Canadian Performer Charities to Support
Would you like to know if there are some worthwhile Canadian performer charities to donate to this holiday season?
It is undeniable that the Canadian performance industry was devastated by the events of 2020, and many companies will need a little financial boost to get them back on their feet. If you’d like to be a part of the solution, this list will give you a simple place to start.
Be a part of the movement that gets us all back to work again and helps us build a better, more equitable industry.
Financial Assistance and Opportunities for Training
Anne Burrows Music Foundation
This foundation funds scholarships for aspiring professional Edmonton-based musicians.
Centre for Indigenous Theatre
This company runs full-time conservatory-style post-secondary theatre training programs that are rooted in Indigenous culture.
Celia Franca Foundation
This foundation helps young ballet dancers pursue elite training opportunities.
Les Muses: centre des arts de la scène
This company provides professional training to artists with disabilities.
Nova Scotia Talent Trust
The Talent Trust funds scholarships that support aspiring professional Nova Scotian artists.
Sheridan Class of ’95 BIPOC Fund
This fund supports a bursary for BIPOC musical theatre and technical theatre students at Sheridan.
Community Outreach/Involvement
artsREACH
They bring high quality arts training to the Vancouver Island elementary school children who need it most.
The Concerned Kids
They create interactive puppet shows for children, addressing issues like bullying, safety, substance abuse, and other sensitive topics.
Full Circle – First Nations Performance
They provide performance opportunities for Indigenous performers, and facilitate community educational projects.
Montreal Danse
Montreal Dance runs Danse contre la violence (Dance Against Violence). The company facilitates movement workshops to help Quebec women and children who are domestic violence survivors.
Old School Intergenerational Projects
Based in St. John’s, this company facilitates projects that connect seniors with kids.
Ptarmigan Arts Society
Funds low- or no-cost accessible arts programs for the community of Pender Island.
SaskExpress
This Saskatchewan company gives emerging performers professional experience by touring performances and workshops to many rural communities.
Smile Theatre
This company brings the magic of live (and digital) theatre into care homes.
Young at Heart – Musical Theatre for Seniors
This theatre company in PEI is dedicated to bringing professional musical theatre into seniors homes.
Emergency Assistance and Funded Work Opportunities
AFC
The Actor’s Fund of Canada helps support professionals in their time of need. They financially aid artists through emergencies such as injury, illness, or other crucial moments.
Artscape
This company supports a broad spectrum of artistic endeavours. They create work opportunities and contribute funds to those in need.
Glad Day Bookshop
They support LGBTQ2S+ artists in numerous ways with paid opportunities and grants.
PAL (Performing Arts Lodge) Stratford
Provides affordable housing for professional artists in Stratford.
Unison Fund
This fund helps musicians with counselling and emergency relief in times of crisis.
Advocacy Groups And Mission-Driven Companies
CDA
This company aims to create a supportive, equitable community for professional dancers. They facilitate workshops and other networking events.
The Disability Collective
This collective strives to celebrate disabled artists and showcase their skills.
EveryBODY On Stage
This company fights to steer people away from fat-phobia and advocates for body inclusion on stage.
The Jellyfish Project
They perform musical presentations in schools that inspire environmental action and activism.
Prime Mover Theatre Company
This company advocates for opportunities for marginalized voices. They emphasize training opportunities, visibility and performance opportunities.
Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
They aim to create a safe, equitable, accessible, and thriving Canadian theatre community.
Your Favourite Theatre Company
Between professional and community-based companies, there are countless non-profits across Canada that would appreciate your support. If there’s a company you absolutely adore, see if they accept donations. You may even be able to get involved in other ways.
Don’t forget that some schools collect donations as well. If there’s a company you love and respect, reach out!
These past few years have been a significant stressor on most arts organizations, and we can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best. Helping out wherever you can is the best way to help revive the live performance industry.
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