activities · 37
what they do
direct service · 21
- Administer grants to nonprofit organizations Disaster Relief GrantmakingAdministers grants to nonprofit organizations aligned with the missions of its programs and fiscally sponsored funds, including managing the vetting of community-based nonprofits and outgoing grant funds. Since inception, has distributed over $14 million through initiatives like DEFY:DISASTER and over $60 million through the People’s Fund of Maui.
- Administer grants to nonprofit organizations Disaster Relief GrantmakingAdministers grants to nonprofit organizations aligned with the missions of its programs and fiscally sponsored funds, including managing the vetting of community-based nonprofits and outgoing grant funds. Since inception, this includes distributing over $14 million through the DEFY:DISASTER program and over $60 million via the People’s Fund of Maui.
- Administer grants to nonprofit organizations Grant Review & AdministrationAdministers grants to selected nonprofit organizations aligned with the missions of its programs and fiscally sponsored funds, including managing outgoing grant funds and requiring grantees to submit interim and final progress reports with financial accounting and goal achievement.
- Administers grant funding to nonprofit organizations Grant Review & AdministrationProvides financial support to nonprofit organizations aligned with the missions of its programs and fiscally sponsored funds, including managing outgoing grants and supporting research and vetting of community-based nonprofits.
- Coordinate emergency disaster response through entertainment networks Disaster Relief GrantmakingProvides immediate disaster response—such as during the Los Angeles and Maui wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic—by mobilizing the entertainment community to raise funds and awareness, including distributing over $60 million in direct cash assistance to 8,200 Maui residents.
- Develop and distribute social impact content through EIF Studios Entertainment-Driven Awareness CampaignsLaunched EIF Studios to support the development and distribution of content focused on social impact, amplifying messages through entertainment and media partnerships for broad reach.
- Disaster Relief and Recovery CampaignsProvides immediate response and raises funds for natural disasters through collective entertainment community action, producing televised campaigns and distributing direct cash assistance to affected residents.
- Distribute emergency relief funds in response to disasters Disaster Relief GrantmakingProvides immediate disaster response by distributing funds to affected communities, including over $14 million through the DEFY:DISASTER program during the COVID-19 pandemic and over $60 million in direct cash assistance to 8,200 residents via the People’s Fund of Maui after the wildfires.
- Grantmaking for Social Change Grant Review & AdministrationAdministers grants to selected nonprofit organizations whose missions align with the organization's programs and fiscally sponsored funds, requiring progress reports and financial accounting from grantees.
- Launch and manage high-impact cancer initiatives Cancer-Focused Fundraising & Awareness EventsFounded and supports Stand Up To Cancer, which has pledged over $600 million to cancer research and clinical trials, and organized the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women—one of the largest annual women’s cancer fundraisers in the U.S.—held annually for over 20 years.
- Lead high-profile fundraising campaigns for cancer and women’s health Cancer-Focused Fundraising & Awareness EventsFounded and organizes Stand Up To Cancer, which has pledged over $600 million for cancer research and clinical trials, and the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women, one of the largest annual women’s cancer fundraisers in the U.S., held for over 20 years.
- Produce large-scale telecast initiatives for social impact Entertainment-Driven Awareness CampaignsProduces and supports major telecast initiatives that reach millions globally, such as the GRADUATE TOGETHER special that reached 20 million viewers, and disaster relief campaigns including HOPE FOR HAITI NOW, SOMOS UNA VOZ, and ONE LOVE MANCHESTER, leveraging entertainment partnerships for awareness and fundraising.
- Produce large-scale telethons and televised impact initiatives Entertainment-Driven Awareness CampaignsProduces and builds telecast initiatives that reach millions globally, including disaster relief campaigns like HOPE FOR HAITI NOW and ONE LOVE MANCHESTER, and social moment specials such as GRADUATE TOGETHER, which reached 20 million viewers. Also includes the operation of EIF Studios to support development and distribution of social impact content.
- Produce large-scale televised campaigns for social impact Entertainment-Driven Awareness CampaignsProduces and builds telecast initiatives that reach millions globally, such as the GRADUATE TOGETHER special that reached 20 million viewers and disaster relief campaigns like HOPE FOR HAITI NOW and ONE LOVE MANCHESTER, leveraging entertainment partnerships for awareness and fundraising.
- Produces large-scale televised social impact and disaster relief campaigns Entertainment-Driven Awareness CampaignsProduces and distributes major telecast initiatives and primetime specials—such as HOPE FOR HAITI NOW, ONE LOVE MANCHESTER, and GRADUATE TOGETHER—that reach millions of viewers globally to raise awareness, funds, and honor affected communities.
