About the Public Domain Foundation
Our
Mission
Public Domain Foundation promotes and facilitates the creation of cause-related music and furthers its impact upon issues and organizations of social and political justice.
Our History
"Into every songwriters life comes a song, the source of which cannot be explained by person experience." So says Noel Paul Stookey. The “Wedding Song” was just such a creation; given through its composer to be given away.
Following the song’s premiere performance at Peter Yarrow’s marriage ceremony in 1971, fellow folksinger Noel Paul Stookey of “Peter, Paul & Mary” created a foundation to receive and distribute the royalties of the “Wedding Song” to charity. He chose the name Public Domain Foundation (PDF), to signify that all revenues from the “Wedding Song” were, in effect, public funds to be channeled to public good.
For
more than 30 years, through PDF, Mr.
Stookey has given almost 1.5 million
dollars to various
family and children’s programs throughout
the world. PDF's diverse generosity
has helped day camps survive, put
fledgling agencies on the map, supported
music ventures focused on children,
aided Central American relief efforts
and even ensured the sustainability
of a rural community radio station.
Our Present
Recently Stookey, along with his daughter, Elizabeth Sunde, have partnered to expand the reach and purpose of the foundation. While giving back to causes of social concern remains a goal, the foundation has launched and focuses on several programs to enhance to capacity of music to effect social change. They include:
- Educational Workshops
- Next Generation Programs
- Music to Life Contest and Concert
- DJX (connecting DJs to the music of change)
- Artist & Nonprofit Links
- Grant Making
Ultimately, we believe in music as a tool to generate awareness of issues, earn income to support non-profit organizations, and build community through shared values and global understanding.
Listen
to the "Wedding
Song"
Learn
more about our specific activities here.
We can be reached via the web here, or you can write to us at:
Public Domain Foundation
P.O. Box 430
Wilder, VT 05088