Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided a record-breaking $2,532,500 in grants last week to 127 food service and meal delivery programs nationwide, surpassing the amount donated in 2021 and the pre-pandemic 2020 food grants.
The programs and organizations receiving the funding—including those in 37 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., with 22 in New York City—help underserved communities across the country, ensuring those affected by HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other life-threatening illnesses can get access to healthy meals through food pantries, meal deliveries, and congregate food programs.
The food grants were reviewed and awarded by a committee of 16 Broadway actors and stage managers who have been integral in Broadway Cares’ fundraising efforts.
“Nutrition and access to healthy meals are the crux of wellness,” Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola stated. “The effectiveness of vital medications is directly related to the food fueling our bodies. These organizations are making it possible for people to have a fighting chance at living a strong and healthy life, regardless of their circumstances.”
In-theatre fundraising on Broadway and around the country has been on hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the industry almost two years ago. Although Broadway has reopened, Broadway Cares has temporarily suspended its red bucket appeals as the community continues to carefully and safely resume its schedule.
Donors and supporters of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS have helped fill the fundraising void during this time. The food grants were fueled by Broadway Cares’ year-end giving campaign, which raised $2.2 million leading into 2022. The $2.5 million awarded is in addition to $5.7 million that has been awarded to The Actors Fund since October 1, 2021, the beginning of Broadway Cares’ fiscal year.
Since March 2020, Broadway Cares has awarded $35 million in grants to The Actors Fund and 450 other social service organizations across the country.
Additional grants will be awarded later this spring to nationally recognized AIDS service organizations, health clinics, and advocacy organizations; and this summer to social service organizations whose work provides direct services, emergency financial assistance, harm reduction programs, and quality of life services.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other critical illnesses across the country. Visit BroadwayCares.org.
