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2015 Top-Rated Nonprofit

CLOWNS WITHOUT BORDERS Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Arts & Culture, Performing Arts

Mission: Clowns Without Borders (CWB-USA) is a non-profit organization which offers laughter to relieve the suffering of all persons, especially children, who live in areas of crisis including refugee camps, conflict zones and other situations of adversity. We partner with individuals and organizations to bring small teams of professional performing artists to share performances and workshops with children and their families in refugee camps, conflict zones, or with communities who have experienced trauma or crisis. We bring levity, contemporary clown/circus oriented performances and workshops into communities so that community members can celebrate together and forget for a moment the tensions that darken their daily lives. We also seek to raise our society’s awareness of affected populations and to promote a spirit of solidarity.

Community Stories

36 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Niksul Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/18/2018

CWB sets a great example about the impact professional artists can have on the world. It is amazing to see the high quality of performances they produce.

1

Sam S.1 Donor

Rating: 5

09/04/2018

A wonderful organization that does some of the most important work that can be done - bringing laughter to children and adults in need. My experience seeing shows, reading their blog, and viewing pictures of their work has inspired me to donate to their organization and give them the highest mark on this review.

1

Cazzerclownlover Donor

Rating: 5

08/02/2018

Literally a heart warming charity. CWBs gets to the children who have experienced terrible trauma and makes them smile; hopefully replacing at least one unhappy memory with a happy one. Proud to be a part of this!

1

Deb L.1 Donor

Rating: 5

08/01/2018

Clowns aren't just funny; they're also frugal. CWB is a shoe-string organization that makes the most of my money, bringing fun and laughter to children whose lives would make anyone else cry. This is true humanitarian aid - and priceless.

1

marthan Board Member

Rating: 5

08/01/2018

CWB USA is a small yet fierce organization dedicated entirely to making people laugh for whom laughter is hard to come by. They go into conflict zones, areas of natural disaster, refugee camps and bring laughter, light and silliness. Our artists are talented, dedicated, multilingual, compassionate and empathetic. The company operates on a tiny budget, yet produces massive good. Since joining the Board 18 months ago, I've been even more impressed with what they are able to achieve. The world needs laughter right now, and CWB USA provides.

2 nomadicmolecule

nomadicmolecule Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/01/2018

The level of thoughtfulness surrounding cross cultural respect that CWB-USA brings to their programming is very unique. This is an example of an organization that attempts to work in true solidarity with stakeholders, and it's really been an honor to witness and co-create with this organization!

Previous Stories
1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

My experience with CWB has been great- I never question the motives of this org. The mission is simple, they operate on a shoestring budget, and the dedication of service is clear to me. I always know that the question "who are we serving" is at the heart of every program implemented. I feel great giving my time and donations to this organization.

Review from Guidestar

1

Beachsoulcircus Donor

Rating: 5

08/01/2018

First saw a spread about the Clowns in YES! magazine years ago. This year, I gave monthly donations to non-profits in the names of my peeps, with CWB first on my list. The Joy of Laughter is so necessary for human satisfaction, especially for the youngest of our species. These guys are like the energizer bunny, they just keep going and going. Hats off and a rousing cheer for Clowns Without Borders!

1

MarianB Donor

Rating: 5

08/01/2018

Someone posted them on FaceBook and as I watched them enter and saw the joy on the from toddler to granny and as I watched them perform I was utterly enchanted to think of the magical time they gifted a refugee camp for an hour or so, I know that the people there felt the same and the camp keepers must be helped enormously by this lift to the peoples spirits. I could only donate a small amount, but with it, I sent a hope that others would see and feel the same as I did and support this jolly troupe.

nobodymacgee General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/01/2018

I love what CWB does and hope to work with them in the future!

1

seagat General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/14/2016

Clowns Without Borders does huge work on a small budget. CWB volunteers come from many countries, all with the same goal of bringing joy and comfort to uprooted,frightened, sad children and families. During their Lesvos, Greece visit earlier this year, clowns entertained and engaged children, then helped pull struggling refugees from the water as their overcrowded boats capsized. Heartbreaking and joyful. That is the tale of CWB.

1

Tessa V. Donor

Rating: 5

11/14/2016

I am a monthly contributor to CWB because the work that they do is powerful, gentle, strategic and important. I am connected to many people in the organization and many of the performers who go on their trips, and they all share a commitment to confronting the horrors of the world with resilience and laughter. They will stay up all night helping however they can to get stranded refugees in lesvos dry and warm, and then get up again the next morning to put on their noses and do show after show. They only go where they are invited, and trust and are trusted by their local contacts.

