Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Developing Artists Theater Company, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 22 East 30th Street
City: New York
State: NY
Postal Code: 10016
Main Phone: 9172101065
Main Fax:
Organization Website: http://www.developingartists.org
Employer ID Number: 20-2798203
Organization Tax Status: Non-profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 13, 2024
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Make Art With (MAW)
Project Description:

Developing Artists (DA) teaches undervalued teens to relentlessly fight for positive social change through practical application of the performing arts. Make Art With is a groundbreaking initiative where Developing Artists commissions a prominent NYC artist to create a new work alongside our ensemble members, improving and transforming the lives of children and young adults living in the United States through the arts. This program intertwines with the Summer Session classes, culminating in performances that showcase the collaborative effort between the ensemble members and the commissioned artist. Make Art With is a journey into the soul of artistic creation, offering participants a unique insight into the professional art-making process. Through Make Art With, Developing Artists reconfirms our commitment to cultivating the future of the arts, empowering young artists to thrive and excel within the vibrant landscape of New York City’s performing arts.

Make Art With embodies our commitment to artistic excellence and mentorship. This production is designed to open doors for our ensemble members, apply their training in tangible, professional settings and provide students with the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with renowned NYC artists. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between aspiring young artists and established professionals, fostering a learning environment rich in experience, creativity, and professional growth. We hope to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed and to achieve their full potential.

Total Project Budget: 105,022

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): American Online Giving Foundation – $250 (projected); Andrew Family Foundation – $375 (projected); Corbett Family Foundation – $3,438 (committed); Curtis McGraw Foundation – $313 (committed); Found Your Light – $938 (committed); Glay Roland Harriman Foundation – $8,125 (committed); Hyde & Watson Foundation – $938 (projected); Lotos Foundation – $1,000 (projected); ncb Bank – $313 (projected); Mosaic Foundation – $5,000 (projected); Pierre & Tana Matisse – $6,250 (committed); Pinkerton Foundation – $3,125 (projected); Tiger Baron Foundation – $625 (projected); WS Farish Foundation – $8,125 (projected); NY City Department of Cultural Affairs – $5,000 (projected); NY State Council on the Arts – $6,188 (projected); NYC City Council – $625 (projected); NEA – $20,000 (committed)

Project Duration: July 8 – Aug 2, 2025
Geographical Area Served: NYC
Age Group To Be Served: 16-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Jinn
Contact Last Name: Kim
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (917) 512-7976
Contact Email: jinn@developingartists.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Popstock Educational Services Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: PopStock
Mailing Address: 274 Center Avenue
City: Buffalo
State: NY
Postal Code: 14223
Main Phone: (877) 829-5500
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://popstock.io
Employer ID Number: 93-4178952
Organization Tax Status: Nonprofit 501c(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/10/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Financial Literacy for Underserved Youth
Project Description:

Our mission is to empower America’s underprivileged youth with financial knowledge they need to succeed. We seek to accomplish this mission through our proprietary software product which combines today’s pop culture icons with a stock market simulation tool. A web-based platform and app that mimics programs like TD Ameritrade and Robinhood, PopStock is infused with known music entertainment aspects so that high schoolers can safely practice “investing in the market” and make mistakes, learn from their decisions, and carry those lessons forward when planning their financial futures.

Mirroring a combination of features found in Google Finance, E-Trade, and Bloomberg, the platform adjusts market values as trades are made against a specific algorithm tied to award show wins, listens, chart placements, followers, and more. We make learning a complex and intimidating financial system easy by correlating music-related metrics to metrics used by traders to understand company value, growth potential, and investment worthiness. By including various factors and perspectives in the valuation of pop stars, the students learn how to take a “big picture” approach to investing. This results in a highly transferrable skill that can prepare them for better decision-making not only for their financial futures but for virtually every aspect of adult life.

Financial literacy education is the key to generational wealth: as young people become more financially literate, families, businesses, communities, and the nation become stronger and more financially resilient. If knowledge of the stock market can be understood at a young age, it can be the foundation for future investments in the real world, including retirement plan portfolios, IRAs, and individual trading accounts. In addition to the goal of financial literacy, we seek to narrow the wealth gap over time by targeting high schools across the nation, with a particular focus on low-income, historically marginalized, and poor populations.

