CREATIVITY
PERFORMING ARTS FUNDING
The foundation provides 100% funding for children ages 7-18 who meet the financial needs requirements to take ongoing lessons in vocal instruction, dance, acting, and instrumental music for the entire school year and for summer programs. The students take these ongoing lessons at local performing arts studios close to their home. We believe that financial barriers should not limit creative expression. For many these lessons represent an extended family, a constant in their life that may be missing, and the opportunity to creatively express themselves. Performing arts education helps to increase motor and cognitive skills, but also teaches students leadership, teamwork, responsibility, independence, creativity, and increases self-esteem.
The Foundation also funds or supplies dance shoes, dancewear, an instrument if needed, and any other resource that will help the child to be successful in their lessons.
In the Spring all those who are funded perform at the Foundation's Scholarship Showcase where they will share all that they have learned through their lessons in their debut performance for the year. We invite our donors, supporters and the community to see what the performing arts means to those who are funded.
If interested in receiving an application or invitation to the Funding Showcase please email Melissa@applaudourkids.org.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides funding for lessons in vocal instruction, dance, acting, and instrumental music for children with a financial need ages 7-18. There is no cost to the parent, guardian or student for these lessons. Students 18 years of age must be attending high school. Scholarship recipients will receive lessons throughout the school year or attend a performing arts camp program during the summer. College audition preparation is also available. Students will participate in lessons at local studios within their community.
In order to be considered for funding the parent/guardian must complete an application and meet certain financial requirements. The Foundation Advisory Committee will review all eligibility and submissions. This Committee is compromised of performing arts educators, accomplished actors and singers, social workers, business owners, theatre enthusiasts, as well as other professionals within the local community that have a love for the arts. Once a student is accepted into the program the Foundation will then pair the funding recipient with a participating local performing arts studio.
Funding Details:
- The parent/guardian is responsible for transportation to and from the participating studio.
- Parent/guardian and student must abide by all rules set forth by the participating studio.
- If you are unable to provide any of the following, please note below in your application: dancewear, instrument rental, and costumes.
- Every effort will be made to assist with these items if necessary. Providing these items are contingent upon fundraised dollars.
- All students are invited to participate in the end of the year recital for their studio as well as the Foundations end of the year concert where they will be able to showcase all that they learned to those who helped make it possible, our generous donors and sponsors.
Attendance Guidelines
- Attendance is key to continuing to receive funding for lessons. If the student is absent more than 4 times in the school calendar year their scholarship may be in jeopardy.
- You will be expected to contact the studio if your child is going to be absent.
- Please do not schedule any other appointments during the scheduled class time.
- Attendance will be kept and monitored.
- Ongoing funding is not guaranteed when an attendance issue becomes apparent.
Instruments and Dance Shoes
- Parent/student is responsible for the care of all loaned equipment.
- Parent is responsible if lost, stolen or damaged.
- Instruments and dance shoes must be returned if the student leaves the program.
- Instruments and dance shoes are to be returned at the end of each program.
Please note:
- The number of students that will receive funding is limited to the funds that the Foundation receives.
- All potential funding recipients must be able to provide proof of household income.
- Once we have received your application you will be asked to show your latest tax return.
How to Apply for Funding
Please email melissa@applaudourkids.org to receive an application form or if you have any questions.
