Hosting Scholarship

Through the McIalwain–ECA Access Program, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) offers Hosting Scholarships that help eligible nonprofit and public organizations access ECA’s stage for community events, performances, and programs. 

These donor-supported scholarships are designed to reduce financial barriers for organizations whose work aligns with ECA’s mission to expand access to the arts and cultural experiences. 

Hosting Scholarships are not automatic discounts, but a limited scholarship program intended to support events that serve the broader community.

Who May Apply

To be considered for a Hosting Scholarship: 

• The program or event must take place on the Edmonds Center for the Arts campus.
• The program or event must be produced or sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or government entity.
• The event should fall within one of the following categories: Performing arts, Education, or Civic engagement. 

What the Scholarship Covers

Hosting Scholarships provide partial support toward the venue’s base rental rate. The scholarship is intended to assist with access to the facility itself and does not apply to additional event costs. 

Scholarships do not cover technical staffing, ticketing services, equipment or technical rentals, front-of-house staffing, or other event-related expenses.

Organizations remain responsible for all operational costs associated with their event. ECA will provide a cost estimate for the event based on the event’s needs and available scholarship funding. 

Funding Priorities

When reviewing applications, preference may be given to: 

• Programs related to the performing arts
• Programs demonstrating financial need 
• Organizations hosting their first event at ECA 
• Events with strong community impact 
• Organizations actively engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
• Organizations that have not previously received McIalwain–ECA Access Program funding 

Program Guidelines

To ensure the program remains sustainable and available to a broad range of organizations: 

• Scholarships are limited and subject to available funding 
• One award may be granted per organization within a 12-month period 
• Scholarship amounts vary depending on the event and available funds 
• Awards are applied to the final event invoice
• Funded organizations may be required to publicly acknowledge support from McIalwain-ECA Access Program

Apply for the Hosting Scholarship

Organizations interested in applying for the hosting scholarship at Edmonds Center for the Arts should do so by September 1, and must complete the McIalwain-ECA Access Hosting Scholarship Application. 

Our Rentals team can provide additional information about availability, event logistics, and scholarship eligibility during the planning process.

Annual Scholarship Award Cycle

The application window is open annually from June 1-September 1, with application review taking place in September and award recipients announced in October. Award recipients must use their funds within 18 months and choose an event date by the end of October.