1

Tamara31 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/16/2016

Clowns Without Borders is unique and the volunteers are the most passionate and caring people I've ever met. Where the clowns go, laughter always follows for survivors and aid workers. Thank you for reminding us there is light amid the darkness!

1

Michelle374 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/10/2016

Absolutely incredible. This organization does some amazing work and is led by some amazing people.

2

Writer Board Member

Rating: 5

01/11/2016

Clowns Without Borders is a truly unique non-profit, 5 stars all around! The message is simple: laughter as a means of connecting and spreading joy to the places and people who need it most. As a volunteer and board member, I have seen the power of CWB's efforts with my own eyes. I have seen audiences rolling with laughter. I have seen joy radiating from children's faces who have been through many struggles, children who are not given the opportunity to play and laugh, as all children should.
The volunteers of this organization are some of the greatest people I've met! The performers are all professional artists with outstanding talents. The staff is unwaveringly dedicated to CWB's humanitarian efforts.

6

anglofiles Advisor

Rating: 5

07/30/2015

Clowns Without Borders brings smiles to tens of thousands of children who live in areas of crisis including refugee camps, conflict zones and other situations with endemic poverty and violence . Their tools are laughter and shared joy. Founded in Spain in the 1990s, there are now 12 international CWB chapters. CWB-USA performers last year traveled to Columbia, Haiti, Lebanon, Philippines, South Sudan and the US (a juvenile detention center). They go only when invited by local partners who partly fund their performances and 2-3 week workshops. They do all this on a $100,000 budget (the clowns work pro-bono). An amazing humanitarian organization!

Comments ( 1 )

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CWB-USA 01/11/2016

Thank you for this incredible review. We're honored to have such informed supporters! We couldn't do it without the support of our many volunteers.

Review from Guidestar

4

krspray General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/13/2015

Great people and great idea. We all need the chance to laugh and have some fun even in war and disaster zones.

Comments ( 1 )

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CWB-USA 01/11/2016

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. We believe we can build through laughter.

Review from Guidestar

3

dhahn Board Member

Rating: 5

07/12/2015

CWB is awe inspiring! What a pure and simple way to connect, human to human across the world. In my travels and time volunteering on the administrative end of CWB I have seen smiles that stretch across oceans, laughter that can be heard miles away, and joy that reaches mountain tops. CWB is filled with the most kind, compassionate, and joyful volunteers. Each of who are professional artists, bringing incredible talent around the world. In addition, CWB, at its core is filled with hardworking individuals with true care for humanity.

Review from Guidestar

3

yoowho Board Member

Rating: 5

06/22/2015

Clowns Without Borders does absolutely amazing work! In all honesty! And I should know, I am the one who founded the organization in the US in 1995, bringing it from Spain, where it started in 93. Why 5 Stars? Because of plentiful avalanches of laughter in places where it is most needed. Audiences of 150 or 500 or 2000 or more, children and families, torn away from their homes by crisis, in refugee camps, IDP camps, temporary shelters, child-friendly spaces, schools, and so many other spaces that spontaneously become theaters. Professional artists volunteering, creating, performing shows connecting to the local funny bone through clown, circus and physical comedy. Workshops. Working with local artists and teachers. Teaching them to teach. Behind the scenes, a hard working board, part-time and volunteer staff, all extremely dedicated, collaborating to operate 6-12 projects a year on a very down-to-earth budget.

Review from Guidestar

4

anibelleblue Board Member

Rating: 5

06/17/2015

Using your superpowers for good, that is what CWB does. I have volunteered with CWB for years and later joined the volunteer board because it lives the ideals I want to see in the nonprofit world. The money goes to the cause, the volunteers are dedicated and stay forever, the work they do is tangible, real, and has direct impact on the quality of lives of those they seek to serve. They work with a solidarity model, with local organizations, go where they are invited, and builds local capacity. Big smiles. Little faces. The effects are staggering. Today, I have a little more faith in what humans can accomplish with dedication, humility, and respect.

Review from Guidestar

4

Brendon G. Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/16/2015

I've seen first hand the power of helping children through crises with the simple gift of laughter. It's part of caring for the whole person.

Comments ( 1 )

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CWB-USA 01/11/2016

Thank you for supporting our work with your amazing artistry and compassion!

