Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Girls 4 Science
Legal Name (if Different): GIRLS 4 SCIENCE
Also Known As: G4S
Mailing Address: PO Box 288958
City: Chicago
State: IL
Postal Code: 60628
Main Phone: 773-401-6685
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.girls4science.org
Employer ID Number: 27-0147595
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Public Charity

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/25
Requested Amount: $7,500

Project Title: Saturday STEM Academy 2026
Project Description:

Girls 4 Science was established in 2009 to address the lack of accessible and affordable quality science programs for young girls of color in Chicago. Our mission is to enrich girls’ lives through early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and highlight women of color in STEM fields. We equip participants with knowledge, confidence, and motivation to pursue advanced scientific study and careers, with a vision to create a sustainable pipeline of women, especially women of color and those from under-resourced communities, into STEM careers.

Our flagship Saturday STEM Academy (SSA) runs for six weeks, four times per year, at three locations each time. High school and middle school students learn in blended classrooms and each session accommodates 100+ girls. With input from participants, parents, and partners, the Program Committee selects a topic for each quarterly session and presents it in partnership with a corporation or community organization with access to STEM professionals and subject matter expertise. Each session includes evidence-based activities proven to retain girls’ interest in STEM and build confidence in their STEM abilities including science exploration through project-based instruction in state of the art laboratories, field trips that provide opportunities to link concepts learned in the STEM curriculum to real-world applications, and career exploration through mentorships and speaker panels. Program goals include increasing confidence and competence in STEM subjects, fostering interest in STEM studies during high school and college, enhancing appreciation for pioneering women of color in STEM, and expanding understanding of diverse career paths for women in STEM.

SSA is the only free, non-selective, year-round STEM program for girls ages 10-18 years in the Chicago region. Annually, we serve a diverse population of over 500 girls from 54 cities and 193 schools, primarily from under-resourced communities of color on the south and west sides.

Total Project Budget: $319,025.98

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We are still in the early stages of applying for funding to support 2026 programming. The following have been requested and/or committed for 2025; those marked with an asterisk are renewable for the following year. Obama Foundation – Girls Opportunity Alliance $46,653 committed, *Old National Bank Foundation $15,000 committed, Albert Pick Jr. Fund $15,000 committed, *Ecolab $15,000 committed, *KSI Foundation $6,000 committed, *Protolabs $25,000 requested, GEICO $20,000 requested, *McGraw Foundation $5,000 requested, *Society for Science $5,000 requested

Project Duration: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Geographical Area Served: Chicagoland, IL
Age Group To Be Served: 10-18 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jackie
Contact Last Name: Lomax
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7734016685
Contact Email: jlomax@girls4science.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Caring for Kids, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1100 Graham Road Circle
City: Stow
State: Ohio
Postal Code: 44224
Main Phone: 3308034069
Main Fax:
Organization Website: cfkadopt.org
Employer ID Number: 34-1796454
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 28, 2024
Requested Amount: 5,033

Project Title: Family Ties: CFK Day Camp
Project Description:

Family Ties Day Camp is an innovative program designed to support adoptive youth ages 6-14, addressing the unique social and emotional challenges they often face. Recognizing that weekly therapy may not always provide sufficient support, Caring for Kids has worked to expand our behavioral health program with the addition of this week-long therapeutic day camp which offers an immersive experience focused on fostering social skills, building friendships, and promoting personal growth.

That camp’s structure combines therapeutic interventions, such as group activities and social skill training, with opportunities for free play, peer connection, and skill-based activities. This balanced approach ensures participants have a supportive and engaging environment to develop essential life skills.

Beyond the benefits for the youth, Family Ties Day Camp also provides a meaningful opportunity for families to grow closer. It is not uncommon for foster and adoptive families to feel at a loss for a network of support or a community that understands their unique perspective and family dynamic. By connecting children with peers who share similar experiences, the camp strengthens family dynamics and support systems, creating an environment where both youth and parents feel empowered and understood.

Caring for Kids families have been asking for more connection, and we knew it was time to expand support to them! We opened a preliminary registration to get an outlook on interest for this day camp, with a goal of 16 youth participating in year one, but within 48 hours of opening registration, we had 21 youth on the waitlist. CFK is committed to walking with these families through every step of the way. We hope you will join us!

Total Project Budget: 5,033

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): This one-time contribution from the Hermanowski Foundation will fully fund the first year of the Family Ties Day Camp. Many of the initial purchases will be reusable, helping to establish a sustainable foundation for continuing the program in future years.sible.

