A Reason To Survive

What A Reason To Survive does

A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization founded in 2001 and headquartered at its ARTS Center at 200 E 12th Street, National City, CA. It delivers free, place-based arts education to youth ages 12-24 across four program lines — Community ARTS (after-school creative art and design classes), ARTS on Campus (school-district visual and media arts), ARTS @ Work (paid internships and creative-career exposure for ages 16-24), and ARTS 4 Justice (healing-centered creative projects for system-impacted youth ages 14-19, delivered with SDCOE Juvenile Court and Community Schools). Programming is unified by Creative Youth Development, Healing-Centered Engagement, and alignment with National Core Arts Standards, CASEL, and California CTE standards, and is supplemented by signature community events (Bright Lights gala, Día de los Muertos, Better Together Youth Arts Festival, ARTS After Dark).

ARTS operates with no proprietary technology, relying on standard third-party tools: Squarespace for the website, Givebutter for donations and event ticketing, Asana for group volunteer intake forms, and Handshake/REAL Portal for internship postings. Its FY25 revenue of approximately $1.6M is diversified across earned revenue ($1M+), foundation grants ($486K), government grants ($76K), and corporate contributions ($43K). Foundation supporters include the Cowlin, Liwerant, Sager, Collins, Prebys, and VAPA foundations; US Bank is a flagship corporate sponsor. In FY25, ARTS served approximately 25,000 visitors and hosted more than 70 events at the ARTS Center.

The go-to-market model is community-led and event-driven: direct service through the ARTS Center and partner school campuses in South County / South Bay San Diego (National City, Chula Vista, and surrounding communities), coupled with grassroots donor cultivation via signature events and a Givebutter-driven fundraising infrastructure. ARTS maintains a 100+ person ecosystem spanning 15 core staff, 15+ events team members, 23 teaching artists, 12 program assistants, and 36+ volunteers and interns, anchored by Executive Director Lucy Eagleson (2024-present) and a Board chaired by Tom Reise. The organization is currently running a $150,000 25th anniversary campaign tied to Bright Lights 2026.

Name

A Reason To Survive

Legal name

A Reason To Survive

Website

https://areasontosurvive.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free, place-based arts education to youth ages 12-24 in South County / South Bay San Diego through four programs — Community ARTS, ARTS on Campus, ARTS @ Work, and ARTS 4 Justice — anchored by its ARTS Center in National City.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Arts Education

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts & Culture Service/Support Organizations (Networks, Advocacy, Capacity Building) (BPAGAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural, Arts & Humanities Community Education (Museums/Arts Councils) (EDAAAFAD), Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)

Keywords

• Youth arts education
• Creative youth development
• Community arts programs
• Healing-centered engagement
• Arts-based learning

Headquarters

HQ city

California City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Grassroots fundraising via Givebutter. As ARTS marks 25 years, the organization is raising $150,000 to strengthen programs. Donation tiers include $100 (season of art supplies), $500 (paid internships), $1,000 (safe creative spaces).
2. Foundation Grants: Foundation grants contributed $486,000 in FY25. Major foundation supporters include Cowlin Family Foundation, Liwerant Family Foundation, Sager Family Foundation, Collins Art and Sports Foundation, Prebys Foundation (Honorable Mention in Sparx Challenge), and VAPA Foundation.
3. Government Grants: Government grants contributed $76,000 in FY25 from sources including City of National City, County of San Diego/Health & Human Services Agency, San Diego County Office of Education, and California Arts Council.
4. Earned Revenue (Programs & Events): Earned revenue exceeded $1,000,000 in FY25, generated through ticketed events (Bright Lights gala, ARTS After Dark adult workshops), paid youth internships/apprenticeships, venue rentals, and program partnerships.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate contributions of $43,000 in FY25. Notable corporate partners include US Bank (Bright Lights event sponsor and ARTS Patio Refresh partner), Taco Bell Foundation (Live Más Scholarship), and Fervor and Zeal (apparel partnership).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is a nonprofit arts education organization that delivers place-based, healing-centered creative youth development programs for youth ages 12–24 in South County/South Bay San Diego. Its core offering is a four-program portfolio — Community ARTS (after-school creative art and design classes, ages 12–18), ARTS on Campus (visual and media arts education on school campuses), ARTS @ Work (paid creative-career internships and apprenticeships, ages 16–24), and ARTS 4 Justice (healing-centered creative programming for justice-impacted youth ages 14–19) — delivered free of charge to youth and supplemented by signature fundraising events and a Volunteer/Internship engagement program anchored at the ARTS Center in National City, CA.