- Respond to natural disasters with emergency relief funding Disaster Relief GrantmakingProvides immediate disaster response through collective entertainment industry action, including distributing over $60 million in direct cash assistance to 8,200 residents via the People’s Fund of Maui and over $14 million to more than 100 organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic through DEFY:DISASTER.
- Responds to natural disasters and public health crises with emergency funding Disaster Relief GrantmakingProvides rapid-response financial assistance through programs like DEFY:DISASTER and the People’s Fund of Maui, distributing over $14 million during the pandemic and more than $60 million to wildfire-affected residents in Maui.
- Social Impact Content Production and Distribution Entertainment-Driven Awareness CampaignsDevelops and distributes social impact-focused content through EIF Studios and amplifies social impact messages through entertainment and media partnerships for global reach.
- Support cancer research and patient care through major initiatives Cancer-Focused Fundraising & Awareness EventsFounded and supports Stand Up To Cancer, which has pledged over $600 million for cancer research and clinical trials, and organizes the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women, one of the largest annual women’s cancer fundraisers in the U.S., held for over 20 years.
- Supports cancer research and patient care through Stand Up To Cancer and fundraising events Cancer-Focused Fundraising & Awareness EventsFounded and supports Stand Up To Cancer, which has pledged over $600 million for cancer research and clinical trials, and organizes the annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women, one of the largest women’s cancer fundraising events in the U.S.
- Telecast Initiatives for Public Awareness Entertainment-Driven Awareness CampaignsBuilds and supports telecast initiatives and primetime specials that reach millions globally through roadblock television and industry collaborations to raise awareness for various causes.
research · 4
- Cancer Research Funding and Awareness Cancer-Focused Fundraising & Awareness EventsFunds research for new cancer treatments, supports clinical trials, and organizes large-scale fundraising events like the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women to raise awareness and funds for cancer initiatives.
- Fund biomedical research for cancer treatments Pediatric Cancer and Macular Degeneration ResearchFunds research to develop new and promising cancer treatments for current patients, contributing to clinical advancements and therapeutic development.
- Fund cancer research and clinical trials Pediatric Cancer and Macular Degeneration ResearchFunds research to develop new and promising cancer treatments, primarily through Stand Up To Cancer, which has pledged over $600 million to support clinical trials treating tens of thousands of patients.
- Fund cancer research and treatment development Pediatric Cancer and Macular Degeneration ResearchFunds research to develop new and promising cancer treatments for current patients, contributing to clinical trials and therapeutic advancements through dedicated funding mechanisms.
capacity building · 12
- Entertainment Industry Career Access and Mentorship Entertainment Career Access ProgramsIncreases access to entertainment careers for historically excluded communities through partnerships and co-founded the WIE Mentorship Program, which has awarded over $1 million in university scholarships.
- Expand access to entertainment careers for underrepresented communities Entertainment Career Access ProgramsIncreases access to entertainment industry careers for historically excluded communities through partnerships with industry leaders and community-based organizations, including co-founding the WIE Mentorship Program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, which has awarded over $1 million in university scholarships.
- Expand access to entertainment industry careers for underrepresented communities Entertainment Career Access ProgramsIncreases access to entertainment careers for historically excluded communities through partnerships with industry leaders and community-based organizations, including co-founding the WIE Mentorship Program that has awarded over $1 million in university scholarships to high school seniors.
- Expands access to entertainment industry careers for underrepresented communities Entertainment Career Access ProgramsIncreases career access in the entertainment industry for historically excluded communities through partnerships with industry leaders and community-based organizations, including co-founding mentorship programs that have awarded over $1 million in scholarships.
- Fiscal Sponsorship for Philanthropic Funds Celebrity-Led Fund Fiscal SponsorshipProvides fiscal sponsorship services to celebrity-led funds, handling financial reporting, tax filing, state registrations, vendor payments, donation processing, and donor support.
- Monitor and evaluate grantee performanceRequires grantees to submit interim and final progress reports as a condition of funding, including financial accounting and achievement of program goals, ensuring accountability and impact measurement.
- Monitors and evaluates grantee performanceRequires grantees to submit interim and final progress reports detailing financial accounting and achievement of program goals as a condition of funding.
- Provide fiscal sponsorship and back-office support for charitable funds Celebrity-Led Fund Fiscal SponsorshipProvides fiscal sponsorship to over 40 celebrity-led funds since 2017, handling financial reporting, tax filing, state registrations, vendor payments, donation processing, and tax receipt issuance, enabling donors and grantees with real-time support.
