Charity

The Daniel Barden Mudfest has been rooted in purpose - honoring Daniel Barden by bringing people together and supporting causes that align with his values of joy, courage, and community.

Mudfest is a 100% nonprofit event, and a key part of our mission is to ensure that the funds raised through registrations and donations make a real difference in people’s lives.

Proceeds and Beneficiaries

Beginning in 2026, Mudfest proceeds will be shared equally between two impactful organizations:

• Sandy Hook Promise: A nonprofit dedicated to preventing violence and creating safer communities through education, awareness, and actionable resources.
• The KEYS Program: A Central New York nonprofit that provides free music therapy, family concerts, and respite experiences for children battling cancer and their siblings. 100% of all funds donated to KEYS support these programs, reaching about 200 local children and families each year.

This split reflects our commitment to supporting both national and local organizations that create meaningful change.

Our Impact to Date

Because of the generosity of our community, over the past eight years the Daniel Barden Mudfest has been able to give back in powerful ways.

• $321,230 donated to a wide range of charitable organizations, from small local nonprofits to larger national causes
• $90,262 awarded through our Adventure Scholarship, helping provide meaningful experiences and opportunities for young people

Below is a list of charities that have received donations from the Daniel Barden Mudfest to date.