About the Foundation

What the Foundation Does

The Fred Ebb Foundation was established to honor the life, artistry, and values of lyricist Fred Ebb by supporting excellence in musical theatre and strengthening the Broadway community.

Funded through royalties from Fred Ebb’s body of work, the Foundation ensures that his creative legacy continues to make a meaningful impact long after his passing.

The Foundation’s mission is carried out through two primary commitments:

  1. The annual Fred Ebb Award, supporting emerging musical theatre songwriters
  2. Ongoing financial support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a cause deeply important to Fred Ebb

Through these efforts, the Foundation sustains both artistic innovation and compassionate community support.

Commitment to Broadway Cares

In addition to supporting new musical theatre writers, the Fred Ebb Foundation is deeply committed to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Broadway Cares is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit fundraising and grant-making organizations, providing essential services for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the country.

Since 2005, the Foundation has donated more than $31 million to Broadway Cares—one of the organization’s most significant and sustained philanthropic partnerships.

This commitment reflects Fred Ebb’s lifelong dedication to the theatre community and his belief in supporting artists both on and off the stage.

Learn More About Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

The Fred Ebb Award

Since 2005, the Fred Ebb Foundation has presented the Fred Ebb Award, an annual prize recognizing excellence in musical theatre songwriting. The award provides the winner with a $60,000 stipend, recognition at a Broadway reception, and national visibility within the theatre community. The award is given to a composer/lyricist or composer/lyricist team who has not yet achieved significant commercial success but demonstrates exceptional promise in musical theatre. By investing in emerging artists, the Foundation helps ensure that the next generation of Broadway storytellers has the support they need to thrive.

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Learn more about the award

Sustaining a Legacy

The Fred Ebb Foundation is sustained entirely through royalties generated by Fred Ebb’s extraordinary body of work with John Kander.

Through this unique structure, the success of iconic musicals such as Chicago and Cabaret continues to fund:

  • New musical theatre voices
  • Vital health and social service programs
  • The ongoing vitality of the Broadway community

The Foundation stands as a living extension of Fred Ebb’s artistry, generosity, and commitment to theatre.

Read about Fred Ebb and John Kander’s Legacy