Emergency Aid and Relief Program (EARP)

The Episcopal Actors' Guild's primary assistance program providing emergency financial aid to professional performing artists experiencing financial crisis.

Geographic Scope: New York City area

Focus Areas:

• Bridge gaps in performing arts careers
• Support professional theatre performers
• Emergency financial assistance for performing artists in crisis

A. Professional Performing Artist Status

• Primary focus: Theatre performers who perform live onstage before a live audience
• Must be pursuing an established and ongoing career in the performing arts
• Applicant must be a professional performing artist

B. Proof of Sustained Professional Career

• Minimum of 5 consecutive years of earnings as a professional performing artist
• At least 3 separate years must present annual earnings of at least $7,500
• Career of 10+ cumulative years: 5 of those years must show earnings of at least $7,500
• Career of 20+ cumulative years: 10 of those years must show earnings of at least $7,500
• Special consideration: Disabled or retired performers may use earnings from the final 5 years before retirement/disability
• Performers vested and receiving performing arts union pensions are eligible

C. Proven Need

Applicants must demonstrate economic need due to extenuating circumstances such as:

• Debilitating illness (including chemical dependency)
• Illness or death of family member or significant other
• Sudden increase in expenses or unforeseen drop in income
• For retired/disabled applicants: insufficient fixed income from pensions, social security, disability benefits
• For applicants in good health: must demonstrate efforts to secure supplementary employment outside performing arts

Required Documentation:

• Medical documentation from healthcare provider (if applicable) stating nature of illness, course of treatment, and prognosis
• Invoices and unpaid bills
• Union earnings statements
• Pay stubs and contracts
• Bank statements showing fund depletion
• Recent federal income tax returns
• For rental arrears: eviction notices or court-ordered stipulations

D. Proven Lack of Other Resources

• Must prove no other personal resources available (checking/savings accounts)
• Must prove public welfare agency resources unavailable
• Must prove needs cannot be met by parent union, other unions, Entertainment Community Fund, or other performing arts charitable organizations

E. Residency

• Must prove residency in the New York City area

Funding Support: Supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts

Application Process

1. Verify Eligibility: Review all five eligibility criteria carefully before applying
2. Submit Application: Submit application through the organization's website
3. Expedite Processing: Download the "How to Expedite Your Grant" PDF for instructions on:
   • Exact documents required
   • File labeling requirements
   • Submission format for faster review

Required Application Materials

• Proof of professional performing artist status
• Documentation of 5+ consecutive years of earnings
• Proof of annual earnings ($7,500+ in required years)
• Medical documentation (if applicable)
• Financial documents: invoices, bills, pay stubs, contracts
• Bank statements
• Recent federal income tax returns
• Union earnings statements
• Proof of residency in NYC area
• Evidence of lack of other resources
• Documentation that other charitable organizations cannot meet needs

Contact for Application Questions

Email: [email protected]