On our podcast, “What’s So Funny About…?”, we say that we talk to funny people about serious topics. Some folks would be surprised to know that a number of comedians and other funny people support charities, have foundations and nonprofits, and otherwise support a lot of other good causes. These are just some of the funny people working toward a better world–using laughter to expand our sense of community and service. If you know of others not listed here, please let us know.
Seth Rogen
Hilarity for Charity – (from their website) HFC was founded by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen and some pretty great friends. HFC’s leadership has expanded to include professional staff, board of advisors, science advisors, care advisors, and more. if we can get people talking about Alz early on, and change their behavior, we can actually prevent up to 40% of cases!
Denis Leary
The Leary Firefighters Foundation – (from their website) The Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of his cousin, a childhood friend, and four other brave firefighters.
Belina Raffy
Sustainable Stand up – (from their website) We help people to communicate important environmental and social issues
in ways that are loving, impactful, and funny. We deliver compassionate comedy courses for comedy beginners interested in making the world better.
Karith Foster
FRAME – Foster Russell Alliance for Meaningful Expression (from their website) At the Foster Russell Alliance for Meaningful Expression we aim to encourage and inspire free speech and expression, nurture social change and foster ideas of social justice and empowerment through our range of educational and mentorship programs. Cofounded by comedian, author, and entrepreneur, Karith Foster.
Barbara Ann Michaels
House of Holy Humor (HHH) is the non-religious congregation for humor and wellness founded by Reverend Artist Barbara Ann Michaels, Jester of the Peace, in 2022. Facing a global mental health crisis from the COVID-19 Pandemic, we need a laugh to relieve stress and reconnect. The three pillars of HHH are humor, art and love.
Baratunde Thurston
How to Citizen – (from their website) …“citizen” is so much more than a noun we use to draw lines between people. Citizen is also a verb. Citizen isn’t what you are; it’s how you are. If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place. Join me, and let’s develop our citizen practice together.
Tiffany Haddish
She Ready Foundation (from their website) serves as the voice of foster children suffering in silence. Adapting the belief of its’ founder that, “Every child who is removed from their parents deserves to have a suitcase, a safe place to lay their head, and a platform to follow their dreams,” the She Ready Foundation aspires to help make this happen through collaborative partnerships.
Michael Jr.
Funny for the Forgotten (from their website)Funny For the Forgotten helps enable and cover the costs of comedians and performers going to shelters and prisons around the country. Some of these places don’t even have the equipment to facilitate such an event, so Funny For the Forgotten assists in providing all the necessary equipment.
The Liberation Comedy Project 