Project Duration: June 2025
Geographical Area Served: Northeast Ohio
Age Group To Be Served: Youth aged 6-14

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Ben
Contact Last Name: Thompson
Contact Title: Agency Development Director
Contact Phone: 3306900200
Contact Email: ben@cfkadopt.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Prevent Child Abuse Vermont
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 829
City: Montpelier
State: Vermont
Postal Code: 05601
Main Phone: 802-229-5724
Main Fax: 802-223-5567
Organization Website: www.pcavt.org
Employer ID Number: 03-0267183
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Protecting Youth on the Internet
Project Description:

Youth are at risk online. Parents and other concerned adults do not know how to prevent online grooming and predation, online pornography exposure, youth sexting behaviors, and revenge porn. In the U.S. a survey found that 16% of 18 to 28-year-olds had experienced a form of online sexual abuse before age of 18. Reports to national hotlines about online sexual abuse are doubling each year. Another study found that 27% of youth between 13 and 17 years old admitted to having online sexual behaviors with someone they thought was their own age and another 29% had experienced online sexual behavior with an adult. Online pornography exposure is shockingly common with 54% of teens’ first exposure to pornography occurring prior to age13 and 15% occurring while youth were under the age of 10. The problem of internet risk is rising. PCAVT has developed excellent programming to prevent youth from the trauma associated with unhealthy experiences online. Our curricula has excellent results shown in before and after knowledge and skills for both students (7th to 12th grades) and for adults who are parents, teachers, social workers, and other adults who interact with this vulnerable group of youth.

PCAVT already has trained personnel of schools, child advocacy centers, sexual and domestic violence prevention organizations, Children’s Trust Funds, and Prevent Child Abuse America chapters in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Some organizations cannot afford to pay for these materials and training, but their communities especially need prevention.

Total Project Budget: $15,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Other Funding: Vermont Children’s Trust Fund, sales of curricula, individual and corporate donors Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Prevent Child Abuse America Chapters, Child Advocacy Centers across the U.S., Schools across the U.S., Professionals who work in child / youth protection and child / youth advocacy across the U.S.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: U.S. Nationwide
Age Group To Be Served: Organizations and professionals who work with youth aged 11 years old to 18 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Joy
Contact Last Name: Kitchell
Contact Title: Director of the Healthy Relationships Project
Contact Phone: 802-229-5724
Contact Email: jkitchell@pcavt.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Prevent Child Abuse Vermont
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 829
City: Montpelier
State: Vermont
Postal Code: 05601
Main Phone: 802-229-5724
Main Fax: 802-223-5567
Organization Website: www.pcavt.org
Employer ID Number: 03-0267183
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Protecting Youth on the Internet
Project Description:

Youth are at risk online. Parents and other concerned adults do not know how to prevent online grooming and predation, online pornography exposure, youth sexting behaviors, and revenge porn. In the U.S. a survey found that 16% of 18 to 28-year-olds had experienced a form of online sexual abuse before age of 18. Reports to national hotlines about online sexual abuse are doubling each year. Another study found that 27% of youth between 13 and 17 years old admitted to having online sexual behaviors with someone they thought was their own age and another 29% had experienced online sexual behavior with an adult. Online pornography exposure is shockingly common with 54% of teens’ first exposure to pornography occurring prior to age13 and 15% occurring while youth were under the age of 10. The problem of internet risk is rising. PCAVT has developed excellent programming to prevent youth from the trauma associated with unhealthy experiences online. Our curricula has excellent results shown in before and after knowledge and skills for both students (7th to 12th grades) and for adults who are parents, teachers, social workers, and other adults who interact with this vulnerable group of youth.

PCAVT already has trained personnel of schools, child advocacy centers, sexual and domestic violence prevention organizations, Children’s Trust Funds, and Prevent Child Abuse America chapters in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Some organizations cannot afford to pay for these materials and training, but their communities especially need prevention.

Total Project Budget: $15,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Other Funding: Vermont Children’s Trust Fund, sales of curricula, individual and corporate donors Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Prevent Child Abuse America Chapters, Child Advocacy Centers across the U.S., Schools across the U.S., Professionals who work in child / youth protection and child / youth advocacy across the U.S.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: U.S. Nationwide
Age Group To Be Served: Organizations and professionals who work with youth aged 11 years old to 18 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Contact Title:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: CHOP Out Hunger
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Child Hunger Outreach Partners
Mailing Address: 2 Elizabeth St
City: Towanda
State: PA
Postal Code: 18848
Main Phone: 5704855050
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.chopouthunger.org
Employer ID Number: 83-3319637
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/28/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: CHOP Out Hunger Feeding Food Insecure Children
Project Description:

CHOP Out Hunger was founded on a simple yet urgent mission: to ensure that no child goes hungry. The organization was born from the firsthand experience of Dani Ruhf, its founder and CEO, who recognized that many students without lunch money were going without meals. Determined to address this issue, Dani took action by launching a backpack program, providing food to students to take home over the weekend—ensuring they did not go without meals when school was not in session.
What started as a small grassroots effort quickly grew into a transformative initiative. In 2019, CHOP Out Hunger expanded its reach by establishing its first in-school pantry, providing students with direct access to food in a dignified and accessible manner. The program’s impact was immediate and profound, setting the stage for rapid expansion.
As awareness of the need spread, CHOP Out Hunger scaled its operations dramatically. Today, the organization serves over 45,000 students weekly across more than twenty counties in Pennsylvania. Through its Backpack Program and In-School Pantries, CHOP Out Hunger has become a critical support system for food-insecure children, ensuring they have consistent access to food.
Beyond feeding children, CHOP Out Hunger is invested in the future. By alleviating food insecurity, the organization empowers students to focus on their education, setting them on a path to becoming the next generation of leaders. With continued growth and innovation, CHOP Out Hunger remains steadfast in its mission: ensuring every child has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Total Project Budget: 1,684,812

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): CHOP Out Hunger is dedicated to sustaining and expanding this program through strategic partnerships, diversified funding, and community support. We work closely with food banks, local businesses, and corporate sponsors to maintain a steady supply of food while seeking additional grant funding to expand our reach. Additionally, we engage in community fundraising efforts and donor outreach to ensure financial stability. By demonstrating measurable success and fostering strong relationships with schools and stakeholders, we aim to secure long-term investment in our mission. Through collaboration and continuous advocacy, CHOP Out Hunger will remain a reliable resource in the fight against childhood hunger.

Project Duration: The project is ongoing but typically runs during the school year.
Geographical Area Served: Over twenty counties in Pennsylvania
Age Group To Be Served: 4-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Amanda
Contact Last Name: Colegrove
Contact Title: Grant Specialist
Contact Phone: 5704410048
Contact Email: amanda@chopouthunger.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Supportive Housing Communities
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: N/A
Mailing Address: 601 E. 5th St. Suite 255
City: Charlotte
State: NC
Postal Code: 28202
Main Phone: (704) 248-3793
Main Fax: (704) 248-3789
Organization Website: https://supportivehousingcommunities.org/
Employer ID Number: 58-2067479
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/28/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Keeping Families Together
Project Description:

Our mission at Supportive Housing Communities (SHC) is to provide affordable housing to alleviate homelessness and human suffering. We specifically serve the chronically homeless – which describes individuals who have experienced homelessness for over a year and are diagnosed with at least one disabling condition, such as alcoholism, mental illness, or a chronic disease – by providing a full continuum of financial support (so they can afford a place to live) alongside supportive services (so they can achieve stability).

We request support for our Keeping Families Together (KFT) program, through which SHC partners with Mecklenburg County Child Protective Services (CPS) to assist families at risk of losing their children due to housing instability. Housing instability is a leading contributor to family separations and children entering the foster care system – and children who enter foster care face significant trauma, disrupted education, developmental delays, and long-term emotional and psychological challenges.

Through KFT, we provide 50 families per year who have open CPS cases with housing assistance, case management, and life skills training with the goal of keeping family units intact and children in school. We provide placement support, lease management, and financial assistance so families can access and afford housing. Families contribute up to 30% of their income toward rent and we cover the rest using government contracts. Dedicated case managers work with each family to set goals, provide ongoing support, and connect them to resources such as mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and employment assistance. We offer group and one-on-one training on financial literacy, parenting strategies, maintain a tidy home, paying bills, and other skills that contribute to long-term self-sufficiency.

Our program is designed to prevent the trauma of family separation, disrupt cycles of housing instability, and equip children with the resources to climb out of poverty and build healthy lives.

Total Project Budget: 2450602

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Mecklenburg County ($1,561,832), Rental income ($150,000), Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation ($50,000), Publix Charities ($6,500). Potential: Duke Endowment ($600,000)

Project Duration: While we are requesting one year of support from The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation, our Keeping Families Together program is ongoing. New
Geographical Area Served: Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: 0-54

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Kristina
Contact Last Name: Aquilone
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: (704) 248-3793
Contact Email: kristina@aplacetoliveagain.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Supportive Housing Communities
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: N/A
Mailing Address: 601 E. 5th St. Suite 255
City: Charlotte
State: NC
Postal Code: 28202
Main Phone: (704) 248-3793
Main Fax: (704) 248-3789
Organization Website: https://supportivehousingcommunities.org/
Employer ID Number: 58-2067479
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/28/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Keeping Families Together
Project Description:

Our mission at Supportive Housing Communities (SHC) is to provide affordable housing to alleviate homelessness and human suffering. We specifically serve the chronically homeless – which describes individuals who have experienced homelessness for over a year and are diagnosed with at least one disabling condition, such as alcoholism, mental illness, or a chronic disease – by providing a full continuum of financial support (so they can afford a place to live) alongside supportive services (so they can achieve stability).

