Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS awarded a record $2,912,500 to 148 food pantries, meal delivery services and congregate meal programs nationwide in 2025. These vital grants are made possible by the generosity of the theater community and audiences on Broadway, Off-Broadway and across the country through #RedBuckets fall fundraising and annual Broadway Cares donors.

A committee of 21 dedicated Broadway actors, stage managers and crew members — all of whom played an integral role in Broadway Cares’ in-theater fall fundraising — thoughtfully reviewed each application and participated in a spirited discussion, awarding the grants February 13, 2025. Distributed annually, these grants mark the first round of Broadway Cares’ 2025 National Grants Program.

Through this support, those affected by HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses will get healthy meals, reaching often underserved and under-funded programs, organizations and communities large and small – across 39 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

With federal funding paused for many organizations — particularly those serving transgender individuals, the broader LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS — Broadway Cares remains steadfast in ensuring no one is left behind.

“Now more than ever, we are committed to sustaining our support for organizations in our National Grants Program, ensuring they can remain a reliable resource as federal funding is cut or threatened,” Broadway Cares Executive Director Danny Whitman said. “No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and keeping their home warm this winter. This record, life-affirming support is only possible because of the generosity of our theatrical community and donors — gifts that mean even more as needs continue to rise and uncertainty reigns.”

In the spring, Broadway Cares will award additional 2025 grants to nationally recognized AIDS service organizations and advocacy organizations and to theater and entertainment industry social service agencies. In the summer, grants will be awarded to hundreds more social service organizations whose work includes direct health and mental health services, emergency financial assistance, harm reduction programs and quality of life services.

Broadway Cares is also the single largest funder of the Entertainment Community Fund, which provides a safety net of services for everyone in the performing arts and entertainment. Starting more than 35 years ago with the creation of the HIV/AIDS Initiative in 1988, Broadway Cares provided the initial funding for the initiative and continues to support the majority of its annual budget. Broadway Cares has since expanded its contributions to launch the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and champion a full range of social services, including Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC), Addiction and Recovery Services, The Dancers’ Resource and Broadway Flu Shot Initiative. In 2017, it began supporting the Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts, which provides general and specialized care for Broadway and performing arts professionals.

In January 2025, Broadway Cares awarded $500,000 in emergency grants to help Los Angeles-area residents and first responders as they battled the barrage of wildfires devastating the region.

In 2024, $15.8 million was awarded to the Entertainment Community Fund and more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. When there is need or crisis, Broadway Cares – buoyed by the generosity of those onstage, backstage and in the audience – responds with urgent and essential care and support.