Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: SparkShop
Legal Name (if Different): Science & Entrepreneurship Exchange
Also Known As: SparkShop
Mailing Address: 1623 W Fulton St
City: Chicago
State: Illinois
Postal Code: 60612
Main Phone: 202-494-0303
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.sparkshop.org/
Employer ID Number: 462597736
Organization Tax Status: exempt 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 4/16/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: General Op
Project Description:

SparkShop’s mission is to inspire and mobilize the next generation of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and manufacturing geniuses. To achieve this, we provide high-quality STEM programs for 4th and 5th grade students across Chicago that cultivate curiosity, collaboration, and STEM identity. Our elementary programming equips teachers with engineering curricula and kits to engage students through a hands-on learning approach. Because of the effectiveness and success of our program, we received feedback from teachers and school leaders to expand our offerings to ensure continual STEM learning for program alumni beyond the 5th grade.

As such, within the past year, we have expanded programming with our Middle School Design Challenge within our existing partnership schools and launched an inaugural paid summer internship program for high school students. To better support teachers, we also created an accredited training program to develop their confidence in teaching engineering in the classroom. We are proud of the success of our programs thus far and our ability to expand our offerings to meet the needs of our community and more deeply understand the long-term effects of our work.

Ultimately, our vision is to create a larger and more diverse population of young STEM talent. Since our inception in 2017, we have reached over 7,000 students, most of whom fall into one or multiple underrepresented demographics in the STEM workforce. Just over 53% of our students are female, 94% are people of color, and 86% come from low-income families.

Total Project Budget: 401500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): SPARKSHOP CONTRIBUTORS LIST FOUNDATIONS: Farley Family Charitable Foundation – $400,000 Kovitz Care – $25,000 Jewish United Fund (Donor Advised Fund) – $20,000 Micron Foundation – $20,000 Helen Thom Edwards Charitable Trust – $20,000 Albert Pick Jr. – $10,000 Richard C. Caris Charitable Trust – $5,000 Epstein Community Foundation – $5,000 TMA Foundation – $5,000 Maureen & Paul Rubeli Foundation – $4,000 The Steven & Susan Cobin Family Foundation – $2,000 CORPORATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS: Comcast NBCUniversal- $30,000 AbbVie – $25,000 Illinois Tool Works – $20,000 Porsche Club of America, Chicago Chapter – $25,000 First Congregational Church of Western Springs – $5,000 Chicago Board of Exchange – $1,000 Mastercam – $1,000 Wintrust – $2,500 Trillium – $1,000 FEDERAL: Illinois Cook County – $100,000 GIVING TUESDAY CAMPAIGN + PRIVATE DONORS: We had a collective group of individuals donate during our 2023 Giving Tuesday Campaign, resulting in us surpassing $84,000 in donations and matching gifts from private donors. We keep private donor identities anonymous.

Project Duration: School Year 2023/24
Geographical Area Served: Metro Chicago (Austin Bridgeport Brighton Park Bronzeville Calumet Heights Englewood Fuller Park Greater Grand Crossing Hegewisch Hermosa Kenwood Lake View Lower West Side (Pilsen) Palmer Square Rogers Park South Shore Uptown West Pullman)
Age Group To Be Served: 9-11 yr olds/4th and 5th grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Shonali
Contact Last Name: Ditz
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 202-494-0303
Contact Email: giving@sparkshop.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: CASA of North Texas
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 315 E. California
City: Gainesville
State: Texas
Postal Code: 76240
Main Phone: 940-665-2244
Main Fax: 940-665-2422
Organization Website: www.casant.org
Employer ID Number: 75-2794068
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 1-16-2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Court Advocacy program
Project Description:

CASA of North Texas provides Volunteer Advocates to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in protective foster care until each has a safe, loving and permanent home.