Total Project Budget: $437,300

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): During the first year of operation in 2023, all 3 volunteer staff donated their money and time to get the organization moving. They continue to offer this support as we seek to raise funds to sustain the organization through the development phase and to begin delivering services to schools.

Project Duration: 1/1/2025-12/31/2025
Geographical Area Served: New York and contiguous States; ultimately all U.S. States
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Mike
Contact Last Name: Helwig
Contact Title: Founder and Executive Director
Contact Phone: (877) 829-5500
Contact Email: mike@popstock.io

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Books for Classrooms
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1432 S. San Luis
City: Green Valley
State: Arizona
Postal Code: 85614
Main Phone: 5206644841
Main Fax: NA
Organization Website: booksforclassrooms.org
Employer ID Number: 84-2102053
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/08/2024
Requested Amount: $8,000

Project Title: Improve Literacy Scores at Sunnyside Middle Schools
Project Description:

Established in 2019, Books for Classrooms is an all-volunteer organization working out of our homes. Our mission: to improve literacy of children from pre-school through 12th grade by providing FREE, high-quality, relevant, age-appropriate, educator-evaluated books that encourage an understanding of diversity, peace, social justice, conflict resolution, and the environment. Primary beneficiaries are low-income children in Pima County, Arizona Title 1 district public schools.

All funds will be used to purchase books for libraries and some classrooms at four Sunnyside School District middle schools in Tucson, Arizona. District Superintendent, José Gastellum, fully supports us.

No significant funding has been available for over a decade to restock these school libraries. This is a component of an overall upgrade and diversification of supplementary reading book collections in district classrooms and libraries begun in 2021.

The four middle schools: Apollo, Challenger, Gallego, Lauffer in Tucson, Arizona; 89.74% Hispanic.

2023 ELA Test Data: Apollo–536 students, 61% minimally proficient; Challenger–655 students, 66% minimally proficient; Gallego–839 students, 43% minimally proficient; Lauffer–428 students, 58% minimally proficient. (azreportcards.azed.gov)

The Importance of Diverse Books:

At Books for Classrooms, we recognize the immense value of feeling represented by the books we read. Every child, regardless of their heritage or identity, deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they encounter. This principle is at the heart of our mission: to ensure that every classroom becomes a space where diversity is celebrated, respected, and nurtured.

First Book’s recently released study (September 2023) supports the importance of diverse books: Among the findings: “Increasing access to diverse books in the classroom environment increases the amount of time that children spend reading, and positively impacts students’ reading scores. (Source: First Book: Eliminating Barriers, Inspiring Young Minds; https://firstbook.org/solutions/diverse-books-study/)

To date, we have provided over 50,000 free diverse books to Pima County schools.

Total Project Budget: $70,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): New Initiative; Pending: Stocker Fdn, H. S. Lopez Fdn, Fred and Christine Armstrong Fdn; Sundt Fdn; Beaty Martinez Fdn.

Project Duration: One year
Geographical Area Served: Pima County, Arizona
Age Group To Be Served: Grades 7, 8, 9

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Linda
Contact Last Name: Laird
Contact Title: Coordinator/President
Contact Phone: 5206644841
Contact Email: lindalaird@booksforclassrooms.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: United States Association for Blind Athletes
Legal Name (if Different): United States Association for Blind Athletes
Also Known As: USABA or USA Blind Soccer
Mailing Address: 1 OLYMPIC PLZ
City: COLORADO SPRINGS
State: CO
Postal Code: 80909-5780
Main Phone: 7198663224
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.usaba.org
Employer ID Number: 31-0977121
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 – Non-profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/08/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Building Blind Soccer
Project Description:

Blind soccer is a dynamic sport that offers unique benefits for blind and visually impaired individuals, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and social inclusion. In Miami, there is a growing interest in introducing blind soccer to the community, mainly focusing on youth activation. This funding proposal outlines a plan to launch blind soccer programming in Miami in partnership with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, providing an opportunity for blind and visually impaired youth to engage in a fun and empowering sport.

