LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Actors Fund, the national human services agency that helps everyone in performing arts and entertainment in times of need, crisis or transition, announced today that it has received a “Supporting Our Communities” grant from First Foundation Inc., which includes both a cash grant of $5,000 and pro bono consulting to help The Fund’s Western Council build its fundraising capacity. In addition, First Foundation, Inc. has generously sponsored three years of EVERFI’s digital financial literacy training for members of The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead program, which provides programming tailored to meet the special needs of young professional performers aged 9 to 18 in Southern California. First Foundation Inc. (NASDAQ: FFWM) is a financial services company with two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank. Its “Supporting Our Communities” initiative is a philanthropic program that helps facilitate the growth and impact of local charitable organizations.
The $5,000 grant will support The Actors Fund’s financial wellness program, designed specifically for entertainment and performing arts industry professionals whose episodic work and self-employment can result in low wages. The program focuses on improving financial literacy and helping participants examine the behaviors and thinking patterns that impact their financial habits so that they can manage their finances more effectively and save for the future.
“Our contribution to The Actors Fund is the beginning of a new partnership to help a community in need,” said Sylvia Figueroa, Director of Community Development & CRA Officer of First Foundation. “It engages our employees to share their finance and philanthropic talents.”
First Foundation is also providing 20 hours of pro bono consulting to The Actors Fund’s Western Council to help build fundraising capacity. The Western Council, which is comprised of entertainment industry leaders, develops fundraising efforts in the Western Region, advises the Board of Trustees regarding the needs of the community and helps spread the word about Actors Fund programs and services.
“We are thrilled to be a recipient of First Foundation’s “Supporting Our Communities” grant this year,” said David Rambo, Chair of the Western Council. “We’re fortunate to be working under the capable guidance of Marty Dutch, VP of Philanthropic Services who is not only helping us become more effective fundraisers for The Actors Fund, but is also inspiring us to become even stronger ambassadors for the organization.”
In addition, First Foundation is sponsoring a digital learning course created by EVERFI to provide financial literacy training to young professional performers who are members of Looking Ahead. EVERFI is the leading education technology company to teach and certify students in critical life skills, including financial literacy.
“From the small rural towns to major cities across the US, EVERFI technology is literally transforming how students learn, and we are incredibly grateful for the public-private partnerships that make this possible,” said EVERFI CEO Tom Davidson. “First Foundation is critical to the success of our mission to ensure that these cutting-edge tools reach all communities.”
EVERFI teams with major corporations and foundations to provide the programs at no cost to local schools. Because a large percentage of Looking Ahead members are home-schooled or tutored on-set and may not otherwise have access to financial education, First Foundation’s sponsorship will provide members with convenient access to this information through EVERFI’s award-winning online platform.
“Kids who are members of our Looking Ahead program are already earning money as performers, so it’s critically important that they learn how to save and manage their money now,” said Keith McNutt, Director of The Actor Fund’s Western Region office. The sponsorship will run from June 2017 through June 2019.
About The Actors Fund
The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone—performers and those behind the scenes—who works in performing arts and entertainment. Serving professionals in film, theater, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund’s programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org.
About First Foundation
First Foundation, a financial institution founded in 1990, provides private wealth management, personal banking, and business banking. The Company has offices in California, Nevada, and Hawaii with headquarters in Irvine, California. For more information, please visit www.ff-inc.com.
About EVERFI, Inc.
EVERFI, Inc. is the educational technology innovator that empowers K-12, higher education, and adult learners with the skills needed to be successful in life. Collectively, EVERFI powers more than 3,300 partner organizations across all 50 states and Canada and annually reaches 6 million learners. EVERFI powers community focused financial education for over 750 banks, credit unions and insurance companies across the country.