Product overview

A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is a single nonprofit organization delivering a portfolio of interconnected youth arts education programs and community events from its ARTS Center in National City, California. Its core offering is not a software product but a programmatic platform composed of four youth-focused programs (Community ARTS, ARTS on Campus, ARTS @ Work, and ARTS 4 Justice), supplemented by signature community events (ARTS After Dark, Better Together: Youth Arts Festival, Día de los Muertos / Cruce de Almas, and Bright Lights) and engagement programs (Volunteer and Internship programs). Community ARTS serves as the flagship after-school creative art and community design pathway for ages 12-18; ARTS on Campus extends visual and media arts education into school campuses; ARTS @ Work delivers paid internships and apprenticeships for ages 16-24; and ARTS 4 Justice provides healing-centered creative programming for justice-impacted youth ages 14-19 in partnership with the Juvenile Court and Community Schools district. Together these programs are unified by Creative Youth Development, Healing-Centered Engagement, and the National Core Arts Standards frameworks, and are hosted physically at the ARTS Center located at 200 E 12th Street, National City, CA 91950.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Community ARTS: Creative arts and community design classes for elementary, middle, and high school youth ages 12-18 in the South County region of San Diego.
• ARTS on Campus
• ARTS @ Work
• ARTS 4 Justice
• ARTS After Dark
• Better Together: Youth Arts Festival
• Bright Lights
• Día de los Muertos / Cruce de Almas

Products and services

• Community ARTS Place-based, after-school creative art and community design classes for youth ages 12-18 in the South County region of San Diego; aligned with National Core Arts Standards, Creative Youth Development (CYD), and Healing-Centered Engagement; flagship program delivered at the ARTS Center in National City.
• ARTS on Campus Visual and mixed-media arts education delivered on school campuses through community-focused creative projects and workshops; aligned with California State Standards for Expanded Learning, CYD framework, CASEL, California VAPA standards, and National Core Arts Standards in Visual Arts.
• ARTS @ Work Internships, site visits to creative industries, guest speakers, and structured paid apprenticeships connecting youth ages 16-24 with creative career exposure; aligned with California CTE, Culturally-Relevant Maker Education, and Career Development / Work-Based Learning standards.
• ARTS 4 Justice Healing-centered, integrated creative projects for justice-impacted youth ages 14-19, delivered in partnership with SDCOE Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) and the Juvenile Diversion Initiative (JDI); inspired by restorative practices and strengths-based approaches.
• ARTS After Dark An 18+ adult art-making event series for the South Bay community led by ARTS Teaching Artists, with proceeds supporting free youth art education programs; each season hosts three themed workshops (e.g., Kintsugi, piñata-making, oil pastel painting, journal collage, felt tiles).
• Better Together: Youth Arts Festival A seasonal festival celebrating the creative expressions of young artists across all ARTS programs; Spring 2026 edition scheduled for May 16, 2026 with the theme 'Collective Care'.
• Día de los Muertos / Cruce de Almas Annual Día de los Muertos / Undas celebration combining Día de los Muertos and Filipino Undas traditions, honoring lost loved ones through art and culture, featuring youth-led art workshops, live performances, partner tables, community resources, and a community altar.
• Bright Lights Annual Gala Annual awards event honoring individuals, families, and community partners who inspire and uplift the South Bay community; Bright Lights 2026 set for June 13, 2026 at the ARTS Center and sponsored by US Bank.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer engagement supporting Programming, Events, Administration, and Operations/Communications/Development; recruits in cycles (January-February, April-May, August-September) and requires TB Test, LiveScan background check, and Mandated Reporter Training.
• Internship Program School-credit internships across Advancement, Community Arts, Operations, People & Culture, and Programs; ARTS maintains academic partnerships with Southwestern College, San Diego Community College District, San Diego State, CSU San Marcos, and UC San Diego.
• ARTS Community Resources A curated directory of no-cost community-based services within National City and greater San Diego County, grouped into eight sections (Art, Emergency Preparedness, Food, Health, Hotlines, Legal Aid, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health, Parents/Caregivers, Youth).