Program Goals:
Introduce blind and visually impaired youth to the sport of blind soccer.
Provide a safe and supportive environment for youth to engage in physical activity and develop important life skills.
Promote social inclusion and community engagement among blind and visually impaired youth in Miami.

Budget Breakdown:
Equipment: $1,000 (including blindfolds, goalposts, and soccer balls)
Coaching Staff: $5,000 (for hiring experienced coaches)
Facility Rental: $4,000 (for securing a suitable venue for training sessions)

Total Budget Request: $10,000

Funding Request:
We are seeking $10,000 in funding to launch the blind soccer program in Miami. This funding will cover the costs associated with equipment, coaching staff, facility rental, and marketing and outreach efforts. Your support will help us provide a unique and empowering experience for blind and visually impaired youth in our community.

Blind soccer has the potential to positively impact the lives of blind and visually impaired youth in Miami, providing them with a fun and inclusive sports experience. With your support, we can launch this program and make a difference in the lives of these young individuals. Thank you for considering our funding proposal.

Total Project Budget: $40,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Dicks Sporting Goods $5,000 committed, US Soccer Foundation, $5,000 Committed, Children’s Trust, $20,000 pending.

Project Duration: Year Round
Geographical Area Served: Nationwide, This specific funding request is for Miami Florida
Age Group To Be Served: 5 – 21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Catherine
Contact Last Name: Raney
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 4357148527
Contact Email: craneynorman@usaba.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Most Precious Dreams Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 8904 Mayfield Court
City: st louis
State: MO
Postal Code: 63136
Main Phone: 8336674688
Main Fax:
Organization Website: mostpreciousdreamsfoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 922041352
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/08/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Empowerment through Music: Youth DJ Program
Project Description:

Our DJ program provides comprehensive training in DJing techniques, including beatmatching, mixing, and equipment operation, and entrepreneurship. Participants engage in hands-on workshops led by experienced DJs, receiving personalized mentorship to hone their skills and develop their unique style. In addition to technical training, participants learn about the music industry, event planning, and marketing strategies to prepare them for entrepreneurial ventures. Through community events and performances, participants showcase their talents, build confidence, and connect with audiences. The program emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, empowering youth to pursue their passion for music and embark on successful careers in the entertainment industry.

Total Project Budget: 10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential):

Project Duration: 3 years (summer workshops)
Geographical Area Served:
Age Group To Be Served: 8-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Mahogany
Contact Last Name: Henderson
Contact Title: Executive Program Director
Contact Phone: 8336674688
Contact Email: info@Mostpreciousdreamsfoundation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Most Precious Dreams Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 8904 Mayfield Court
City: st louis
State: MO
Postal Code: 63136
Main Phone: 8336674688
Main Fax:
Organization Website: mostpreciousdreamsfoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 922041352
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/08/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Empowerment through Music: Youth DJ Program
Project Description:

Our DJ program provides comprehensive training in DJing techniques, including beatmatching, mixing, and equipment operation, and entrepreneurship. Participants engage in hands-on workshops led by experienced DJs, receiving personalized mentorship to hone their skills and develop their unique style. In addition to technical training, participants learn about the music industry, event planning, and marketing strategies to prepare them for entrepreneurial ventures. Through community events and performances, participants showcase their talents, build confidence, and connect with audiences. The program emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, empowering youth to pursue their passion for music and embark on successful careers in the entertainment industry.

