BFOA Launches Year-End Giving Campaign

The Broadcasters Foundation of America launched its annual year-end appeal today for tax-deductible personal donations to its Guardian Fund and corporate contributions to the Angel Initiative.

The year-end drive asks broadcasters to reflect on their success and good fortune and give back with a tax-deductible personal or corporate donation that will help the BFOA continue its mission of delivering financial assistance to broadcasters in acute need. BFOA is a 501(c)3 charity, and the only charitable organization devoted exclusively to broadcasting professionals.

The year-end giving campaign comes as more broadcasters than ever before are reaching out for monthly or emergency relief. This year, the Broadcasters Foundation will award more than $1.3 million in aid, surpassing last year’s record-setting figure of more than $1 million.

Close to $300,000 of this year’s total is for the emergency assistance that is disbursed quickly to broadcasters whose lives or homes have been affected by the unprecedented number and severity of natural disasters, including Hurricanes Maria, Florence and Michael and the wildfires in California. Monthly aid is distributed to qualifying broadcasters who have been confronted with unexpected medical emergencies, including life-threatening critical illnesses and devastating tragic accidents.

“Our lives can change in the blink of an eye,” said Dan Mason, BFOA chairman. “In its 70-plus years of existence, the Broadcasters Foundation has provided financial aid to every broadcaster who qualified. It is only through the generosity of the people in our industry that the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to deliver this much-needed assistance to those in our profession who need it most.”

“Our grant recipients are — or were — hard-working broadcasters who experienced unthinkable tragedy and desperately need and deserve our support,” added Jim Thompson, BFOA president. “As we enter the season of giving, I ask every broadcaster to review the good fortune that our business has bestowed upon them and consider giving back with a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation.”

Since its inception, Bfoa has distributed millions of dollars to thousands of needy broadcasters and their families. Individual donations can be made to the Guardian Fund, corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be arranged through the Legacy Society. To learn more or to donate, contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or [email protected] or visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.