CHARITY OF THE WEEK

The National YoungArts Foundation (youngarts.org) was established in 1981 to identify and support the next generation of visual, literary, and performing artists. To date, YoungArts has assisted more than 17,000 young artists with over $6 million in monetary awards and $150 million in college scholarships. By investing in the development of young talent from every artistic discipline, the organization fosters American cultural vitality as a whole. Through its master classes, YoungArts also provides young artists with the chance to learn from the most distinguished names in their field. Past mentors have included singer Bobby McFerrin, actress Kerry Washington, choreographer Bill T. Jones, jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, playwright Edward Albee, and filmmaker Martin Scorsese.

The charity has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which rates not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fundraising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest rating.