Plus 1 Canada

Background of the Organization:

Founded by former Arcade Fire member Marika Shaw, Plus 1 seeks to change the culture of music industry philanthropy by building on the affinity between artists and audiences, to more easily raise funds for charities. Plus 1 works with artists to help them become better advocates for social causes and enables musical groups to add a $1 surcharge to each concert ticket sold, to then be disbursed to one or more charities. To date, about 70 bands and individual artists have enrolled in the program, generating about $4 million for charities advancing social justice, peace, and environmental causes.

Grant Description:

A grant from the Social Innovation Fund will enable Plus 1 to expand the program to meet growing demand, develop new sustaining partnerships, and add additional features for musicians and concertgoers — such as follow-up reports on outcomes achieved with their support.This includes hiring additional staff and improving the program’s online presence. It will seek to grow in size and reach by recruiting more musical groups, as well as through financial partnerships and sponsorships.