Welcome to the Circus Fund!
A traditional circus fosters an environment where eccentricities are valued and unique talents are praised. It is in this spirit that we created Circus Fund. Circus Fund is a supportive environment where people laugh, connect, overcome barriers and develop their unique talents.
"You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost."
Martha Grahm
At circus fund you can expect to explore your limits, set yourself free and fly. We’ll help you discover your wings!
Our Mission
Our mission is to transform lives by leading participants to overcome their self-imposed limitations.
Making a Difference
Circus Fund programs support youth at risk for school dropout, violence and substance abuse in San Diego County. We are committed to transforming lives of high-risk youth. Our primary goal is to lead participants to transcend their self-imposed limitations by providing them with life changing opportunities which will develop social and communication skills, ability to work in teams, academic achievement, improved physical health and self-image. We accomplish these measurable objectives by providing an environment where:
- Youth are challenged, preparing them to embrace life’s trials with the inner strength to make good choices.
- Participants are cheered on, so they can collect ‘wins’, building self-confidence.
- Circus activities provide beneficial stimulation thereby reducing risky behaviors
- Circus activities to make fitness and healthy living fun.
- Artistic expression is promoted through circus-style performing arts.
- Strong teams are developed based on individual strengths and differences.
- Cultural and ethnic diversity are supported because the program will be made available to youth from all walks of life.
The Difference Between Circus Fund & Trapeze High
Circus Fund, an auxiliary division of Trapeze High, is specifically invested in providing opportunities for a-risk youths to expereince circus arts. Trapeze High is the flying trapeze and circus arts school that provides opportunities to anyone who wants to experience the thrill of trapeze and circus arts.
**Circus Fund needs your help!!**
How can you help? You tell us. Everyone has something unique to give, what would you like to contribute? Time? Money? Gymnastics mats that are collecting dust in your garage? You'd be surprised what we can make use of... we're very creative.
History & His-Story
We began teaching flying trapeze and other circus arts in 2002. In 2009 Circus Fund was born as a way of giving back. We have enjoyed significant success over the past nine years and now we want to share with the community, by providing all youth with opportunities, relationships, and support they need to become successful adults.
In loving memory of Jacob Ayers
Everybody loved Jacob, affectionately known to us as “Monkey”. There was nothing not to love about Jacob (also affectionately called “Jake”). He was a perfect kid… kind, warm, helpful, happy, respectful, good-natured and well intended. There wasn’t a bad bone in his body. Jacob grew up on the trapeze and started flying at age 4 and by age 14, he was already catching and helping people as an instructor in classes. If a person was scared and afraid to fly, Jacob would encourage them to face their fears. If a person happened to be in a bad mood, all they had to do was look at Jacob and he'd make them forget they were upset to begin with. He was just that kind of kid. Jacob was taken from us in a motorcycle accident on September 26, 2009, at the age of 19. Though Jake will be greatly missed, his legacy and his love of the circus arts will live on.
In celebration of Jacob's life, we created the outreach program to benefit high-risk youths. We think there should be more people like Jake in the world, so we’re going to create an environment in which they can develop!
Click here to download a J.A.K.E.S. Fund Application