CASA of North Texas recruits, trains and gives support to volunteers from all walks of life who act as advocates for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. These volunteer advocates, who are appointed as Guardians Ad Litem work to protect the safety and best interests of Cooke County children assigned in the child welfare system. This includes looking into the facts and circumstances of cases involving abused and neglected children, monitoring how each child is doing in foster care, monitoring parental progress that might allow for the safe return of the child(ren) and reporting their findings back to the Associate Judge, who has the tremendous responsibility of making decisions regarding these young lives. CASA volunteer advocates inform all parties of the Court and make recommendations throughout the case (particularly in reports to the Court) as they look out for the best interests of the child(ren). This includes advocating for their safety, educational needs, medical needs, application for crime victim’s compensations (when the children’s cases qualify), always working to find a safe, permanent, loving home as quickly as possible, whether that be with their parents, relatives, or an adoptive family.

CASA’s target population is all Cooke County children (birth to 18), empowering them by providing adequate and appropriate advocacy, safety, and education while promoting a positive future.
In FY 22-23, CASA and staff served 67 individual children totaling 43 cases (families). We assisted in placing 23 children in safe and permanent homes. Our prevention education program directly served over 600 individual children in the fall of 2023.

Total Project Budget: 498800

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Federal Government Grants – $121,052 State Government Grants – $132,270 Local Government Grants – $45,000 Private Foundations – $15,000

Project Duration: Ongoing. Funding would be used in 2025 according to your guidelines.
Geographical Area Served: Cooke County Texas
Age Group To Be Served: children (birth to 18)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Dora
Contact Last Name: Erwin
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 940-665-2244
Contact Email: executivedirector@casant.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Joseph’s House and Shelter, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Joseph’s House
Mailing Address: 202 4th Street
City: Troy
State: New York
Postal Code: 12180
Main Phone: 5188741247
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.josephshousetroy.org/
Employer ID Number: 141636163
Organization Tax Status: 501(c) 3 Certified

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 4/15/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Homeless Services for Families and Children
Project Description:

Joseph’s House and Shelter’s mission is to provide non-judgemental services to end homelessness. Our agency prioritizes stable and affordable housing that improves health, well-being, and prosperity. Our Homeless Services Program helps families that have the head of household with a disabling condition find and maintain housing, increasing the overall mental and physical health of every family member and giving much-needed safety and stability to the children of the household.

Total Project Budget: 443,969

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): NYS OTDA STEHP; NYS OMH Supported Housing Services; NYS OTDA SHP; HUD CoC – JH Consolidated; HUD CoC – UH Bethune (I); Mother Cabrini Health Foundation; The Michaelson Family Fund; The McCarthy Charities Foundation; Maximus Foundation;

Project Duration: 1/1/2024-12/31/2024; the project renews every year with and adjusted budget
Geographical Area Served: Greater Capital Region of New York State; Albany and Rensselaer counties
Age Group To Be Served: Families and any adult or minor child that comprises them.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mx.
Contact First Name: Ollie
Contact Last Name: Otty
Contact Title: Development Manger
Contact Phone: 518-874-1247
Contact Email: ootty@josephshousetroy.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Stepping Stone Academy
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 281 COUNTRY VILLAGE DR APT P120
City: SMYRNA
State: Tennessee
Postal Code: 37167-8226
Main Phone: 6292679008
Main Fax:
Organization Website:
Employer ID Number: https://www.steppingstoneaf.org/
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 04/09/2023
Requested Amount: $5000

Project Title: NourishCare Initiative
Project Description:

The NourishCare Initiative by Stepping Stone Academy Foundation is a compassionate and comprehensive effort to address the pressing challenges faced by pregnant and teen mothers in our community. Our hearts are dedicated to identifying and alleviating the systemic issues affecting this vulnerable population, including the utilization of state funds by pregnant teenage girls, the lack of intentional, coordinated, full-scope resources to prevent/mitigate poverty, and the intersection of teenage pregnancies with the risk of dropping out, among other barriers created by teenage pregnancy.
At Stepping Stone Academy Foundation, we firmly believe that every mother deserves an opportunity to overcome these obstacles and thrive. Our commitment extends beyond immediate needs, and we strive to provide a holistic support system through our non-profit organization. NourishCare is not just about addressing hunger; it’s about fostering a brighter future for pregnant and teen mothers, breaking the cycle of challenges they face.
Join us in making a difference in these statistics and be a part of creating a positive change. Together, we can build a community where pregnant and teen mothers receive the support they need, empowering them to navigate the journey from Pregnancy to Parenthood and Childhood to Adulthood with confidence and resilience.