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 25,000 visitors welcomed at ARTS Center in 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

42 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship municipal partner, core, minor and flagship historical partner.

• City of National Cityflagship municipal partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-department municipal partnership including Community Services Department, Engineers and Public Works Department, and other departments. Co-developed the Ripple Effect public art project at El Toyon Park and Sweetwater Spigot with Sweetwater Authority. National City is the home city of the ARTS Center.
• Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner through the LEAD Expanded Learning Program serving TK through 6th grade students via after-school programs and intersession camps. Honored at Bright Lights 2026 for opening doors for South Bay youth through ARTS Center visits, school campus programming, and creative engagement.
• SDCOE Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development partner for the ARTS 4 Justice program serving system-impacted youth. Includes the Global Campus high school site and Kimball Elementary intergenerational mural project led by Teaching Artist Lerida Armendariz alongside Ms. Cecilia from JCCS Global Campus.
• National School DistrictcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSchool district partner delivering ARTS on Campus visual arts programming and family workshops. Referenced in Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 programming.
• San Diego Unified School DistrictcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSchool district partner for ARTS on Campus programming.
• Southwestern CollegecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partnership for internships through the Work Experience Education (WEE) Program and Service Learning Program. ARTS Internship Opportunities listed on Handshake.
• San Diego Community College District (Mesa College, San Diego City College)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partnership for the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) supporting underserved student populations in workforce training, and San Diego City College Work Experience Education program offering on-the-job learning experiences.
• San Diego State University (SDSU)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partnership for Service Learning Agreements with PSY 495 and ART 452. School of Social Work and Department of Psychology also named as 2025 partners. Internship opportunities listed on Handshake.
• CSU San MarcoscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partnership through Academic Internship Program and Service Learning Program. Internship and Service Learning opportunities listed on the S4 Academic Internship Database.
• University of California San Diego (UCSD)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partnership through the Academic Internship Program (AIP 97 / AIP 197). Opportunities listed on the REAL Portal and Handshake. Also partnered with College Corps at UC San Diego.
• University of Southern California, School of Social WorkcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partnership supporting MSW student internship pipelines. Listed as 2024-2025 partner for practicum host site opportunities.
• University of Denver Graduate School of Social WorkminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partner supporting MSW internship pipelines. Listed as 2025 partner.
• Sweetwater High SchoolcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner for ARTS 4 Justice programming and Día de los Muertos performance featuring Ballet Folklorico Tlapalán. Home to Eva Salazar who performs Kumeyaay Ceremony.
• Sweetwater AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developer of the Ripple Effect youth-led public art project at the Sweetwater Spigot (free water source) in National City, raising awareness of water conservation and free water resources.
• Artist and Exile, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional fabrication partner co-developing legacy projects including the Ripple Effect public art installation with ARTS youth interns and Parco Tables paid internship (2024).
• Sew Loka (Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeaching artist and partner organization led by founder Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski, providing sewing/textile arts programming across Community ARTS, ARTS on Campus, and ARTS 4 Justice.
• Village Arts Outreach Gallery – Studio 21coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExhibition partner at Balboa Park where Community ARTS youth curated and presented the Echoes of Blooming exhibition (Summer 2025) — for most students, their first time exhibiting at a major cultural institution.
• Institute for Public Strategies (IPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic health partner focusing on community-based prevention and advocacy. Curated community resources and vendor information for Día de los Muertos events. Listed across 2024 and 2025 partnerships.
• Casa FamiliarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing South San Diego County community services partner participating in Día de los Muertos event with community resources and programming.
• YMCA of San Diego CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner listed in 2025 partnerships. Also referenced in 2024 partner list via REACH-YMCA.
• Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial CountiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the Bright Spots: Catalyst Conference at ARTS Center in October 2025, bringing together 250+ participants from creative leaders and social impact sector.
• Athenaeum Art CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts education partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• California Lawyers for the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal/advocacy partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• Chicano Park Steering CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• Environmental Health CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental justice partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• Fleet Science CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEM/STEAM education partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• Juvenile Diversion Initiative (JDI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJustice-system diversion partner providing hands-on art workshops at ARTS Center to reduce youth entry into the juvenile justice system. Co-led with National Conflict Resolution Center.
