It’s been four and a half years since my Dad passed.

But since his passing, my Dad has had an Obi-Wan Kenobi-like effect on me. I can feel him encouraging me . . . and encouraging others . . . even more so now than ever. And I look forward to finding more ways to honor his passion for the arts, our heritage, and the loving way he challenged me.  

And I’m proud to say that one of the ways he continues to encourage is through the charity that I started on his behalf . . . The Dr. Kenny Encouragement Fund!  

In addition to the grants we’ve given for his scholarship with EdTA, South Asians on Broadway, Swanasa, and others, we’ve also awarded individual grants right here . . . directly to theatermakers like Marelisse Navarro-Sanabria, Germono Toussaint, William Tanner Mobley, and Jenn Susi.

And since it is officially “Back To School” time, what better way to celebrate than by giving another grant to encourage another theatermaker? 

We’re giving away $1,000 to an applicant currently enrolled in or recently graduated from post-secondary school, pursuing a career in the theater industry. 

More details for the scholarship are on the application page, which is accepting applications NOW. We will close the application process on 10/7. We will announce the winners on 10/31.

Oh, and what I have learned in doing this for a few years now, is that it’s hard to get the word out to the folks who could use these funds the most. So please, post this article and share it with others.  

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The Dr. Kenny Encouragement Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization, started in honor of my late father, Dr. Kenny Dipchand Hasija, who immigrated here from India in the 60s and encouraged me, his only son, not to follow in his footsteps . . . but to pursue a life in the theater.

This fund aims to carry on his tradition of unconditional support and encouragement of pursuing one’s passions in life, and pay tribute to his love of theater. The organization will seek to provide financial support to students of the arts and theatermakers who demonstrate genuine need, and an embodiment of the spirit of Dr. Kenny. Each year the fund will contribute to activities such as awarding scholarships, distributing relief funds, and donating to individual artists and arts organizations, especially those from unrepresented or marginalized communities.

We are thankful for those who help us in our mission. If you’d like to contribute to the Fund, allowing us to expand the work we do, click here.