There are dozens of Broadway charities and theatre nonprofits asking for support, and most of them do good work. But a "Broadway" name on a donation page doesn't tell you much on its own. Before you give, it takes about ten minutes to confirm that an organization is what it says it is and that your gift will go where you expect. Here's how to do it.
Start with the mission, in plain language. "Supporting the arts" is too vague to judge. Look for specifics: who it serves, what programs it runs, and where. A good Broadway charity can tell you in a sentence or two. For example, one funds emergency grants for entertainment workers, another brings students to their first Broadway show, and another registers theatre audiences to vote.
If you want to help theatre workers directly, start with our post on Broadway charities that help actors and theatre workers. If you're not sure which kind of work you want to fund, our guide to Broadway charities and nonprofits groups the major organizations by cause.
In the United States, donations are generally tax-deductible only when they go to a tax-exempt charity, usually a 501(c)(3). You can check any organization's status for free with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Search by name or by EIN, the organization's nine-digit tax ID, which reputable charities list on their websites and donation receipts.
Some Broadway programs aren't separate charities at all. They're projects of a larger nonprofit. That's fine. It just means you should look up the parent organization. (And note that a Broadway show itself is usually a commercial business, not a charity. See Is Broadway nonprofit?)
Most 501(c)(3)s with meaningful revenue file an annual Form 990 with the IRS, and those filings are public. Two free places to read them:
Don't judge a charity only by its overhead percentage. Staff, rent and systems are part of doing the work well. Instead, ask whether spending lines up with the mission and whether the organization explains its results.
Charity Navigator rates many larger nonprofits on finances, accountability and impact. Newer and smaller organizations often don't have a rating yet, simply because they haven't filed enough years of returns. A missing rating isn't a red flag on its own, especially for a young nonprofit. Check the other steps.
Look for a named board and leadership team on the website. Broadway is a small, connected industry. Credible theatre charities are usually run by people with real track records in the field, and their partners and past events are easy to verify.
Ask, or look for an answer on the donation page. Unrestricted gifts give a charity the most flexibility, and many organizations prefer them. If you want your gift tied to a specific program, many charities will honor that. Also check whether your employer offers a matching gift program. Many do, and it can double your donation.
Broadway for Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit that uses the power of Broadway, its artists, stories and audiences, to inspire civic participation. We received our 501(c)(3) status in January 2026, so donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN is 41-2663186, and you can look us up with the tools above. If civic engagement is a cause you care about, we'd be grateful for your support. Donate to Broadway for Democracy.
Confirm its 501(c)(3) status in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, read its Form 990 on Candid or ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, and make sure you're donating through its official website.
Donations to registered 501(c)(3) charities are generally tax-deductible for donors who itemize, within IRS limits. Check with a tax professional about your own situation.
Many smaller and newer nonprofits aren't rated yet. Use the IRS search and Candid instead, and look at whether the organization publishes its leadership and programs.
It depends on the cause you want to support: workers and health, education, access to theatre, new work or civic engagement. Our guide to Broadway charities and nonprofits lists the major organizations by cause.
