On Thursday, Critical Role announced the formation of a new venture for the company: The Critical Role Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission statement to "leave the world better than we found it." Beginning with First Nations Development Institute, Critical Role Foundation will form partnerships with other organizations in the nonprofit sector that support causes Critical Role and its community care about most.
Founding cast member and actor Ashley Johnson has been named president of the Critical Role Foundation. Ahead of Thursday's announcement, CBR spoke with Johnson via e-mail about the formation of the nonprofit, her role as president and what she hopes to accomplish in the future.
CBR: How long has the Critical Role Foundation been in development?
Ashley Johnson: When we began streaming and getting to know our audience, we realized that we were growing something special with a community that cares about giving back, just as much as we do. With the response to our first charity campaigns, we also realized we had a chance to make a bigger impact than we thought.
Starting a foundation was on our radar very early on. We’ve been working on this for a couple years now, but really felt, with everything that’s going on in the world, right now was the best time to officially push it out into the world.
What inspired you and the cast to go the nonprofit route?
Johnson: Philanthropy has always been a major priority for Critical Role. I think the moment we realized we had a voice and people were actually watching us play Dungeons & Dragons, we wanted to use that voice for good. We’ve worked with a handful of nonprofits over the years that focus on causes that Critical Role and the community care most about. These charities include 826LA, Red Nose Day, OSD, Pablove and OutRight International, and since we began streaming in 2015, the Critical Role community has raised well over half a million dollars for these organizations.
Why did it feel important to create a 501(c)(3) as part of the Critical Role brand?
Johnson: Our mission statement is to leave the world better than we found it, something that we’ve said for years at Critical Role. We’ve always wanted to find a way to spread some positivity and good with our platform. We wanted to go the 501(c)(3) route so that donors are able to do tax-deductible donations. They’re donating their hard-earned money to such amazing causes. We thought it would only be right if they were able to claim that during tax time.
Can you explain what your duties will be as Critical Role Foundation President?
Johnson: It’s my job to research and choose the organizations we partner with -- in conjunction with our board -- and ensure these partnerships align with the values of Critical Role and our community. I also work on creating the campaigns and work through the details of the partnerships, as well as the overall goals and objectives of each.
What's your experience working in the nonprofit field?
Johnson: Giving back has been something I’ve prioritized my whole life and was something my parents instilled in me at a very early age. I’ve worked with many nonprofits, including -- but not limited to -- Unicef, Girls Who Code, Step Up, NRDC and the Los Angeles Mission. I am beyond excited to take on this work and grow a foundation that I, and the rest of the Critical Role cast, can be proud to be a part of.
How are you approaching this role and this work?
Johnson: I have a genuine passion for this and I’m really excited to take on this role at the company. I have so many plans for the future of this foundation and this is just the start. I really enjoy getting to know the staff behind these incredible organizations. I feel immeasurably grateful to have these deep conversations and to ask what we can do to help and how we can best serve their needs.
Can you speak to the makeup of the rest of the board? Who else will be involved in the initial stages of the Critical Role Foundation, and what will be their roles?
Johnson: The board consists of fellow Critical Role executives Matthew Mercer, Eduardo Lopez and Rachel Romero, and CRF founding partner Mark Koro. Every member of the board is deeply involved in CRF’s continued development, choosing and establishing partnerships and determining how best to focus on causes that the company and the community care about the most.
Will this impact the actual show in any way, or will the Critical Role Foundation essentially be a separate entity?
Johnson: CRF is definitely going to have a presence within the wider Critical Role world, but it’s going to act as a separate entity tied to the main one.
What are you most excited about for this new step?
Johnson: I’m beyond thrilled to finally announce it, since it’s been in the works for a while, and start fundraising for great causes. Like I said, I have so many plans for this foundation and I can’t wait to watch it grow and expand. The fact that we can now work on creating positive change throughout the year and help change lives for the better, is truly something we are all so, SO excited about.
What are you most nervous about?
Johnson: Well, this is an entirely new venture and I just want us to do the very best we can and leave a positive impact on the people we work with. This is a very big deal to all of us and we take this very seriously. It’s exciting, thrilling, scary -- but most of all, rewarding!
How are you hoping to impact the world through the Critical Role Foundation?
Johnson: It’s going to vary with each partnership. We’re partnering with organizations we 100 percent believe in and that we believe are working to change the world for the better. We want to focus on causes that we care about as a company and that we know our community cares about, as well.
Our inaugural partnership is with First Nations Development Institute. The fundraising goal for this partnership is $50 thousand, which will fund the Native Youth & Culture Program for two tribes for an entire year!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Johnson: All donations are 100 percent tax deductible and 10 percent of every dollar raised by the foundation will be allocated into an emergency fund to allow CRF to donate funds in the event of natural disasters and other unforeseen events that require immediate humanitarian assistance. Given the current state of the world, we wanted to feel prepared to help in those times of need. This allows CRF and the Critical Role community to provide urgent aid quickly and when it’s needed the most.
I also want Critters to know that CRF was inspired by YOU. You showed us that you care, just as much as we do, about leaving the world better than we found it. You all have encouraged us to keep moving forward and doing our part to try and make this world a little bit better.
You can help out and learn more by visiting criticalrolefoundation.org.