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Non-profit

HeadCount

Website:

www.headcount.org/
Location:

NEW YORK, NY
Tax ID:

77-0626772
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(3)

Budget (2020):

Revenue: $5,691,645
Expenses: $3,943,034
Assets: $4,681,438
Type:

Left-Leaning Registration Group
Formation:

2004
Executive Director:

Andy Bernstein

HeadCount is an organization that works with musicians to promote democratic participation in the United States. The organization was founded in 2004 and has since registered over half a million voters through concerts and events.  1 While the organization claims to be nonpartisan, it focuses on voter registration among traditionally Democratic voter blocs, including young adults and Black Americans. 2

It conducts programs and initiatives aimed at promoting voter engagement and education. 3 HeadCount has partnered with a wide range of organizations, including music industry companies such as Pandora, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Lollapalooza, as well as left-wing nonprofits such as Global Citizen and Black Voters Matter Fund. HeadCount has also received donations from the Leaves of Grass Fund.

Founding and History

HeadCount.org was founded in 2004 by Andy Bernstein, Marc Brownstein, and Aron Magner, members of the band The Disco Biscuits. The organization was created as a response to the low voter turnout in the 2000 presidential election and the belief that music fans could be an untapped source of political activism. Since its inception, HeadCount has grown to a national organization with volunteer coordinators in over 20 cities across the United States. 4

Activism

One of HeadCount’s primary activities is registering voters at concerts and events. The organization has set up voter registration booths at over 15,000 concerts and events, registering over half a million voters. 5 HeadCount has particularly focused on voter registration among traditionally Democratic voter blocks, including young adults and Black Americans. 6

In addition to voter registration, HeadCount also provides voters with information and resources on issues, candidates, and the voting process. The organization has developed a website with detailed information on voting and has created educational materials for distribution at concerts and events. 7

HeadCount has established partnerships with a variety of organizations, including music festivals, record labels, and advocacy groups, to expand its reach and impact, including Pandora, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. 8 In 2020, HeadCount announced a partnership with Global Citizen, a left-wing activist group. 9  The same year, HeadCount worked with the Black Voters Matter Fund and other left-wing organizations to start the March on Ballot Boxes initiative to promote voting in support of Black Lives Matter. 10 HeadCount has also received donations from the Leaves of Grass Fund.

HeadCount’s efforts have been praised for their innovative approach to voter engagement and its success in reaching young and infrequent voters. The organization has registered voters in all 50 states and has been recognized by several notable figures, including former President Barack Obama and musician Dave Matthews. 11

References

  1. “About HeadCount.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/about/
  2. Meghan Botel and Isaiah Murtaugh. “Black Voter Mobilization Efforts Begin to Bear Fruit.” July 29, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-07-29/black-voter-mobilization-efforts-begin-to-bear-fruit
  3. “Our Impact.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/impact/
  4. “About HeadCount.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/about/
  5. “Our Impact.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/impact/
  6. Meghan Botel and Isaiah Murtaugh. “Black Voter Mobilization Efforts Begin to Bear Fruit.” July 29, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-07-29/black-voter-mobilization-efforts-begin-to-bear-fruit
  7.  [1] “Voter Resources.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023, https://www.headcount.org/voter-resources/
  8. “Our Partners.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.headcount.org/partners/
  9. “Global Citizen and HeadCount Announce ‘Just Vote’ Campaign to Mobilize Young Voters.” Global Citizen. September 8, 2020. https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/enquiries/press/2020/global-citizen-and-headcount-announce-just-vote-campaign-mobiliz/
  10. Meghan Botel and Isaiah Murtaugh. “Black Voter Mobilization Efforts Begin to Bear Fruit.” July 29, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-07-29/black-voter-mobilization-efforts-begin-to-bear-fruit
  11. “Press.” HeadCount. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.headcount.org/press/

Supported Movements

  1. Vote Early Day
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Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: December - November
  • Tax Exemption Received: June 1, 2004

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2020 Dec Form 990 $5,691,645 $3,943,034 $4,681,438 $95,200 N $5,608,365 $0 $83,280 $153,510
    2019 Dec Form 990 $2,389,270 $1,758,465 $2,721,066 $113,090 N $2,320,344 $0 $68,926 $95,339 PDF
    2018 Dec Form 990 $2,239,810 $1,838,899 $1,917,428 $36,206 N $2,166,403 $0 $73,407 $108,606 PDF
    2017 Dec Form 990 $820,231 $880,923 $1,635,671 $24,364 N $785,095 $0 $35,136 $91,800
    2016 Dec Form 990 $1,432,637 $1,301,091 $1,704,804 $67,678 N $1,410,217 $0 $22,420 $91,385 PDF
    2015 Dec Form 990 $1,808,264 $713,877 $1,706,047 $219,406 N $1,804,005 $0 $4,259 $98,000 PDF
    2014 Dec Form 990 $783,076 $716,581 $527,509 $34,250 N $781,642 $0 $1,434 $95,175 PDF
    2013 Dec Form 990 $366,993 $431,352 $443,664 $23,708 N $365,649 $0 $1,344 $91,047 PDF
    2012 Dec Form 990 $819,900 $632,290 $490,154 $18,390 N $717,362 $0 $1,235 $91,300 PDF
    2011 Dec Form 990 $235,888 $351,298 $288,097 $7,986 N $179,612 $0 $257 $91,800 PDF

    Additional Filings (PDFs)

    Map image for HeadCount

    HeadCount

    104 W 29TH ST 11TH FLOOR
    NEW YORK, NY 10001-5310