Jon Stewart, the satirical host of “The Daily Show” who used his television program to push for federal money for the health care of first responders at ground zero, was appointed on Thursday to the board of the foundation building the Sept. 11 museum and memorial.

Joseph C. Daniels, president and chief executive of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, said that since Mr. Stewart had been master of ceremonies at the foundation’s benefit last year and had been “a passionate advocate of the 9/11 workers, it made a lot of sense.”

He also pointed out that Mr. Stewart lived in TriBeCa, near the site, and had high visibility.

The organization is still soliciting money to operate the still-unfinished memorial and museum. Mr. Stewart’s function as a fund-raising magnet because of his sizable Comedy Central audience also contributed to his selection.

“There’s no doubt about that,” Mr. Daniels said. “We see him as helping raise awareness, and we see that helping fund-raising.”