- Provide fiscal sponsorship and back-office support for charitable funds Celebrity-Led Fund Fiscal SponsorshipProvides fiscal sponsorship to over 40 celebrity-led funds since 2017, handling financial reporting, tax filing, state registrations, vendor payments, donation processing, and tax receipt issuance, while offering real-time donor support.
- Provide fiscal sponsorship and back-office support for charitable funds Celebrity-Led Fund Fiscal SponsorshipProvides fiscal sponsorship to over 40 celebrity-led funds since 2017, handling financial reporting, tax filing, state registrations, vendor payments, donation processing, and tax receipt issuance while supporting diverse philanthropic missions.
- Provides fiscal sponsorship and back-office support for charitable initiatives Celebrity-Led Fund Fiscal SponsorshipOffers comprehensive fiscal sponsorship services to over 40 celebrity-led and mission-aligned funds, including financial reporting, tax filing, donation processing, donor receipting, and vendor payment management.
- Support workforce inclusion in the entertainment industry Entertainment Career Access ProgramsIncreases access to entertainment careers for historically excluded communities through partnerships with industry and community-based organizations, including co-founding the WIE Mentorship Program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, which has awarded over $1 million in university scholarships.
strategies · 33
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advance collaborative philanthropy with focus on awareness, empowerment, and measurable outcomes collaborative philanthropyCreates social change by combining collaboration, public awareness, and empowerment strategies with a commitment to achieving measurable impact.
- Advance philanthropy through transparency and social responsibility transparency_and_social_responsibilityGrounds all initiatives in principles of transparency and social responsibility to ensure ethical, accountable, and impactful programming.
- Amplification through entertainment and media partnerships media_amplificationLeverages entertainment and media platforms to amplify social impact messages and public service campaigns to broad, global audiences, increasing awareness and engagement at scale.
- Amplify social impact through entertainment and media partnerships media_amplificationUses the reach and influence of entertainment and media platforms to amplify public service messaging, raise awareness, and drive engagement at scale—locally and globally—by leveraging roadblock television, cross-industry collaborations, and strategic media partnerships.
- Amplify social impact through entertainment and media partnerships media_amplificationUses the reach and influence of entertainment and media platforms, including roadblock television and cross-industry collaborations, to amplify public service messaging and drive awareness at scale.
- Capacity-building through fiscal sponsorship fiscal_sponsorship_for_influencersStrengthens philanthropic initiatives by providing fiscal sponsorship and staffing support, enabling funds to operate effectively and scale their impact.
- Celebrity-guided and influencer-enabled philanthropy celebrity-guided_philanthropyEmpowers celebrities, artists, athletes, and entertainment figures to lead philanthropic initiatives through fiscal sponsorship, dedicated staff support, and guided funds, leveraging their platforms for fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and public engagement.
- Celebrity-guided and influencer-enabled philanthropy celebrity-guided_philanthropyEmpowers celebrities, artists, athletes, and entertainment figures to lead philanthropic initiatives through fiscal sponsorship and guided funds, leveraging their platforms for measurable impact.
- Collaborative awareness and fundraising campaigns awareness_and_fundraisingDrives social change by increasing public awareness and raising funds through broad-based, collaborative campaigns that engage the entertainment industry at multiple levels.
- Collaborative industry-wide engagement industry_wide_collaborationDrives social change by uniting cross-sector partners and competitors within the entertainment industry to collectively address social issues through shared resources and influence.
- Collaborative philanthropy with empowerment and transparency collaborative_philanthropyAdvances social change through a model that integrates collaboration, public empowerment, transparency, and accountability to ensure responsible and effective philanthropy.
- Drive change through entertainment industry collaboration industry_wide_collaborationCreates large-scale social impact by uniting diverse stakeholders across the entertainment industry—including competitors and influential figures—through collaborative philanthropy, shared awareness campaigns, and coordinated action to engage communities and extend reach.
- Drive change through industry-wide collaboration and collective action industry_wide_collaborationLeverages connections across the entertainment industry—including competitors and influential stakeholders—to create unified efforts that increase social impact, awareness, and engagement.
- Drive public engagement and volunteerism through entertainment entertainment-driven volunteer mobilizationMobilizes the entertainment community and its audiences to inspire volunteerism, civic engagement, and public participation in social causes through large-scale, media-driven campaigns.
- Enable celebrity and influencer-led philanthropy through fiscal sponsorship fiscal sponsorship for influencersEmpowers artists, athletes, and entertainment figures to launch and manage charitable initiatives by providing fiscal sponsorship, infrastructure support, and staffing capacity, enabling high-profile individuals to effectively leverage their platforms for social good.
