Theater News

Fred Ebb Foundation Donates $1 Million to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Fred Ebb
Fred Ebb

The Fred Ebb Foundation has made a $1 million gift to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). The gift is the largest single donation in the organization’s history.

In announcing the grant, Tom Viola, BC/EFA’s executive director said, “Fred Ebb was as passionate and generous as he was gifted and brilliantly creative. With John Kander, Fred gave us some of the most delightful and groundbreaking musicals of the last 50 years. Now, he has given us all another remarkable gift.”

The foundation is funded by royalties from the late award-winning lyricist Fred Ebb’s vast catalogue of work, including such shows as Cabaret, Chicago, Zorba, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Steel Pier. In addition to its annual gift to BCEFA, the Foundation, in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company, also presents an annual award, named for Mr. Ebb, to aspiring musical theatre songwriters. This year’s award, which includes a $50,000 prize, was presented to Douglas J. Cohen.