Overview of The Campaign

BACKGROUND
The Actors Fund is dedicated to serving EVERYONE who works in performing arts and entertainment. Founded in 1882 by those committed to supporting their colleagues in need, The Fund began by providing funerals and burials as well as helping those “troupers” who found themselves stranded far from home. In a time when there was little understanding of the sacrifices made to have a career in the arts, the need for a safe haven and a place to turn during tough times was – and is – essential.

Today, The Actors Fund is a national human services organization comprising close to two dozen programs and a $26 million operating budget that helps nearly 12,000 performing arts and entertainment professionals every year directly as well as hundreds of thousands more through its primary and subsidiary websites in such crucial areas as health insurance and housing.

Operating efficiently with 87-cents of every dollar devoted to programs, Charity Navigator has awarded its highest rating of Four Stars to The Fund. 

RATIONALE
Professionals in performing arts and entertainment are among the most vulnerable to the tough times facing our country.  The nature of their work often precludes them from obtaining health insurance, planning for retirement or having a cushion for unexpected situations and circumstances. 

The great majority of those who work in this community fall within a modest income range and have considerable difficulties in affording basic living necessities. Looking at just the acting segment of our broad constituency, the NEA revealed that they tend to be highly educated (60% have college degrees) but their median income is only $23,400 – significantly below the US labor force median of $30,100. And just 15% have full year, full time employment – compared to 70% of the US labor force – with impacts in work-related benefits, such as insurance and pensions. And this group is symbolic of everyone who works to create a performing arts or entertainment career.

This community helps define our society and drive our economy. We cannot underestimate its importance to our society as it drives our local economies, inspires hope and lifts our spirits – especially in difficult times. Healthy economies have proven to be closely tied to a thriving cultural landscape. The creative sector unquestionably and positively influences every part of our country by generating hundreds of thousands of quality jobs and billions of dollars in tax revenue. 

Responsive to the essential needs of those who work in film, theatre, TV, music, dance, radio and opera, The Fund is currently faced with a significantly increased demand for services. While the generosity of our supporters, partners and volunteers affords us the opportunity to help more people every year, we anticipate the economic downturn will cause a drastic increase in the need for assistance while funding opportunities diminish. We must come together to ensure that those who dedicate themselves professionally to the arts have the support they need to continue their creative and vital work. 

OBJECTIVES
Strengthening our programs – and our ability to assist thousands more of those in need – will require expanding our economic base. Therefore, we seek to raise $12.5 million to:

• Strengthen our ability to respond quickly to evolving social and emergency financial needs.
• Increase access to health care services and insurance.
• Offer more affordable, supportive and senior housing opportunities
• Expand employment and training opportunities.

SUCCESS TO DATE

• Raised $10.1 million from 192 gifts to date

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