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Dec. 1 is #GivingTuesday, "a global day dedicated to giving back." Whether you're passionate about supporting the arts directly or simply want to give to a cause supported by Broadway's finest, we've put together an "inspiration board" of charities to help you help others.
The Actors Fund, for everyone in entertainment:
Founded in 1882, this grass-roots organization offers 25 different programs to help entertainment professionals and their families. The Fund provides health services, financial aid, social services and housing to thousands of industry workers in need. By providing care through the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic and the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, nursing services and assisted living in the Lillian Booth Actors Home, and more, the Fund constantly affirms its commitment to supporting artists. To donate to the Actors Fund and learn more about their offerings, click here.
Ali Forney Center:
The Ali Forney Center is named in memory of Ali Forney, "a gender nonconforming teen who fled his home at 13" who "was dedicated to helping other young people and publicly advocated for the safety of homeless LGBT youth." The Center's mission is to "protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently." The Ali Forney Center offers such programs as emergency housing, transitional living, job readiness and more. The organization is also home to the Bea Arthur Residence, which provides 18 beds to at-risk youth. To support the Ali Forney Center and learn more about their message, click here.
Broadway Barks:
If your heart belongs to furrier friends, consider a contribution to Broadway Barks. You may be familiar with the annual adoption event that helps find families for homeless dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. While this special event happens once a year, you can donate to the charity at any time through the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. To give to Broadway Barks and learn more about their work, click here.
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS:
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS draws upon the talents and time of members of the American theatre community to raise money for crucial services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the country. "Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide and is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund." Yearly, BC/EFA hosts the Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction, Broadway Bares, Broadway Barks, Gypsy of the Year and more. To support BC/EFA and learn more about their message, click here.
Dramatists Guild Fund:
Dramatists Guild Fund is the public charity division of the Dramatists Guild of America, which supports dramatists and non-profit theatres through financial aid and educational programs. DGF offers traveling masters programs, fellowships programs, achievement awards and free space for writers to present their work. To support Dramatists Guild Fund and learn more about their message, click here. Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda recorded a video explaining why he supports DGF. Watch here:
Givenik:
Givenik offers discounted tickets to shows both on and off Broadway with a twist. Five percent of the proceeds from every ticket purchased goes to a charity of the buyer's choosing. Givenik allows buyers to donate to charities helping animals, arts, children, education, health, nature, seniors, women and more. It also gives users information about each of the listed charities and allows them to submit their own charities for consideration (if they are employees of said charities). To buy tickets through Givenik and learn more about the program, click here.
Marya's Gift (Broadway Education Alliance):
Marya's Gift, named in memory of arts patron Marya Lenn Yee, is a scholarship fund created by Broadway Education Alliance. The Broadway Education Alliance "strives to harness the best and brightest minds working in and around the theatre, in corporate America and in the field of traditional and digital education." Marya's Gift supports children ages 9-15 who demonstrate a passion for theatre, dance or visual design, and an interest in pursuing a professional career in the arts. To support Marya's Gift and learn more about the scholarship, click here.
Non-Profit Theatres:
From New York institutions like The Public Theater, one of the nation's first non-profit theatres, and MCC Theater to your local regional house, theatres everywhere can use your support. Reperterio Español brings the best of Latin American, Spanish and Hispanic-American theatre to New York City and the Women's Project Theater grants a platform solely for the work of female artists. The National Asian American Theatre Company creates unique opportunities for Asian-American actors. Check out the League of Resident Theaters to find a non-profit theatre in your area, and support arts across the country.
SAY (The Stuttering Association for the Young):
SAY, or The Stuttering Association for the Young, offers programming to address the physical, social and emotional impacts of stuttering. Their mission is "to empower young people who stutter and inspire the world to treat them with compassion and respect." For the past four years, SAY has hosted the "Paul Rudd All Star Bowling Benefit" to benefit children of families in need. To support SAY and learn more about their message, click here.
The Situation Project:
The Situation Project exposes students from high-performing arts-deficient New York City public schools and their communities to cultural experiences, while also introducing them to professionals in theatre. The Situation Project currently supports MS 343, MS 319, MS 223 and PSMS 278. To support The Situation Project and learn more about their message, click here.
There are numerous organizations doing great work across the U.S. and the globe. To check out more organizations you can donate to, click here charitynavigator.org.