Total Project Budget: 10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential):

Project Duration: 3 years (summer workshops)
Geographical Area Served:
Age Group To Be Served: 8-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Mahogany
Contact Last Name: Henderson
Contact Title: Executive Program Director
Contact Phone: 8336674688
Contact Email: info@Mostpreciousdreamsfoundation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Insurance Knowledge Evolution (IKE)
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: IKE
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 491
City: Spencerville
State: MD
Postal Code: 20868
Main Phone: 615-944-1388
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.ikenonprofit.org
Employer ID Number: 86-3851056
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/8/2024
Requested Amount: 3500.00

Project Title: Tadpole Insurance Designation Program
Project Description:

The Tadpole Insurance Designation Program (TIDP) is our signature designation program. The youth mentees are required to study four (4) areas/ modules of the Insurance industry: Insurance Basics / Insurance Careers / Insurance Claims / Ending Insurance Fraud. Upon completion of each module, the Mentee must pass a quiz at 80% or higher. After all 4 modules have been passed, the Mentee will receive a certificate of TIDP. It is known that this Program introduces youth to the Insurance industry- provides a higher level of interest/understanding of the industry/ gives the Mentee a designation that might propel them over other potential applicants for future insurance interns/opportunities. It is the hope of IKE that the achievement of this designation will encourage a continued desire to achieve more Insurance designations leading to a pathway for a career in the Insurance industry. The modules/testing is being performed manually via word documents. The funds will be used to build software within the IKE website to automate the module system and print off the certificates.

Total Project Budget: 7500.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): No committed Donors at present. Potential: Boys & Girl Clubs of America.

Project Duration: Rolling
Geographical Area Served: DC/MD/VA/PA DE
Age Group To Be Served: 14-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Darrell
Contact Last Name: Calicker
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 615-944-1388
Contact Email: IKENONPROFIT@GMAIL.COM

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Books for Classrooms
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1432 S. San Luis
City: Green Valley
State: Arizona
Postal Code: 85614
Main Phone: 5206644841
Main Fax: NA
Organization Website: booksforclassrooms.org
Employer ID Number: 84-2102053
Organization Tax Status: 501 (C) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/08/2024
Requested Amount: $8,000

Project Title: Improve Literacy Scores at Sunnyside Middle Schools
Project Description:

Established in 2019, Books for Classrooms is an all-volunteer organization working out of our homes. Our mission: to improve literacy of children from pre-school through 12th grade by providing FREE, high-quality, relevant, age-appropriate, educator-evaluated books that encourage an understanding of diversity, peace, social justice, conflict resolution, and the environment. Primary beneficiaries are low-income children in Pima County, Arizona Title 1 district public schools.

All funds will be used to purchase books for libraries and some classrooms at four Sunnyside School District middle schools in Tucson, Arizona. District Superintendent, José Gastellum, fully supports us.

No significant funding has been available for over a decade to restock these school libraries. This is a component of an overall upgrade and diversification of supplementary reading book collections in district classrooms and libraries begun in 2021.

The four middle schools: Apollo, Challenger, Gallego, Lauffer in Tucson, Arizona; 89.74% Hispanic. 2023 ELA Test Data: Apollo–536 students, 61% minimally proficient; Challenger–655 students, 66% minimally proficient; Gallego–839 students, 43% minimally proficient; Lauffer–428 students, 58% minimally proficient. (azreportcards.azed.gov)

The Importance of Diverse Books:
At Books for Classrooms, we recognize the immense value of feeling represented by the books we read. Every child, regardless of their heritage or identity, deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they encounter. This principle is at the heart of our mission: to ensure that every classroom becomes a space where diversity is celebrated, respected, and nurtured.

First Book’s recently released study (September 2023) supports the importance of diverse books: Among the findings: “Increasing access to diverse books in the classroom environment increases the amount of time that children spend reading, and positively impacts students’ reading scores. (Source: First Book: Eliminating Barriers, Inspiring Young Minds; https://firstbook.org/solutions/diverse-books-study/)

To date, we have provided over 50,000 free diverse books to Pima County schools.

Total Project Budget: $70,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): New Initiative; Pending: Stocker Fdn, H. S. Lopez Fdn, Fred and Christine Armstrong Fdn; Sund Fdn; Beaty Martinez Fdn.