Total Project Budget: $12,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Walmart and US Bank

Project Duration: 2 Years
Geographical Area Served: Southern Region of United States
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Erica
Contact Last Name: Flimmons
Contact Title:
Contact Phone: 4045103188
Contact Email: ericabass2000@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Equality Project
Legal Name (if Different): Equality Project
Also Known As: Henderson Equality Project
Mailing Address: 1490 W Sunset Rd Suite 120
City: Henderson
State: Nevada
Postal Code: 89014
Main Phone: 08559555428
Main Fax:
Organization Website: http://www.HendersonEqualityCenter.org
Employer ID Number: 27-2049717
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 15-Apr-24
Requested Amount: $10000

Project Title: Advancing Economic Equity & Health Access for LGBTQ+ and Communities of Color
Project Description:

Our organization’s work directly aligns with addressing issues of racism, oppression, and economic injustice. With the grant, we aim to:

1. Hiring additional outreach staff will allow us to engage more effectively with underserved groups like people of color, low-income individuals, youth, and the trans community. This will enhance access to our services that provide critical support.
2. Adding phlebotomists to provide on-site HIV/STI testing and care will help curb health issues linked to economic stresses like lack of insurance or transportation barriers. It also supports local public health goals.
3. Boosting the diversity, frequency, and cultural competence of our groups & counseling options gives at-risk clients holistic tools to overcome hardships through community empowerment.
4. Ensuring adequate, nutritious options at our pantry enabling families to redirect their focus towards important aspects such as vocational training, education, and caring responsibilities, without the burden of hunger or food insecurity weighing them down.
Together, these initiatives directly tackle interconnected social, economic, and health-related drivers of the disadvantages faced by vulnerable communities we serve. Our comprehensive approach aims to dismantle the systemic roots of issues like discrimination, poverty, and diminished access to opportunities. Ultimately, it will lead to greater equality, stability, and quality of life for all.

Total Project Budget: 120000

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

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Henderson, Reno, Las Vegas
Age Group To Be Served: 18-60

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Chris
Contact Last Name: Davin
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: (855) 955-5428
Contact Email: chris.davin@hendersonequalitycenter.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Utah Homicide Survivors
Legal Name (if Different): Utah Domestic Violence Legal Services
Also Known As: Utah Homicide Survivors
Mailing Address: 51 West Center Street, Suite 520
City: Orem
State: Utah
Postal Code: 84057
Main Phone: (801) 500-9077
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.utahhomicidesurvivors.org
Employer ID Number: 83-4139851
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: April 12, 2024
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Legal and Therapeutic Services for Surviving Children of Homicide Victims
Project Description:

In Utah, over 80 families annually experience the loss of a loved one to homicide, leaving them isolated and overwhelmed. Often lacking financial resources, these families struggle to navigate the legal and mental healthcare systems necessary to provide resolution and a path forward. The resulting trauma can have enduring negative impacts, particularly for children, who are disproportionately affected. Many of these tragedies stem from domestic violence, necessitating legal action to establish safe guardianship and address financial and emotional needs.