- Enable celebrity and influencer-led philanthropy through fiscal sponsorship fiscal sponsorship for influencersEmpowers artists, athletes, and entertainment figures to launch and scale philanthropic initiatives by providing fiscal sponsorship, infrastructure, and staffing support, enabling them to leverage their platforms effectively.
- Enable celebrity-guided and influencer-led philanthropy through fiscal sponsorship fiscal sponsorship for influencersEmpowers celebrities, artists, athletes, and entertainment figures to leverage their platforms for social good by providing fiscal sponsorship and operational support, including staffing, to launch and scale their philanthropic initiatives.
- Facilitate strategic grantmaking through invitation-only partnerships invitation-only grantmakingSelects grantees via an invitation-only process based on alignment with strategic goals, proven track record, and capacity for measurable impact, ensuring focused and effective philanthropy.
- Fiscal Sponsorship and Capacity Building for Philanthropic Initiatives fiscal_sponsorship_for_influencersThe organization empowers individuals and groups within the entertainment industry to engage in philanthropy by providing fiscal sponsorship, which includes administrative support and the ability to hire dedicated staff, enabling them to leverage their platforms for social good.
- Foster cross-industry collaboration to amplify social impact industry_wide_collaborationDrives social change by uniting competitors and diverse stakeholders across the entertainment industry through collaborative campaigns, leveraging collective influence to achieve broader reach and measurable outcomes.
- Industry-wide collaborative philanthropy industry_wide_collaborationLeverages collaboration across the entertainment industry—including studios, networks, and even competitors—to pool resources, align efforts, and increase collective impact through shared campaigns and unified giving initiatives.
- Invitation-Only Grantmaking for Strategic Impact invitation-only_grantmakingThe organization identifies and supports grantee organizations through an invitation-only process, ensuring alignment with its program goals, assessing track record, and evaluating capacity to achieve strategic objectives for maximum impact.
- Leverage entertainment industry platforms for awareness and fundraising awareness_and_fundraisingUses the reach and influence of entertainment and media partnerships to increase public awareness, drive fundraising, and mobilize action at scale across geographic and demographic boundaries.
- Leveraging Entertainment Industry Influence for Social Change media_amplificationThe organization facilitates positive social change by harnessing the collective power of the entertainment industry, including celebrities, artists, and media partnerships, to raise awareness, funds, and amplify social impact messages to a global audience.
- Media and entertainment-driven amplification media_amplificationUses the reach and influence of entertainment, media partnerships, and cross-industry collaboration to amplify public service messaging, raise awareness, and drive social impact at scale—particularly through roadblock television, global campaigns, and celebrity engagement.
- Mobilize public engagement and volunteerism through entertainment-driven campaigns entertainment-driven volunteer mobilizationUses the cultural influence of entertainment to inspire large-scale volunteerism, civic engagement, and public participation in social causes.
- Mobilize public engagement through awareness and fundraising campaigns awareness_and_fundraisingFacilitates social change by designing and promoting large-scale awareness and fundraising initiatives that engage the public across geographic levels, using the entertainment industry’s reach to inspire action and support.
- Mobilizing public engagement through entertainment entertainment-driven_volunteer_mobilizationUses large-scale entertainment-driven campaigns to inspire volunteerism, civic participation, and public engagement around key social issues.
- Promote collaborative philanthropy with empowerment and measurable impact collaborative philanthropyCreates sustainable social change by combining collaboration, awareness, and empowerment with a focus on achieving measurable, outcomes-driven impact.
- Select grantees through strategic invitation-only process invitation-only grantmakingIdentifies and partners with high-impact organizations via an invitation-only grantmaking model based on alignment with program goals, proven track record, and capacity to deliver measurable outcomes.
- Strategic grantmaking through invitation-only selection invitation-only grantmakingAdvances impact by identifying and funding high-capacity organizations via an invitation-only process that prioritizes alignment with program goals, proven track record, and ability to achieve measurable outcomes.
- Strategic invitation-only grantmaking invitation-only_grantmakingSelects grantees through a targeted, invitation-only process based on alignment with program goals, proven track record, and capacity to achieve measurable impact, ensuring strategic focus and effectiveness.
- Strategic, invitation-only grantmaking invitation-only_grantmakingSelects grantees through a targeted, invitation-only process focused on alignment with strategic goals, proven track record, and capacity to deliver measurable impact.
named programs · 9
what they call their work
DEFY:DISASTER
Program launched in 2018 to serve as the entertainment community’s collective and immediate response to natural disasters; granted over $14 million to more than 100 organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and activated for events like the Malibu fire and Maui wildfires.
