About the Foundation
Since its inception in 1962, the Actors' Equity Foundation — a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization — has remained steadfast in its mission to support the professional theatre community, from emerging artists to seasoned vets, while promoting and investing in the theatre and the performing arts.
The Foundation carries out its theatrical mission by giving grants to over 150 nonprofit theatres across the nation annually and to agencies and institutions serving the arts community — AIDS and health care programs, diversity initiatives and career transition services are just a few of the programs we encourage and support.
Our eight awards presented each year recognize actors and their indelible talents within the industry.
The Actors' Equity Foundation is governed by a nine member Board of Directors, led by President Judy Rice. We have remained vital due to generous, unsolicited donations from individuals within the performing arts industry. Union dues are not used to fund the Foundation.
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History of The Foundation
It all started with a generous donation to the Actors’ Equity Association (the union) in 1961. But, the union could not accept a tax-deductible charitable donation. So the Actors’ Equity Foundation was born.
Paul Dullzell, the second Executive Secretary of Actors’ Equity, and then president of the Four A’s, left a generous bequest which was to be used for actors’ welfare.
This event was the catalyst for forming the Actors’ Equity Foundation, a separate not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation could accept his tax deductible bequest, and all others which might come its way in the future, for the benefit of actors and the acting community.
"With your support and generosity, we have provided free flu shots to more than 5,100 members of the professional theatre community"
- Physician Volunteers for the Arts