Support Accessible & Affordable Summer Camp
CircEsteem strives to make circus available to all students regardless of financial means.
To serve this mission, we offer financial aid to eligible participants.
Pie in the Face of Challenge
A Joyful Fundraiser for a Serious Cause
#SoMuchMoreThanCircus
Help us raise $25,000 by July 31 to fund accessible and affordable summer camp for Chicago youth — and pie it forward for a good cause!
What’s Happening
CircEsteem has launched the "So Much More Than Circus" summer programming awareness and fundraising campaign.
With a goal of $25,000 by July 31 our aim is to raise critical funds to enable us to provide accessible and affordable summer circus camp for Chicago youth.
Summer is a critical time for youth—especially here in Chicago. With school out and fewer safe, affordable options in many neighborhoods, programs like CircEsteem’s summer camp play a powerful role in keeping kids engaged, supported, and connected. Our programs aren’t just about circus tricks. They’re about self-esteem. Teamwork. Belonging.
They are #SoMuchMoreThanCircus.
- Over 65% of campers attend for free
- Programming runs daily from 9am–3pm
- Campers come from across Chicago — and we provide transportation, activity, creativity, mentorship, and ✨ magic!
Why it Matters
The truth is, like so many youth-serving organizations, CircEsteem is navigating a challenging moment. Sudden state and federal funding cuts, combined with a drop in individual giving, have forced us to make incredibly difficult decisions, including reducing staff and scaling back programs.
But our mission hasn’t changed. We’re still here—committed to showing up for young people across Chicago. Your support helps us keep our doors open, our camps thriving, and our youth uplifted.
While we can’t solve all the world’s challenges, we can create one small, joyful corner of the world where kids feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
We need your help to keep CircEsteem’s engaging, and safe summer circus camp accessible to all youth — especially those facing economic barriers.
How You Can Join the Challenge
1. Take a pie in the face on video
2. Post it with #SoMuchMoreThanCircus #PieChallenge #PieItForward
3. Tag @CircEsteem and donate HERE
4. Challenge three friends to do the same!
Every pie is a statement. Every dollar helps sustain transformative youth programming.
What Your Gift Supports
Your donation goes directly to fund:
- Full summer camp scholarships for youth from under-resourced communities
- Free daily transportation from the South and West sides for select CPS partnership sites
- Trained teaching artists and counselors who mentor and inspire
- A safe, welcoming, and creative space where every child is seen and celebrated
info@circesteem.org
(773) 732-4564
4730 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60640
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