ECPAA Supporting Producers and Artists in Rural San Diego County

“From the Wings” Grant Program
The magic of theater belongs to everyone. From the Wings is a dedicated grant support program designed to remove the financial hurdles that keep talented individuals from the stage. Whether it’s covering the cost of a career-advancing theater education workshop or providing a transportation stipend to ensure an actor can make it to opening night, we provide the ‘behind-the-scenes’ support our neighbors need. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where the only requirement for participation is a desire to create.

Eligibility
Applicants should be current or former cast members, crew and/or volunteers of East County Performing Arts Association productions.

Evaluation and Funding
Grant requests are considered at ECPAA board meetings, occurring at approximately six week intervals. If awarded, disbursements are generally made as reimbursements with evidence of payment. Transportation stipend amounts are guided by need and distance travelled. Reimbursements are not considered payment of fees to the individual and under an “accountable plan” will not be subject to IRS reporting as income to the recipient.

Post-award Requirements
If the grantee accepts the award, they shall furnish ECPAA with a short statement of impact following the completion of the award period. It might take the form of a simple emailed report or a scheduled presentation at a board meeting. 

Apply online

Performing Arts Grant Program

2027 Grant application submission deadline: 3/31/27, 5 PM

Grant Opportunity Description
Bringing art of substance to an appreciative audience requires hard work and risk-taking, both creative and financial. Through this competitive grant program, ECPAA seeks to invigorate performing arts across a broad section of County of San Diego – an area that doesn’t have the resource advantages found closer to the coast. Our belief is that an injection of even modest funds will make a positive difference. Typical grant awards are between $500 and $1,500, and must be used for documented non-labor production costs incurred after award acceptance.

Eligibility
Applicants must be state-recognized 501(c)(3) arts organizations or schools recognized by the California Department of Education. School arts programs may involve students at any level from kindergarten through college. Productions benefiting from these funds must be staged in front of an audience within twelve months of the award and be located in San Diego’s East County. This area includes the communities of Alpine, Borrego Springs, El Cajon, Jamul, Julian, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Ramona, Santee and Spring Valley.

Evaluation and Funding
The annual application deadline is March 31, 5 PM. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be evaluated at the board meeting following the deadline. ECPAA requires that all grant applications be submitted using its online grant application process. Applications received by mail or personal delivery will be returned with a request to apply online. Requests should only be submitted once every twelve months. Funds are disbursed shortly following the signed acceptance of the grant agreement letter.

Post-award Requirements
The grantee shall furnish ECPAA with written reports by the dates outlined in the grant agreement letter, recognize ECPAA in any program made available to attendees of the production and provide four tickets to the production for use by ECPAA. The funds provided may be spent only in accordance with the provisions stated in the grantee’s application.

About East County Performing Arts Association
Started in 2022, ECPAA has a vision of “Community Transformed by Art”. We work to connect theatrical arts producers and patrons through shared resource development, production, promotion and community-building. In addition to producing a year-round season of shows in the Julian area, ECPAA seeks to help all producers by promoting the regional theatrical arts scene and bringing together a community of patrons eager to offer financial support to the entire region’s benefit.

Apply online

Grant program questions may be addressed by email to info@eastcountyarts.org
ECPAA PO Box 1205 Julian, CA 92036