Apply for a Basic Needs Grant

Be sure you meet our eligibility requirements

How do I apply for a grant?

Complete the Basic Needs Application which requires such information as a letter from your doctor or other documentation of your medical condition, documentation that you have earned your living in the industry for at least five years, financial information, copies of bills you are seeking assistance with (Behind the Scenes does not assist with credit card, legal or IRS bills), a current bank statement, and a copy of your most recent Federal tax return.

You must provide the required supporting documentation listed on Page 6 of the application. All documentation must be provided in PDF format. If it is not, it may delay the processing of your application. You can easily scan your documents with your phone using a free app like Adobe Scan which is available in the App Store for iOS or Android.

An application may be submitted on behalf of an eligible person by a spouse or domestic partner, family member, a legal guardian or a person acting under a valid power of attorney or other legal authority. In certain situations an application may be submitted by a close friend or colleague on behalf of the eligible person.

The Basic Needs Application is in Adobe Acrobat format. Acrobat Reader may be obtained free at http://www.adobe.com. Download the fillable PDF form and:

Fill in digitally, save and email along with supporting documentation to [email protected], or
Print, complete, and fax to 646-713-2308, or
Print, complete, and mail to P.O. Box 368, Lakeville, CT 06039, or
The form may also be obtained by calling 212-244-1421 or emailing [email protected]

How are applications reviewed and how quickly can I expect an answer?

Applications are reviewed by a formal Review Committee. Grant decisions are generally made within a few days of receiving a completed application and all supporting documents (in a PDF format). You may receive a telephone call from a member of the Review Committee or their representative if there are further questions about your situation. If a grant is awarded, you will be contacted immediately to coordinate delivery of the grant.

Payment must be made to the service provider and can be mailed directly to the provider or to the grant recipient for distribution. All funds awarded must be used within three months unless special arrangements are made upon award of the grant.