The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) has launched the Thespian Alumni Fund, a new initiative looking to support under-resourced school theatre programs nationwide.

The project is looking to alum of its International Thespian Society, an honor program for high school theatre students on both sides of the curtain that is housed within the Educational Theatre Association, ETF's non-philanthropic sister organization. The group hopes that those whose lives have been impacted and affected by theatre education will know more than anyone else the importance of robust arts program in schools.

Money raised through the program will support ETF's grant programs, including the Thespian Growth and Excellence Grants and Membership Grants, both aimed at helping schools create and sustain thriving theatre programs and thespian troupes.

“Returning to support the programs that shaped us is one of the most meaningful ways alumni can give back,” says ETF Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Katona in a statement. “The Thespian Alumni Fund empowers former theatre kids to help today’s students gain the same confidence, community, and sense of purpose that theatre once gave them.”

Donate to the fund at Foundation.SchoolTheatre.org.