Since 1986, the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund has awarded more than $600,000 in grants to initiatives that support the magic community and advance the art of magic. These grants have provided aspiring magicians with scholarships for college and magic camps from New York to Hawaii, funded groundbreaking books and films that preserve magic’s rich history, and supported programs that bring the wonder of magic to children’s hospitals. Whether empowering the next generation of performers, aiding magicians in need, or fostering innovation in the magical arts, the MEF’s impact is far-reaching—ensuring that magic continues to inspire, educate, and bring joy to audiences around the world.
Houdini Fund for Medical Support
The MEF Houdini Fund offers confidential grants to magicians and allied performers—such as clowns, ventriloquists, face painters, storytellers, jugglers, and stilt walkers—who are facing financial challenges due to illness or injury. These grants are gifts, not loans, and are available to both S.A.M. members and non-members. While insurance or Medicare often cover primary medical expenses, the Houdini Fund helps bridge the gap, covering out-of-pocket costs like co-pays, medications, wheelchairs, oxygen, and other essentials. The Houdini Fund provided $4,750 in grants during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Learn more about the Houdini Fund.
2025 S.A.M. Conference, Nashville
The Magic Endowment Fund approved grants supporting the Stage Contest, the Brad Jacobs People’s Choice Award and trophies ($2250); the Stars of Tomorrow performers ($1200); and the Society of American Magicians – Youth (SAMY) workshop (up to $3750), which will all be held as part of the Society of American Magicians’ upcoming annual conference in Nashville. These grants help elevate the art of magic t through creative performances, teaching, and building magic through the S.A.M.’s young members.
Learn more about the upcoming conference: https://www.magicsam.com/page/nash2025
Lost in the Shuffle documentary
The Magic Endowment Fund approved a grant ($4000) in 2025 to provide online access to the documentary Lost in the Shuffle to all S.A.M. members. Four suits, fifty-two cards, one murder mystery. Two-time world champion magician Shawn Farquhar explores the unique relationship between the art of magic and playing cards, as he attempts to solve a medieval cols case murder from clues he’s found hidden among the jacks, queens, and kings.
Learn more about the film at: https://www.lostintheshuffle.film
The Magic Institute – Chicago
The Magic Endowment Fund is proud to support Kayla Drescher and Harrison Lampert with a grant in 2024 toward the establishment of their new Chicago-based venue, the Cosmic Underground Theater. This innovative space will host a range of magic and improv comedy performances while also serving as the home of The Magic Institute—the most comprehensive magic training program for adults in the United States. With a focus on building a strong foundation in magic, fostering creativity, and encouraging inclusivity, The Magic Institute provides a supportive environment where students of all identities and abilities can develop their unique performance styles. This grant supports their mission to expand access to the art of magic and create a welcoming community for aspiring magicians.
Learn more at www.cosmicundergroundtheater.com
Kristin Bedford’s I See You
The Magic Endowment Fund awarded a grant in 2024 to Kristin Bedford to support the creation of I See You, a photography book celebrating the history and contributions of women magicians. The book will feature portraits of living women magicians born before the 1950s from the USA, UK, and Germany, alongside historic figures dating back to the late 1700s. Subjects will include trailblazers such as Francis Willard, Dorothy Dietrich, Fay Presto, and Fee Elisa, as well as highlights from relevant magical arts collections. Known for her evocative portraits of cultural movements, Kristin brings her distinct visual storytelling to this important exploration of women in magic.
Learn more about her work at kristinbedford.com.
Magic Camp Scholarships
Tannen’s Magic Camp, held on the picturesque campus of Bryn Mawr College just outside Philadelphia, brings together young magicians aged 11 to 20 from around the globe. United by their passion for the magical arts, these aspiring magicians forge lifelong friendships and develop their skills in a supportive community. Since 2022, the Magic Endowment Fund has proudly provided four full scholarships, making this transformative experience accessible to deserving young talents.
Learn more about Tannen’s Magic Camp.
Magic Texas
A joint gathering of the Society of American Magicians, the Texas Association of Magicians, and FISM North America held from August 30 to September 4, 2024 in Dallas. The Magic Endowment Fund sponsored the S.A.M. Youth Academy, the Stars of Tomorrow Show, and the Brad Jacobs People’s Choice Contest.
Houdini Gravesite Restoration
Harry Houdini was buried in Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, New York after his death on Halloween in 1926. Other members of his family are buried alongside him including his brother Theodore (Hardeen the Magician), his mother, father, grandfather, four brothers, and a sister. The gravesite has seen many visitors over the years. Through weather and vandalism, the gravesite has become damaged. The MEF is proud to support the restoration of the gravesite and awarded $3,700 to the Society of American Magicians for this purpose.
Learn more at: https://www.magicsam.com/page/HOUDINIGRAVESITE