What does service in the entertainment technology industry mean?
Service includes working behind the scenes in any type of performance venue, behind the camera, or for dealers, manufacturers, production companies, consulting and design firms, etc. directly involved in the entertainment technology industry.

How do you apply for a grant?
You may submit a brief Summary of Need if you would like to receive an initial determination regarding your eligibility for a grant before completing the full Application for Financial Assistance. Once the Summary of Need has been reviewed you will be notified as to whether your full application would be considered. A grant cannot be made based solely on the information contained in the Summary of Need.

You may choose to skip the Summary of Need and fill out the complete Application for Financial Assistance. This is recommended if time is critical. The Application requires such information as work history, detailed financial information and copies of your tax returns.

Applications can be submitted on behalf of an Eligible Person by a legal guardian or a person acting persuant to a valid power of attorney or under other legal authority.

The Summary of Need and Application for Assistance are in Adobe Acrobat format. Acrobat Reader may be obtained free at http://www.adobe.com.

The forms may be filled in on-line, printed and then faxed (212-244-1502) or mailed (875 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1005, New York, NY 10001) to The ESTA Foundation, atten: Behind the Scenes, with the required supporting documentation.

The forms may also be obtained by calling 212-244-1421 or emailing .

How are applications reviewed and how quickly can I expect an answer?
Applications are reviewed by a three member screening panel which makes a recommendation to the full Board of Directors. Grant decisions are generally made within a week of receiving a completed application. You may receive a telephone call from a member of the Foundation Board of Directors if there are further questions about your situation.

If a grant is awarded, a member of the Foundation Board will contact you to inform you and to coordinate delivery of the grant. At the discretion of the Foundation, checks may be made payable to the applicant or directly to service providers. You will be asked to complete and return a 1099 form and also to submit receipts for the expenses paid by the grant. Note: grants may be considered taxable income.

What do I do in case of an emergency?
If emergency assistance is required, please contact 212-244-1421 or email .

What can grants be used for?
Grants may be used for basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and childcare. They may be used for all types of medical expenses including health insurance, doctor and hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, home health care, crutches or wheelchairs. Grants may also be used to pay for funeral expenses.