• National Conflict Resolution CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leads the Juvenile Diversion Initiative with ARTS. Listed in both 2024 and 2025 partner rosters.
• Ocean ConnectorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental education partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• Olivewood Gardens and Learning CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGardening and learning center partner listed across 2024 and 2025 partnerships.
• South Bay Youth CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth services partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• Triple VminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner listed in 2025 community partnerships.
• BIPOC Support FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization that uplifts BIPOC business owners and students through intersectional, culturally responsive programs. Participates in Día de los Muertos resource tabling.
• Border AngelsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian aid partner providing education and advocacy for migrants and asylum seekers, participating in Día de los Muertos resource tabling.
• Ronald McDonald Houseflagship historical partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal founding partner in 2001. ARTS began by partnering with children's hospitals and support organizations like Ronald McDonald House to provide therapeutic arts experiences for youth facing significant challenges. The Sowell family, served in 2001, was honored at Bright Lights 2026.
• Rise San DiegominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partnership organization referenced in 2025 community event hosting.
• Art of ElanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional arts partner that co-hosted events at the ARTS Center in 2025. Listed in 2024 partnerships.
• Fervor and ZealminorGTM or Marketing PartnerApparel partnership producing ARTS-branded merchandise (eco-tote bags, apparel with purpose), featured in June 2025 blog post.
• SD ART MattersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative Youth Development Network partner participating in Prebys Sparx Challenge co-creation. Listed in 2024-2025 partnerships.
• Anakbayan San DiegominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFilipino youth advocacy partner participating in Día de los Muertos/Undas celebration and resource tabling.
• Livewell San DiegominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of 600+ organizations focused on improving health and well-being. Partner for Día de los Muertos community resource engagement.
• Ballet Folklorico Tlapalán (Sweetwater High School)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformance partner performing Kumeyaay Ceremony and traditional dances at Día de los Muertos/Undas celebrations.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Media Arts Center San Diego: San Diego-based nonprofit operating the Digital Gym and youth media arts programs including Teen Producers Project; comparable as a San Diego creative youth development organization with school-based delivery and paid youth apprenticeship components.
• Inner-City Arts: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing free arts education to inner-city youth through a dedicated campus and multiple program lines; directly comparable in mission, free youth arts model, facility-based delivery, and partnership-driven programming.
• A Step Beyond: San Diego County nonprofit providing arts-based youth development to underserved youth in Escondido and National City, with paid apprenticeships and creative career exposure; directly comparable in geography, youth ages served, apprenticeship model, and Creative Youth Development framework.
• San Diego Junior Theatre: San Diego's oldest children's theatre providing performing arts education to youth ages 3-18; comparable as a San Diego-based youth arts education nonprofit with after-school programming, ticketed events, and dedicated facility.
• Outside the Lens: San Diego nonprofit empowering youth through media arts, digital storytelling, and photography programs in schools and communities; directly comparable in place-based youth arts education model, school district partnerships, and creative career exposure focus.
• Resounding Joy: San Diego nonprofit providing music therapy and arts-based healing programs to youth, veterans, and seniors; comparable as a San Diego healing-centered arts organization serving youth with social-emotional and wellbeing outcomes similar to ARTS' Creative Youth Development model.

Broad incumbents

• La Jolla Playhouse: Tony Award-winning regional theatre in San Diego with extensive youth education and community engagement programming; comparable as a San Diego arts institution with youth education programs, school partnerships, and Arts Education Connections network participation.
• The New Children's Museum: San Diego downtown museum dedicated to contemporary art experiences for children and families; comparable as a larger San Diego arts-and-youth institution with facility-based programming, school partnerships, and signature community events.

Emerging players

• Casa Familiar: San Ysidro-based community services nonprofit serving South San Diego County with youth, education, arts, and human services programming; comparable as a South County community-based organization with overlapping youth/family services footprint and Dia de los Muertos collaboration history.
• Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center: National City-based nonprofit offering garden-based experiential learning, cooking education, and youth/family programs; comparable as a National City/South Bay nonprofit partner with overlapping youth and family demographic focus and shared community partnership ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/areasontosurvive
• Instagraminstagram.com/areason2survive
• Xx.com/areason2survive

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about A Reason To Survive