Review from Guidestar

4

yellowchris Donor

Rating: 5

06/16/2015

CWB is a truly amazing and well-managed non-profit that brings something that few other NGOs can bring to children in the most difficult situations: laughter. I have proudly supported this organization for several years and truly believe that what they do is unique.

Review from Guidestar

4

rebeccaedc General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/14/2015

I am moved and amazed by the work being done by CWB. They bring laughter and joy to the places that need it most. I can't think of anything more important.

Comments ( 1 )

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CWB-USA 01/11/2016

Thank you for taking the time to sharing this review. We wouldn't be able to do our work without your support

1

Lyndsey N. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/12/2015

Clowns without borders is doing amazing things, definitely check out, and help and support a great cause!

Comments ( 1 )

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CWB-USA 01/11/2016

Thank you for sharing your feedback. It means a lot to have your support

Review from Guidestar

1

michaeloneill Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/12/2015

I have worked with Clows Without Borders since 2002. The Work that I've done with this company has given me so much education and personal growth through the years. I hope to continue being a part of this great company for many years.

Review from Guidestar

1

MyRefugeHouseHeather Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/12/2015

I found myself talking about Clowns Without Borders several times just this week. I think we would all benefit from taking a page out of the CWB book...we can't take away horrific memories, but we can help make sure there are joyful ones. I'm very moved by that...I think it sums up how I try to live my life...witness the pain, add the joy, hold them both...perhaps a recipe for the meaning of life?

Review from Guidestar

1

Caelan H. Donor

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

They bring laughter to the places that need it most in the world. I can't think of a more positive way to impact humanity, than to bring smiles and laughter directly into the places with the greatest number of tears. This is the only charity to which I regularly contribute.

Review from Guidestar

1

rawredmeat General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

Year after year, I'm astonished at the reach and impact of Clowns without Borders. Their adventures full of butt-telescopes and public lasso-ing and heartbreak are not only important to the people they're serving, but the world. Quixotic , fearless, and full of heart, I keep waiting for my own opportunity to join their ranks!

Review from Guidestar

1

davidadamedelstein Donor

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

I support a lot of nonprofits, but CWB is the only one that makes me tear up when I describe their mission to people. Giving children in awful situations a moment to laugh is giving them the gift of hope. I can't think of anything more beautiful than that.

Review from Guidestar

1 breewell

breewell Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

Having seen first-hand the joy and laughter that performers from Clowns Without Borders evoke in children and adults alike I am happy to donate to this organization. The children in the village I was in were doing silly walks for weeks and could forget the tough times around them, at least for a while. This organization performs such an essential service complementing the work of medical and other development service providers. I trust CWB in their responsible use of all donations.

Review from Guidestar

1

itrehan Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

Recognizing that "health" constitutes both mental and physical health, Clowns Without Borders does an amazing job at bringing joy and laughter to sick and injured children.

Review from Guidestar

1

Tiffany51 Donor

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

What I love about CWB is that they completely understand the reality of people in crisis, which is that yes - their physical and financial needs need to be met, but that the emotional harm done to a child under extreme stress can be just as devastating. They understand that a glimmer of hope, of fun, of silliness and joy can create a lifetime of positivity & lightheartedness. Without any naiveté to the broader complexities of these situations, they get it. And they go, and they make sad people happy. Sign me up.

Review from Guidestar

1

Elaine45 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/11/2015

Spreading laughter & love across the globe! So proud of all the hard work they do for others!

Review from Guidestar

1

abtepper Donor

Rating: 5

03/12/2014

This is a wonderful organization that reminds us that it's not just survival, but joy and creativity that are so important for areas in crisis. The seeds this groups sows will help ensure children value friendship, kindness and peace over bitterness and vengeance. The directors and clowns are smart, dedicated individuals who give their time so generously. I am happy to support them now and every year in the future!

Review from Guidestar

1

Robert119 Donor

Rating: 5

03/10/2014

Clowns Without Borders does incredibly important work in crisis areas around the world. They provide emotional and psychologic relief to thousands of people in very difficult situations related to war, natural disasters and poverty. I have been very impressed with the volunteers and performers who do so much with few resources. I strongly encourage people to support this organization.

Review from Guidestar

1

Alain V. Board Member

Rating: 5

03/10/2014

Children who laugh make adults who love others and life. A seed planted in a child creates a strong tree of hope. 95% of fees given to this association go to laughter, performance and helping children.

Review from Guidestar

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