to writing that No.1 hit, of
course!).
Musicians for a Cause enables me to combine my skills in technology and my passion
for music - songwriting in particular - to do something that gives back to society by
mobilizing the music community to support local, community-based nonprofits with
effective music campaigns that help them get the funding they need to pursue their
mission.
It's very rewarding to work with songwriters and various music industry professionals
who share the desire to give meaning to their music. Musicians and those who work in
the nonprofit community are both passionate about their work, and I always say, "when
you engage people through their passion, good things happen!"
Our ultimate goal is to have Musicians for a Cause become a foundation that works
with nonprofit organizations at no cost with the expenses covered by funds generated
by the music. Our goal is to have greater than 90% of funds raised going directly to
support the mission of the nonprofit organizations, with the remaining covering the
transaction costs and providing a stipend to the musicians. We're close to that now.
We believe in the power of music to create emotion and generate support for worthy
causes. If you're interested in using music for your organization or just want more
information, feel free to send me a note. I look forward to hearing from you.
As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever
has."
Sincerely,
Dave Bastien
Founder, Musicians for a Cause
About Musicians for a Cause
Our Mission
Our mission is to harness the power of music to inspire compassion and support for
worthy causes. We engage songwriters and musicians with nonprofit organizations to
provide songs that bring life to the causes they support.
In today's world it's critically important for nonprofit organizations to ensure that supporters
understand the value of the work they do. In fact, they have to believe in it, not just
understand it. To make people believe requires emotion. Music helps create that emotion
and gives organizations the chance to engage them as supporters.
We create simple and effective music-based campaigns that empower organizations to
create the emotion it takes to increase awareness and engage broader support. Our goal
is to make the world a better place by using music to support worthy causes, while
providing a meaningful outlet and exposure for songwriters.
A Note From Our Founder
Dave Bastien
What do you do when circumstances converge, forcing you to
make tough decisions about what's really important and where
your life is heading? You follow your heart.
As a high-tech executive in a declining business environment I
found myself searching for a sense of purpose and wondering
where my life was heading. I spent a couple of years volunteering
as a grant reviewer for the foundation of my employer and I was
always disheartened by the amount of work we put small,
community-based nonprofit organizations through to receive
funding. There were many worthy projects yet less than 10% of
them would get funding.
These initiatives are active and
at the initial stages of being
released.
You're invited to participate
and help us build momentum
toward their official release.
New Initiatives!
"When you
engage people
through their
passion, good
things happen!"
Join our email list!
These initiatives
are coming soon!