Project Duration: One year
Geographical Area Served: Pima County, Arizona
Age Group To Be Served: Grades 7, 8, 9

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Linda
Contact Last Name: Laird
Contact Title: Coordinator/President
Contact Phone: 520-664-4841
Contact Email: lindalaird@booksforclassrooms.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: STEAM LEARNING INSTITUTE
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1910 Garden Dr #308
City: Burlingame
State: California
Postal Code: 94010-5362
Main Phone: 4157079902
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.steamlearninginstitute.com/
Employer ID Number: 92-1394417
Organization Tax Status: exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/08/2024
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Place-Based Learning Fellowship for STEAM Educators
Project Description:

In the Bay Area of California, practitioners will experience the extraordinary wilderness experience when, every year, up to 10,000 elephant seals return to breed, give birth, and molt their skin amongst the scenic dunes and beaches of Año Nueva State Park in Pescadero, CA. We will also be immersed in our interdependent relationship with Earth Science and chemistry processes such as erosion, land formation, and climate change. STEAM educators will be led in creative exercises such as storytelling, arts, creative writing, and painting in connecting with the
chemical elements in nature/wilderness.
The participants will attend a wilderness retreat in Costanoa Lodge, where glamping sites will be
available. From there, we will observe the Elephant Seal for one day at the Aña Nuevo State
Park. We will also catalogue wildlife such as plants, raptors, etc….Educators will draw inspiration
from nature and other participants, as well as the STEAM Learning Institute team, who will
provide training on implementing nature-based knowledge, and liberatory practices in the classroom and the school community. This training gives priority to STEAM educators serving Oakland community.

Total Project Budget: 35000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY, NSF

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Bay Area
Age Group To Be Served: Classroom teachers

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Imene
Contact Last Name: Ghernati
Contact Title: Founder, Executive Director
Contact Phone: 4157079902
Contact Email: steamlearninginstitute@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Liberty Theatre Astoria
Legal Name (if Different): Liberty Restoration, Inc.
Also Known As: Liberty Theatre
Mailing Address: 1203 Commercial Street
City: Astoria
State: Oregon
Postal Code: 97103
Main Phone: 503-325-5922
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://libertyastoria.org/
Employer ID Number: 87-0452722
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3 Public Charity

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 8, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Kids make Theatre
Project Description:

The Liberty Theatre in Astoria OR is requesting $10,000 to support the Liberty’s Kids Make Theatre (KMT) program; the first theater program of its kind in NW Oregon that launched in April 2023. KMT is a year-round theater program that provides a variety of immersive educational afterschool and holiday theatre camps, classes, workshops, and lab productions for at least ~300 youth (120 registered for the Winter/Spring series). Thanks to a generous gift all classes are $15 per registrant to remove barriers for youth in this underserved rural area. Funds will be used to pay for teaching artists, background checks, professional development, and other program/production costs.

The goal for this project is to be able to hire, train and pay guest teaching artists as well as our current staff for classes, camps, and lab productions over the next year for the KMT program. It takes a minimum of two teachers per class as well as a staff person (we have 2 staff =1.5 FTEs) to facilitate the smooth flow of activities when classes are in session. Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers for our program in our rural area is not easy, nor is working with the schedules of our current cohort of teaching artists.

From the start of KMT, we started building a cadre of local and regional guest teaching artists to add depth and variety to our educational theatre program we can call upon. Ideally, we would like to have 20 available guest teaching artists, so we need to look outside our cohort for other local or regional talent as we grow our program.

We will call upon our partners from the North Coast Performing Arts Alliance (a group of 18 local performing arts organizations) to assist with recruitment as well as when we stage a production.

Success for this project will be being able to carry this out as described, not disappoint any kids by having all the staff we need to offer the current lineup of classes, supporting local artists, and being able to grow the program over the next year.

Total Project Budget: KMT annual budget = ~$175,000 (teaching artists & staff = ~$86,000)

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Individual donation for registration fees only = $45,000; individual donation for staff = $25,000; registration fees = $345; community donations = $4,500; foundations = $35,000. Potential: Individual donations = $60,000; fees & ticket sales = $30,000; foundations = $50,000; general operating funds = 56,000.

Project Duration: July 2024 – June 2025
Geographical Area Served: Lower Columbia River Region
Age Group To Be Served: 3-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Jennifer
Contact Last Name: Crockett
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 503-325-5922 ext. 33
Contact Email: theaterdirector@libertyastoria.org