Utah Homicide Survivors (UHS) offers vital support and advocacy for these individuals. As Utah’s sole pro-bono legal services provider for families of homicide victims, UHS offers grief support groups, counseling, and comprehensive legal advocacy to help survivors navigate the aftermath of such traumatic events. We are seeking funding to provide legal and therapeutic support to families and children affected by homicide. Our dedicated legal team guides families through court processes to obtain rightful assets and establish safe guardianship arrangements. Additionally, UHS connects adult survivors with free online group therapy sessions, fostering a sense of community and reducing isolation. With more funding, we are aiming to extend similar services to our adolescent clients with specialized child trauma therapy. Addressing the various challenges these survivors face not only helps these individuals, but it also reduces the risk for secondary victimizations and prevents additional future tragedies in our community,

Total Project Budget: $521, 311.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Victims of Crime Act Grant, Violence Against Women Act Grant, State of Utah, Utah State Bar Association, Miner Foundation – Potential: Eccles Family Foundation, Eskuche Family Foundation, McCarthey Family Foundation, Castle Foundation, Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Joan and Tim Fenton Family Foundation, Intermountain Healthcare, Ashton Family Foundation, Marriner Eccles Family Foundation

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Utah
Age Group To Be Served: All ages, primarily children

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Brandon
Contact Last Name: Merrill
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (801) 860-0253
Contact Email: brandon@utahhomicidesurvivors.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The King Event Venue
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 840 Richmond Rd
City: Lyndhurst
State: Ohio
Postal Code: 44124
Main Phone:
Main Fax:
Organization Website:
Employer ID Number: 92-3696976
Organization Tax Status: nonprofit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: April 11, 2024
Requested Amount: 7,000.00

Project Title: Community Preservation and Resilience (CPR)
Project Description:

The Choice Program recognizes that learning starts from the moment we are born and lasts a lifetime. We are committed to nurturing this desire and educational ambition by extending our program beyond the classroom. Although we invite school administrators, educators, and parents to get involved we continue to advance a positive and interactive learning environment anchored in supporting the social, emotional, and academic needs of every youth in our program. When this is done it brings out the best in the youth and the adults engaged in the educational/motivational process. To accomplish this the Choice Program integrates the following topics during our quarterly presentations at schools and public forums:
• Integrity (building a relationship to my word),
• Character, Confidence, and COURAGE (discovering inner abilities and how to utilize them),
• Vision and Goals (What do I see? How do I get there?),
• Social and Civic Behaviors (behaviors in and outside home and community),
• Meditation (A nature balance for life),
• Mentoring and Leadership Training (Passing the torch).

OOCP offers a comprehensive character education curriculum that addresses many tough issues our youth face. We work with educators in developing a positive school climate while helping youth to navigate socially and culturally to achieve a whole education that engages the heart and the mind. The goal is to reduce discipline referrals, increase academic achievement for all learners, and develop global citizens. OCCP is committed to creating environments that prepare our youths with opportunities for open communication in order to share their ideas with their peers, counselors, mentors and much more.

Total Project Budget: 80.000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Walmart, Cruise International, and in-kind donations

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Cuyahoga County
Age Group To Be Served: 8-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Heidi
Contact Last Name: Parries
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 2166734738
Contact Email: success2k12@yahoo.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The King
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address:
City:
State:
Postal Code:
Main Phone:
Main Fax:
Organization Website:
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status:

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date:
Requested Amount:

Project Title:
Project Description:

Total Project Budget:

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

Project Duration:
Geographical Area Served:
Age Group To Be Served:

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
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Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Mana 7 Charities
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 3968 W. Skye Drive
City: South Jordan
State: UT
Postal Code: 84095
Main Phone: (540) 660-4060
Main Fax:
Organization Website:
Employer ID Number: 46-4277543
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: April 10, 2024
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Increased Access to Quality Education for Rural Students Through Virtual Reality Learning
Project Description:

Mana 7 Charities, a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the singular purpose of providing education support for public schools, both charter and traditional. Mana 7 has partnered with a team of educators to support an highly innovative charter school model that addresses the obstacles of education access by leveraging the technological advances of virtual reality learning.

Virtual Horizons Charter School (VHCS) aims to provide a transformative education experience to students across the state of Utah, catering to grades 4-12 through virtual reality immersive learning. Primarily focused on serving students in remote areas, the school’s mission is to empower students with limitless possibilities through VR education, redefining traditional boundaries in learning. Their instructional model includes live, synchronous courses that adhere to Utah’s educational standards. Teachers undergo specific training in VR methods and virtual classroom engagement. VHCS integrates a variety of well-researched activities, from whole-class discussions to science experiments, utilizing paraprofessionals for additional student support. Recognizing the importance of human interaction, the school plans to utilize community centers to enhance student collaboration and engagement. Virtual Horizons Charter School’s overarching educational philosophy is to foster lifelong learning, build learner confidence and growth mindset, build metacognitive skills that empower students to gradually take ownership of their education, and to promote positive relationships between students, parents, and peers.

The Utah State Charter School Board has approved the charter for Virtual Horizons Charter School, scheduled to commence full operation for the 2025-2026 school year. Prior to the school’s opening, VCHS must recruit and train staff and school leadership, advertise for student enrollment, and finalize logistics for providing internet and equipment to registered students. We are seeking funding to support the preoperational year of VCHS which is crucial to the successful implementation of VHCS’s vision and the ultimate success of its students.

Total Project Budget: $188,790

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Potential sources of funding include Utah Charter School Revolving Fund loan and private foundation support including Larry H. Miller Foundation, New Schools Fund, Franks Family Foundation, McCarthey Family Foundation, and Val and Edith Green Foundation

Project Duration: January 2025 – August 2025
Geographical Area Served: Utah
Age Group To Be Served: 9-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Angela
Contact Last Name: Hansen
Contact Title: Mana 7 Charities Board President
Contact Phone: (540) 660-4060
Contact Email: angelauia4377@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Valley Symphony Orchestra
Legal Name (if Different): South Texas Symphony Association
Also Known As: VSO
Mailing Address: PO Box 2832
City: McAllen
State: Texas
Postal Code: 78502
Main Phone: 956-661-1615
Main Fax:
Organization Website: valleyorchestra.org
Employer ID Number: 74-1939277
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 04/10/24
Requested Amount: $7,000

Project Title: Valley Symphony Orchestra 2024/25 Season
Project Description:

The Valley Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) upcoming 2024-2025 programming, set at the esteemed McAllen Performing Arts Center, presents a season of cultural richness and diversity. Starting from November 2024 through April 2025, the lineup promises an array of classical favorites, family-oriented shows, including the highly anticipated A Touch of Frost holiday spectacle with the VSO Chorale, and a lively pops performance.

Beyond entertainment, our commitment extends to enriching the community by fostering creativity and inspiring the younger generation to embrace the arts. For over two decades, our Education Concerts have provided invaluable exposure to thousands of students, many of whom experience their first live orchestral performance through our program. Recent feedback indicates a significant impact on attendees, with the majority expressing their first-time attendance at both the McAllen Performing Arts Center and a professional live music event.

The new VSO Creative Youth Initiative aims to expand educational outreach in regional schools through innovative programming. Leveraging the expertise of bilingual educators within our orchestra, we strive to make arts education more accessible and engaging for our community’s youth.

Our Partners in Education program ensures access to our Masterworks concerts for high school students and their families at a reduced rate, thanks to the generous support of donors and sponsors. Additionally, initiatives like Educator and Student Rush Tickets offer discounted options, further democratizing access to our performances.

By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, the Valley Symphony Orchestra continues to serve as a cornerstone of cultural enrichment and community engagement in the McAllen and Rio Grande Valley area. We are dedicated to providing a platform for artistic expression and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts in our community.

Total Project Budget: 1,050,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Rea Charitable Trust, Corning Foundation, Alice Kleburg Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, City of McAllen, PNC Foundation, AEP Foundation, HEB Community Trust

Project Duration: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025
Geographical Area Served: Hidalgo County, Texas
Age Group To Be Served: All

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Angelika
Contact Last Name: Gualberto
Contact Title: Development Manager
Contact Phone: 956-616-4998
Contact Email: angelika.gualberto@valleyorchestra.org