Giving Tuesday is right around the corner. Feeling the urge to make a difference in the beauty community you love? Consider checking out some of the charitable initiatives and programs offered by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).
“Our PBA Charities exist for one reason: to support licensed professionals when life hits hardest,” explains Leslie Perry, Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Association. “Whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical emergency, or the courage it takes to leave an abusive situation, these funds are often the only resources created specifically for the people who make this industry what it is. When our pros need help, we want them to know their own industry stands behind them.”
If you’re looking to donate to organizations that directly impact you, your peers, and the hardworking people of our amazing industry, here are a few fantastic options from the PBA:
Disaster Relief Fund
When disaster strikes, PBA’s Disaster Relief Fund helps beauty professionals recover, with 100% of donations providing direct financial support. Funds are not limited to PBA members – any qualifying beauty professional can receive aid from the Disaster Relief Fund. PBA Members are eligible to receive double the funding.
Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the California wildfires at the start of 2025 are just a couple of recent examples of devastating disasters that prompted the distribution of these funds. Thanks to donations, in 2024, over $400,000 was awarded to 880 professionals, providing critical support when they needed it most.
One recipient described the funds as “such an immense and immediate help during a major time of crisis. It helped take a bit of pressure off while the salon was closed for a month after Hurricane Helene. It’s beautiful to experience community care during hard times.”
Emergency Fund
Exclusive to PBA Licensed Professional Members, the PBA Emergency Fund offers critical support during emergencies, empowering beauty professionals facing unforeseen challenges that disrupt their ability to work and helping them and their businesses recover.
“After my car accident in January, I was overwhelmed with unexpected expenses and uncertainty. The PBA Emergency Fund provided me with emergency funds when I needed it most, helping me cover immediate healthcare costs and giving me peace of mind during an extremely stressful time,” a recipient shares. “I am incredibly grateful to PBA for their support and for being there for members when it matters most.”
Cut It Out
PBA’s Cut It Out is a powerful initiative uniting licensed professionals, students, and advocates to recognize, prevent, and respond to domestic abuse— turning awareness into action and salons into safe havens. With their partner Shear Haven, PBA is turning awareness into action through free training, resources, and opportunities to lead change.
One piece of this initiative is the CUT IT OUT® Strength In Beauty Grant, which provides U.S. licensed professionals who have experienced domestic abuse with the support they need to rebuild, financially and professionally. From emergency relief to employment placement, Cut It Out helps survivors take the next step with strength, dignity, and hope.
One survivor and grant recipient shares, “This grant means so much to me as I have really been struggling. I’m currently in a domestic violence shelter and working towards getting safe housing and stability back at work. I’m so blessed and grateful.”
“These aren’t generic charities,” says Perry. “They were built by the professional beauty community for the professional beauty community. Every dollar donated goes directly to licensed professionals who need support. When we lift up our pros in moments of crisis, we strengthen the entire industry.”
