Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS
The theatre community's leading fundraising and grant-making organization for HIV/AIDS and health-related causes
Overview
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS is one of the most prominent charitable organizations in the American theatre community. It raises funds through theatrical events, audience appeals, and industry galas, then distributes grants to AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.
Beyond HIV/AIDS-related support, Broadway Cares provides emergency assistance to members of the theatre community through its partnership with the Entertainment Community Fund. Grants cover medical care, medications, healthy meals, and emergency financial aid.
How It Works
The organization's annual events, including the Easter Bonnet Competition and Broadway Flea Market, are beloved traditions in the New York theatre world. Participating in these events is a rite of passage for many Broadway performers.
All assistance provided through Broadway Cares is free to recipients. The organization's fundraising efficiency is widely praised, with the vast majority of funds going directly to services and grants.
Who Uses It
For theatre professionals who need health-related assistance or who want to contribute to their community's well-being, Broadway Cares is both a lifeline and a source of pride. Their work demonstrates the entertainment industry's capacity for collective compassion. The organization has distributed over $300 million in grants since its founding, reaching all 50 states and Puerto Rico through a network of more than 450 social service organizations. Broadway Cares also offers COVID-era emergency relief and has expanded its scope to address broader health equity issues affecting the performing arts community.
Pricing & Plans
All services and grants provided by Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS are completely free to eligible recipients, with no application fees or hidden costs. Emergency assistance grants through the Entertainment Community Fund partnership cover medical bills, prescription costs, mental health services, and basic living expenses for qualifying theatre professionals. There is no income threshold that automatically disqualifies you from receiving help, as each case is reviewed individually based on need and circumstances. Fundraising participation is voluntary, and audience members, fans, and industry supporters can donate any amount during appeals, with most audience collection appeals suggesting donations starting at just one dollar. The organization's fundraising efficiency is among the highest of any performing arts charity, with approximately 85 to 90 cents of every dollar going directly to services and grants. Broadway Cares accepts donations year-round through its website, and all contributions are tax-deductible as the organization holds 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Broadway Cares' integration with the Entertainment Community Fund creates a comprehensive safety net that covers medical emergencies, mental health support, and basic needs in ways that most standalone charities cannot match. The organization's deep roots in the Broadway community mean that its events and volunteer opportunities provide genuine professional networking alongside charitable purpose. The annual Easter Bonnet Competition and Broadway Flea Market are not just fundraisers but beloved community traditions that strengthen connections across the industry and offer emerging performers visibility. Grant distribution is remarkably efficient, with emergency assistance often reaching recipients within days rather than the weeks or months typical of larger charitable organizations. Broadway Cares has adapted to address contemporary health challenges, including long COVID, mental health crises, and healthcare access disparities that disproportionately affect freelance theatre workers. The organization's national reach ensures that theatre professionals outside New York can access support, with grants flowing to community-based organizations in cities and towns across the country.
What Could Be Better
Eligibility for direct emergency assistance is generally limited to professional theatre workers, which can exclude aspiring actors, community theatre participants, and those who work primarily in film and television. The application process for emergency grants requires documentation of professional theatre work, which may be difficult for early-career actors or those who have been out of the industry due to illness. The organization's primary focus remains HIV/AIDS-related causes, meaning that performers seeking assistance for non-HIV health issues must go through the Entertainment Community Fund partnership, which adds an additional step. Major fundraising events are concentrated in New York City, limiting participation opportunities for theatre professionals based in other cities or on national tours. The volunteer and participation opportunities, while rewarding, are time-intensive and may not be practical for actors juggling multiple survival jobs alongside their performance careers. Awareness of Broadway Cares among newer and younger theatre professionals can be limited, meaning some who could benefit from its services may not know the resources exist.
Our Recommendation
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS is an essential organization for anyone working in professional theatre who may need health-related financial assistance or who wants to contribute to the well-being of their community. If you are a professional theatre worker facing a medical emergency or struggling to afford healthcare, contact Broadway Cares or the Entertainment Community Fund immediately, as help may be available faster than you expect. The organization is equally valuable as a way to give back, and even small volunteer contributions at audience appeals or events strengthen the community safety net for everyone. Early-career actors should attend Broadway Cares events not only to support the cause but also to build relationships within the professional theatre community. However, if you work primarily in film, television, or commercial work rather than theatre, organizations like the SAG-AFTRA Foundation may be more directly relevant to your specific needs. Broadway Cares is at its most impactful when the entire community participates, so even if you do not currently need assistance, your involvement helps ensure the safety net is there when someone does.
Pro Tips
Volunteer for the Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction held each fall in Shubert Alley, as it is one of the best networking events in the industry while also being one of Broadway Cares' largest fundraisers. If you are in a Broadway or Off-Broadway production, champion the audience appeal at your show, as active participation from the cast dramatically increases donation totals and builds company camaraderie. Save the Entertainment Community Fund's contact information alongside Broadway Cares' details, as the two organizations work in tandem and the Fund handles direct individual assistance applications. Follow Broadway Cares on social media to stay informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and grant application windows throughout the year. If you are a theatre educator or program director, introduce your students to Broadway Cares early in their training, as understanding the community's support systems is as important as learning craft. Share your personal story of receiving or witnessing Broadway Cares' impact if you are comfortable doing so, as these narratives inspire others to both seek help when needed and contribute when they are able.