The past two years have been tough, but they have also shined a light on the things that are near and dear to the hearts of our community. Circus Center has always valued diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now, with your help, we are moving equity into the center ring. 
 
We are working to break down the financial barriers that prevent people, especially children and youth, from accessing our programs.
 
100% of your contribution to this campaign will go to two things:

1. Expanding our need-based tuition assistance program

Thanks to support from donors like you, we have offered tuition assistance to 18 families since September 1, including 38% of the members of our SF Youth Circus training program. The average award size for SFYC members is over $2,500/year!

Dylan's Story

Dylan is a 15-year-old SF Youth Circus member. Hear what they have to say: "I’ve been training at the Circus Center for the past 10 years. That’s all thanks to the people who contribute to the Tuition Assistance Fund. As a recipient, I’ve been able to learn so much about myself from the circus community. Because of circus, I have a place in a larger collective and the confidence to perform and speak publicly."

2. Engaging long-term in historically excluded and under-resourced communities

This work started in 2017 thanks to pilot funding from individual donors who believed in our vision: Circus For All, regardless of ability to pay. Today, we receive a $23,000/year grant from the City for our work in the Tenderloin neighborhood, and we are supporting and expanding that work with over $60,000 in funds raised from community members just like you.

Texas' Story

Texas is our Community Engagement Director. She’s spent every week possible during the pandemic with the children at the Tenderloin Rec Center. Here’s how she describes our work:

"The Tenderloin Tumblers need our support. This program is bringing these youth the opportunity to contribute some joy and fun INTO their community through appearances at events, community gatherings, and festivals. Having ownership and actively participating in their community bolsters a sense of belonging for our students, at a time when this particular community is struggling. These students are excited to learn circus and take their skills and their funny into the community. They enjoy being seen walking tall and representing Circus Center, the Tenderloin, their families, and themselves as individuals."

Circus Center has already committed $200,000 toward our equity programs.

Now let's take that even further.

In the coming year, Circus Center wants to do even more to move equity to the center of our values, conversations, and actions:

• Expand financial aid for adults, youth, and artists of color
• Serve more children through more community partnerships, like our new relationship with SF Rec & Parks
• Offer new professional development opportunities for coaches, including:
  • Trauma-Informed Teaching
  • Working with Neurodiverse People
  • Spotting People of All Body Types
  • And much more.

In this season of giving, will you invest in bringing the joy of circus to even more Bay Area families?

What your gift means: