14 years ago today, a dozen Phish fans formally incorporated their efforts to build intellectual property related to the band Phish and their music, to protect that intellectual property, and to begin distributing it for the benefit of music education for children. The Mockingbird Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation, filed March 26, 1997, included a mission that was ballsy but prescient, and one we’re proud to have accomplished and to be continuing to develop:

The purpose or purposes for which the Corporation is to be formed are as follows: To engage in the study, publication, distribution and dissemination of books and other published materials in written, electronic and/or recorded form concerning the music, history, performances and biographies of the musical group Phish and other contemporary popular musical groups and performers, and on such related areas of interest as the technical aspects of the tape recording of live concert music; to hold and deal in the copyrights, trademarks and other indicia of intellectual property protecting the work products produced by those collectively engaged in such study and publication: to distribute any net income from the publication of such published or licensed materials for such qualified not-for-profit charitable, educational, cultural or other purposes as may be permitted by law and as the directors of the corporation deem to be consistent with the purposes of this corporation and the public interest. To do any other act or thing incidental to or connected with the foregoing purposes or in advancement thereof, but not for the pecuniary profit or financial gain of its members, directors, or officers….

In the ensuing years, the Mockingbird Foundation has distributed 193 grants, in 42 states, totalling more than $620,000.

This coming Monday, the Foundation will announce recipients of grants in its 14th round of competitive funding. In coming weeks, we’ll announce several new efforts, and look forward to your participation in them.

The board members, working groups, and volunteers associated with Mockingbird appreciate your many years of support, and look forward to continuing our efforts for decades to come.