Bringing Joy to Philadelphia (and The World) Through Music, Arts & Community
Recognized by CBS • NBC • ABC • Community Partners
The Be Jolly Foundation for the Arts is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating uplifting community experiences through music, arts, culture, and inclusive public programming.
We serve youth, seniors, people with disabilities, underserved communities, and neighborhoods across the city through joyful events that unite residents and inspire hope.
With decades of leadership in performance, production, and outreach, we celebrate, facilitate, and document the spirit of everyday people with creative dreams.
Ready to Support Philadelphia’s Historic 250th Anniversary
We are excited by the opportunity to contribute joyful neighborhood celebrations, public performances, youth engagement, cultural storytelling, and inclusive community events that bring Philadelphians together.
Community Benefits:
- Free public performances
- Neighborhood celebrations
- Youth & family participation
- Disability-inclusive programming
- Intergenerational events
- Civic pride through arts & culture
Joy In Action:
Real programs. Real people. Real impact.
My Gift is My Gift. CBS documents our travels around the city of Philadelphia to bring the gift of music and joy to children, those with disabilities, adults facing hardships, and those suffering from addiction during the holiday season. We partnered with The Overbrook School For The Blind, The Being Beautiful Foundation for Foster Care Children, The Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Prevention, Why Not Prosper Foundation for Women Returning From Prison, The W. Phila. Senior Community Center and random people on the street who were in need of some small joy for the holidays.
Witness how a small act of kindness changed the lives of 25 singers from Philadelphia, giving them an opportunity of a lifetime to perform before 80,000 people with superstar P!NK!
See the Be Jolly Foundation’s efforts to save Arts and Music Programs in Philadelphia schools.
The Nassau Symphony Pops Symphony Orchestra and actor/singer Tony Danza (“Who’s The Boss” and “Taxi”) partner with us to orchestrate the Frank Sinatra tribute concert to benefit cerebral palsy.
CBS3 Anchor, Ukee Washington partners with us pay tribute to the 1st responders, nurses, doctors and families devastated during Covid-19.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation partners with us to direct their “Komen For The Cure” Gala at the Kennedy Center with (Former 1st Lady) Laura Bush, ABC’s Robin Roberts, Olivia Newton John, Lynda Carter, Stephanie Mills and Delta Goodrem to benefit breast cancer research.
Our Work With Children: Melon Bank partners with us to create, “The End Of The Violence Begins With Me” which debuts on “The Maury Show”. The Bill Jolly Children’s Choir supplied 23 children from Philadelphia with the chance to perform onstage with singer Celine Dion. The Julia De Burgos Middle School partners with us to create a musical centered around the difficulties of living in “The Badlands”, a predominantly Hispanic section of Philadelphia where kids are in desperate need of hope and positivity.
Giving back to HS Musicians: Founder, Bill Jolly conducts and composes for the Philadelphia High School All-Star Jazz Band, a group of the Philadelphia’s most promising young musicians.
Bill returns to his Alma Mater, West Chester University, to give a Commencement Address that encourages and inspires the graduates in a funny, candid, and emotional speech.
Gallery Showcase
Explore our impactful moments through our photos and some of the causes we’ve worked with that highlight our mission.
Overbrook High School’s 100th Anniversary Career Day. Bill returns to his H.S. Alma Mater to encourage the students.
Partnering with a local daycare to bring joy to kids during the holiday season.
Partnering with The Fels High School Marching Band and The Marian Anderson Awards in a tribute to Wynton Marsalis, featuring gospel artist Kim Burrell.
Career Day Performances in Elementary Schools.
Warm up exercises before a performance with actors facing Autism.
Preparing a senior citizen to perform.
Bachelor’s Auction: The true meaning of giving of oneself. Founder, Bill Jolly auctions himself off (and is the 2nd highest bid) in The Reaching Back Foundation’s Bachelor’s Auction to benefit senior citizen services in Memphis, TN.
The ability to film and produce in our own studios helps us to facilitate our creative deadlines with quality and control.
OUR IMPACT NUMBERS
Our ImpactAbout
- Thousands reached through performances and outreach
- Youth, seniors, and underserved communities served
- Community healing through music initiatives
- Local and national media recognition
- Decades of arts leadership experience
PROGRAMS
Our Core Programs
Youth Arts Access
Helping young people grow confidence and creativity.
Healing Through Music
Serving hospitals, seniors, recovery communities, and those facing hardship.
Inclusive Community Events
Programs welcoming people of all abilities.
Civic Celebrations
Public events that unite neighborhoods.
Dream Fulfillment Initiatives
Helping deserving people experience meaningful moments.
LEADERSHIP / TRUST
Leadership
Founded by Bill Jolly, an award-winning producer, musician, and community arts leader with decades of experience creating joyful public experiences and charitable programming.
Board / Governance:
Leadership
- Bill Jolly – President
- Bianca Jeanine– Treasurer
- Johnnie Croom – Secretary
- Gab Guma, Carol Waters, Jesse Jackson, Anthony Stover, Quincy Epps, Community Advisors
PARTNERSHIP / CITYWIDE SCALE
Bring Be Jolly to Your Neighborhood
We welcome partnerships with schools, community organizations, sponsors, and civic leaders seeking uplifting arts experiences for Philadelphia residents.
DONATION / SUPPORT
Support Joy, Opportunity & Community Through the Arts
Your support helps fund free public programs, youth opportunities, neighborhood celebrations, and inclusive community experiences.
- 501(c)(3) status
- Contact email: Bill@BillJolly.com, Bill@BeJolly.org
- Copyright 2026
Support the Arts
Join us in making a difference! Donate today to support our nonprofit’s mission.