Delivering Jobs
Inclusion campaign launched in 2019 to create pathways to one million employment and leadership opportunities for adults with autism, intellectual, and/or developmental differences; generated over 2 billion media impressions.
EIF Careers Program
Program launched in 2021 to build a more diverse pipeline into film and television careers, funded by The James Irvine Foundation and led by a collective of studios, networks, and career pipeline providers.
Fiscal Sponsorship Services
Service offering financial reporting, tax filing, donor relations, grantmaking support, and strategic advice to over 40 celebrity-guided funds across diverse issue areas.
Graduate Together
Primetime special hosted in 2020 to honor 3 million high school seniors who missed graduation ceremonies due to the pandemic; reached 20 million viewers and received a Peabody Award nomination.
People’s Fund of Maui
Fund established in 2023 by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson at EIF to provide direct cash assistance to survivors of the Maui wildfires; distributed over $60 million to 8,200 residents within six months.
Public Service Campaigns
Initiatives such as iParticipate that mobilize the entertainment community to inspire volunteerism and service, including weeklong television events across major networks.
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)
Flagship program founded in 2008 that has pledged over $600 million to support cancer research from leading institutions, resulting in hundreds of clinical trials treating tens of thousands of patients.
Telecasts
Television roadblock events including HOPE FOR HAITI NOW, SOMOS UNA VOZ, and ONE LOVE MANCHESTER to raise awareness and funds for disaster relief and social causes.
relationships · 36
who they work with
- Alicia Keys Partner — Collaborates with EIF through her philanthropic initiatives.
- American Red Cross Partner — Received funding from EIF for the first-ever self-contained bloodmobile.
- Apple Partner — James DeLorenzo from Apple serves as a Director on the Board.
- BBB Charity Standards Government — EIF meets all 20 standards
- Blackbaud Partner — Provides login system for grantees to submit progress and final reports.
- Candid Government — Awarded EIF the Platinum Seal of Transparency
- Charity Navigator Government — Rated EIF as a 4 Star Charity
- Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project Partner — Provides fiscal sponsorship and support for the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.
- Creative Artists Agency Partner — Chris Silbermann from Creative Artists Agency serves as Chair of the Board of Directors.
- EIF Studios Partner — Collaborates with EIF to produce and support large-scale telecast initiatives.
- Entertainment Industry Foundation Network — Hosts and administers fiscally sponsored funds for artists, athletes, influencers, and entertainment companies.
- FosterMore Partner — Collaborates with EIF on initiatives supporting foster youth.
- Fox Entertainment Partner — Dan Harrison from Fox Entertainment serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors.
- HBCU in LA Partner — Collaborates with EIF on educational and social change initiatives.
- Jalen Hurts Foundation Partner — Engaged in partnership with EIF for charitable programming.
- Know Your Rights Camp Partner — Fiscally sponsored by EIF to support Colin Kaepernick’s social justice initiative.
- Know Your Rights Camp Partner — Provides fiscal sponsorship and support for Know Your Rights Camp.
- Know Your Rights Camp Partner — Supported through EIF programs or campaigns, as credited in source material.
- LeBron James Family Foundation Partner — Co-hosted the GRADUATE TOGETHER telecast with EIF and the XQ Institute.
- Live Free 999 Partner — Provides fiscal sponsorship and support for Live Free 999, a mental health initiative founded in honor of Juice WRLD.
- NBC Universal Partner — Jeff Bader from NBC Universal serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.
- Netflix Partner — Andy Kubitz from Netflix serves as a Director on the Board.
- Ocean Wise Partner — Partnered with EIF on shoreline cleanup initiatives.
- Olivia Rodrigo's Fund 4 Good Partner — Provides fiscal sponsorship and support for Olivia Rodrigo's Fund 4 Good.
- People’s Fund of Maui Partner — Established by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson and administered by EIF to provide cash assistance to wildfire survivors.
- Roybal School of Film & Television Production Partner — Partners with the Roybal School of Film & Television Production to support career access in entertainment.
- Sherry Lansing Foundation Partner — Sherry Lansing from Sherry Lansing Foundation serves as a Director on the Board.
- SoCal Fire Fund Government — Fund launched by CAA Foundation, LA Unified School District, and CORE, administered by EIF for fire recovery in Southern California.
- Social Change Fund United Partner — Partner organization engaged with EIF in funding social justice efforts.
- Stand Up To Cancer Partner — Co-founded and administered by EIF as a flagship program to accelerate cancer research.
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