What Is Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS? How It Works and How to Give

If you've seen a Broadway show in the fall or spring, you've probably seen the red buckets. After the curtain call, a cast member steps forward to make a short appeal, and company members wait in the lobby with red buckets as the audience heads out. That money goes to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, one of Broadway's longtime charities.

Here's what Broadway Cares is, where its money goes, and how fans can support it.

What is Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS?

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, often shortened to BC/EFA or simply Broadway Cares, is a national nonprofit that raises money through the theatre community and gives it away as grants. It was born from the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, when the disease was devastating the theatre community and support for people living with HIV was scarce.

Two efforts came first. Actors' Equity, the union for stage actors and stage managers, created Equity Fights AIDS in 1987. Broadway Cares followed in 1988, founded by members of the wider Broadway community. The two merged in 1992 into the organization that exists today.

What does Broadway Cares fund?

Broadway Cares raises the money, and other organizations deliver most of the services. Its grantmaking falls into two main areas:

• The Entertainment Community Fund. Broadway Cares is the single largest funder of the safety net run by the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund), including health care, emergency financial assistance, and the HIV/AIDS Initiative. Those services are available to everyone who works in entertainment and the performing arts.
• National grants. Each year Broadway Cares funds hundreds of AIDS service organizations, food programs, and family service agencies in all 50 states.

Its work has grown well beyond HIV/AIDS. Broadway Cares also responds to emergencies such as natural disasters and supports organizations fighting food insecurity. In 2025, it reported a record of roughly $18.3 million in support.

How does Broadway Cares raise money?

Broadway Cares is woven into the theatre calendar. Its fundraisers include:

• Red bucket appeals. Broadway shows and national tours collect donations from audiences during the fall and spring fundraising seasons, often offering signed posters and other items to donors.
• Red Bucket Follies. A performance that celebrates what the companies raised, featuring original numbers from Broadway and touring casts.
• Broadway Bares. The annual summer burlesque show starring Broadway dancers.
• The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction. A yearly sale of theatre memorabilia, Playbills, props, and costumes.
• Broadway Backwards and dance events such as the Fire Island Dance Festival.

For many fans, these events are as much a part of Broadway culture as opening nights.

How to donate to Broadway Cares

The simplest way is directly through the Broadway Cares website. You can also give to a red bucket after a show, shop its online store, or attend one of its events. Broadway Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are generally tax-deductible.

How Broadway Cares fits into the Broadway nonprofit world

Broadway has a small but busy community of nonprofits, and each covers different ground. Broadway Cares and the Entertainment Community Fund focus on health and human services. The American Theatre Wing focuses on education and the Tony Awards. The Broadway League is the industry's trade association.

Broadway for Democracy covers ground none of them do: civic engagement. We're a nonpartisan nonprofit that uses Broadway's platform to help fans and theatre workers register, get informed, and vote. Like the red bucket, it's the community showing up for something bigger than any one show. See our full guide to Broadway nonprofits.

Frequently asked questions

What does BC/EFA stand for?

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The name comes from the 1992 merger of Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS.

Is Broadway Cares only for people with HIV/AIDS?

No. HIV/AIDS is still central to its work, but it also funds health care, emergency assistance, food programs, and disaster relief.

Do Broadway Cares grants only go to New York?

No. Its national grants reach organizations in all 50 states.

Where does red bucket money go?

To Broadway Cares, which distributes it as grants, including to the Entertainment Community Fund.

Want to give back another way? Donate to Broadway for Democracy or check your voter registration.