The guide

Broadway Nonprofits: The Organizations Behind the Stage

Broadway is a business, but it runs on generosity. Here is a plain-language guide to the nonprofits that take care of theatre workers, open the doors to new audiences, and give the community a way to give back.

Now showingBroadway gives back
7Organizations
1882Oldest founded
50States reached
A century and change

More than 140 years of Broadway taking care of its own

1882
The Actors Fund, today the Entertainment Community Fund
1917
American Theatre Wing
1968
Theatre Development Fund (TDF)
1988
Broadway Cares, joined by Equity Fights AIDS in 1992
2008
Broadway Green Alliance
2020
Black Theatre United
Today
Broadway for Democracy
Who does what

The Broadway nonprofits worth knowing

Each of these organizations does something different. Some take care of the people who make theatre, some bring new audiences in, and some use Broadway's reach to make a difference beyond it.

Health & relief

Entertainment Community Fund

Formerly The Actors Fund · Founded 1882

A national human services organization for everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment, onstage and off. It offers help with health care, housing, career transitions, and emergency finances. It was founded as the Actors Fund of America in 1882 and changed its name in May 2022 to reflect the full range of professionals it serves.

Good to knowIt operates the Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts in New York and the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, New Jersey.
Visit the Fund →
Health & relief

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

BC/EFA · Founded 1988, merged 1992

The theatre community's fundraising and grant-making powerhouse. Equity Fights AIDS was founded by the Council of Actors' Equity Association in 1987, and Broadway Cares by The Producers' Group in 1988. The two merged in 1992. Today BC/EFA is the major supporter of the Entertainment Community Fund's social service programs and awards grants to hundreds of AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states.

How fans can helpDrop something in the red buckets after a show, or shop the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction. Its signature events also include Broadway Bares and the Easter Bonnet Competition.
Visit BC/EFA →
Artists & recognition

American Theatre Wing

Founded 1917

Founded by seven suffragists as the Stage Women's War Relief on the eve of America's entry into World War I. In 1947 the Wing created the Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Theatre, better known as the Tony Awards, which it presents with The Broadway League. It also co-presents the Obie Awards for Off-Broadway and funds grants and education programs for theatre makers.

Good to knowIts Jonathan Larson Grants support early-career musical theatre writers.
Visit the Wing →
Audiences & access

TDF (Theatre Development Fund)

Founded 1968

Created to help a struggling New York theatre industry, TDF works to bring live performance to everyone. It opened the famous TKTS discount booth in Times Square in 1973. It also runs accessibility programs, including autism-friendly performances, and offers discount memberships for students, teachers, and performing arts professionals.

How fans can helpBuy same-day discount tickets at TKTS, or check whether you qualify for a TDF membership.
Visit TDF →
Sustainability

Broadway Green Alliance

Founded 2008

Launched in 2008 as an ad hoc committee of The Broadway League, in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Alliance helps shows, theatres, and audiences adopt environmentally friendlier practices. It became a fiscally sponsored program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in 2010.

How workers can helpVolunteer as a Green Captain. Every Broadway show has one, and the program extends to tours, regional theatres, and colleges.
Visit the BGA →
Artists & equity

Black Theatre United

Founded 2020

Founded in June 2020 by a coalition of Black theatre artists including Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, and Vanessa Williams. Its New Deal for Broadway set industry-wide commitments on equity and representation. It also creates pathways for Black artists through scholarships and education programs.

Good to knowThe New Deal set a goal for Broadway's major theatre owners to each name at least one theatre after a Black artist.
Visit BTU →
Civic engagement

Broadway for Democracy

That's us · Nonpartisan 501(c)(3)

Founded by actors, artists, and creatives in the industry, Broadway for Democracy uses the platform and public reach of Broadway to inspire voter engagement. We provide nonpartisan voter resources and host civic engagement initiatives, from voter registration to Leading Ladies.

How you can helpCheck your registration, share our voter tools with your company, or support the work with a donation.
See what we do →
Good to know

Charities, unions, and trade groups are not the same thing

Plenty of Broadway organizations do good work without being charities. If you're deciding where to give, it helps to know the difference.

Charities

Nonprofits like the ones above accept donations to serve a public mission. Gifts to 501(c)(3) organizations are generally tax-deductible.

Unions

Actors' Equity Association represents actors and stage managers. Other unions, including IATSE and Local 802, represent stagehands, crew, and musicians. Unions bargain contracts for their members.

Trade groups

The Broadway League is the national trade association for theatre owners, operators, producers, and presenters. It co-presents the Tony Awards with the American Theatre Wing.

Get involved

Five ways to give back that don't require a big check

  1. Fill the red bucket

    Cast members collect for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS after many performances. Small bills add up fast.

  2. Shop the Flea Market

    The annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction sells props, Playbills, and memorabilia to benefit BC/EFA.

  3. Become a Green Captain

    Working on a show, tour, or campus production? Volunteer to lead greener habits with the Broadway Green Alliance.

  4. Register your company to vote

    Bring Broadway for Democracy's nonpartisan voter tools to your cast, crew, or classroom.

  5. Give monthly

    Small recurring gifts help nonprofits plan ahead. Pick the mission that matters most to you.

Get voter resources →Donate to B4D
FAQ

Questions about Broadway nonprofits

What is the Entertainment Community Fund?

The Entertainment Community Fund is the new name of The Actors Fund, a national human services organization founded in 1882. It helps everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment with health care, housing, career support, and emergency financial assistance. It changed its name in May 2022.

What does BC/EFA stand for?

BC/EFA stands for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The organization formed in 1992 when Broadway Cares (founded 1988) and Equity Fights AIDS (founded 1987) merged. It raises money across the theatre community and awards grants nationwide.

Are Broadway Cares and the Entertainment Community Fund the same organization?

No. They are separate nonprofits that work closely together. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS raises funds and awards grants, and it is the major supporter of the Entertainment Community Fund's social service programs.

Who runs the Tony Awards?

The Tony Awards were created in 1947 by the American Theatre Wing, a nonprofit. They are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League.

How can I donate to a Broadway charity?

Every organization in this guide accepts donations on its website. You can also give in person through the red buckets at many performances, or at events like the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction.

Is Broadway for Democracy partisan?

No. Broadway for Democracy is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We provide voter resources and civic engagement programs for everyone, regardless of party or political belief.

Read our voting guide for theatre workers →
Broadway for Democracy is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the other organizations in this guide. Organization names belong to their respective owners. Facts are drawn from each organization's public materials and are current as of November 2026. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
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