Behind the Scenes, an initiative of the ESTA Foundation to provide industry members with financial support when they are seriously ill or injured, is now accepting applications for assistance. Behind the Scenes will provide qualified eligible individuals with grants that may be used for medical care, funeral expenses, and living expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, and childcare.
Rick Rudolph, chair of the Behind the Scenes Committee, commented, “Behind the Scenes has received wonderful support from the industry but is still in its infancy in terms of fundraising. Our goal is to build an endowment so that we will be able to help our colleagues far into the future. We will be able to make only a limited number of grants this year, but we feel it is important to begin accepting applications as we know there are individuals in need right now.”
To qualify for assistance, individuals must currently reside in the United States or Canada and have been at any time employed for a minimum of five years full time service in the entertainment technology industry. This service includes working behind the scenes in performance venues or for dealers, manufacturers, production companies, consulting, and design firms, etc. directly involved in the entertainment technology industry. The individual does not need to be currently working in the industry as long as the time out of the industry is less than the total time worked in the industry. Immediate family members including spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children may also qualify for assistance.
Applicants may submit a Summary of Need to receive an initial determination regarding eligibility before completing the full Application for Financial Assistance. All applications are reviewed by a three-member screening panel which makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors of The ESTA Foundation. Grants are approved at the Board’s quarterly meetings, but provisions are available for those in need of emergency assistance.
For more information and a copy of the Summary of Need and Application for Financial Assistance visit www.estafoundation.org/bts/grants.htm.
Behind the Scenes is made possible by contributions from industry members. Please consider making a donation today at www.estafoundation.org/bts/contribution.htm and help us care for our own.