We request support for our Keeping Families Together (KFT) program, through which SHC partners with Mecklenburg County Child Protective Services (CPS) to assist families at risk of losing their children due to housing instability. Housing instability is a leading contributor to family separations and children entering the foster care system – and children who enter foster care face significant trauma, disrupted education, developmental delays, and long-term emotional and psychological challenges.

Through KFT, we provide 50 families per year who have open CPS cases with housing assistance, case management, and life skills training with the goal of keeping family units intact and children in school. We provide placement support, lease management, and financial assistance so families can access and afford housing. Families contribute up to 30% of their income toward rent and we cover the rest using government contracts. Dedicated case managers work with each family to set goals, provide ongoing support, and connect them to resources such as mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and employment assistance. We offer group and one-on-one training on financial literacy, parenting strategies, maintain a tidy home, paying bills, and other skills that contribute to long-term self-sufficiency.

Our program is designed to prevent the trauma of family separation, disrupt cycles of housing instability, and equip children with the resources to climb out of poverty and build healthy lives.

Total Project Budget: 2450602

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Mecklenburg County ($1,561,832), Rental income ($150,000), Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation ($50,000), Publix Charities ($6,500). Potential: Duke Endowment ($600,000)

Project Duration: While we are requesting one year of support from The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation, our Keeping Families Together program is ongoing. New
Geographical Area Served: Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: 0-54

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Kristina
Contact Last Name: Aquilone
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: (704) 248-3793
Contact Email: kristina@aplacetoliveagain.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Project One Day
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 27221
City: Houston
State: TX
Postal Code: 77227
Main Phone: 8326031153
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.podhouston.org/
Employer ID Number: 84-3963489
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/28/2025
Requested Amount: 7000

Project Title: General Operations
Project Description:

Across Houston, thousands of single parents face devastating barriers to accessing safe, affordable childcare. Full-time infant care costs, on average, $18,000 per year—a crushing burden for minimum-wage earners, who bring home just $15,000 annually. Since 1990, childcare costs have soared by 220%, far outpacing inflation, consuming at least two-thirds of a low-income parent’s wages. This forces families into impossible choices: leave their child in unsafe, unlicensed care, sacrifice work and financial stability, or fall deeper into poverty. Project One Day (POD) is a Christ-centered nonprofit childcare model serving children ages six weeks to three years old. Designed to support single parents, POD offers an innovative model that lowers costs, engages parents, and ensures an excellent student-to-teacher ratio while providing high-quality early learning in a faith-based setting. Parents volunteer one day per week in exchange for 40 hours of free childcare, allowing them to work or pursue education. Training for the program is 100% free and can be completed in 30 classroom hours. POD prioritizes infants—often underserved due to high care costs—providing essential support during critical early development. POD’s unique model reduces operating costs by $5,000 per child. However, $12,900 of expenses remain to cover meals, diapers, and a nurturing environment. Project One Day covers 100% of this, so no parent pays tuition. Knowing that 60% of infant childcare budgets go to teacher salaries to comply with state mandates for student-to-teacher ratios, POD’s model allows for top-notch student-to-teach ratios at a lower cost.

This project ensures infants receive safe, high-quality care while single parents work or study to achieve financial stability. By bridging gaps in infant care, POD supports healthy development and early intervention, improving long-term outcomes. This investment helps break cycles of poverty, providing children with nurturing environments and brighter futures.

Total Project Budget: 453,139

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Charity Guild of Catholic Women. Potential: St. Luke’s UMC, Faye L. and William L. Cowden Foundation, Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable Trust, and Robert W. Knox Sr. And Pearl Wallis Knox Foundation.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Harris County – We serve Sharpstown, which is an economically at-risk neighborhood with all the parents in our program living at or below 250% of the poverty line and 80% are single parent households.
Age Group To Be Served: 6 weeks – 3 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Jennifer
Contact Last Name: Johnson
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 832-603-1153
Contact Email: jennifer.johnson@podhouston.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 360 N. Arroyo Blvd
City: Pasadena
State: CA
Postal Code: 91103
Main Phone: (626) 564-0330
Main Fax: 626-356-7572
Organization Website: https://rosebowlaquatics.org/
Employer ID Number: 95-3994788
Organization Tax Status: 501 c 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 28, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Adaptive Swim Program
Project Description:

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) respectfully requests $10,000 to support our Adaptive Swim Program, the only one of its kind in the region, serving individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Participants gain essential water safety skills through adaptive swim lessons and have the opportunity to join the Rays Team, our adaptive swim team. To ensure equitable access, RBAC provides financial assistance to remove economic barriers for traditionally marginalized populations, making our programs accessible to all. Through this program, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive in aquatic activities.

Drowning remains the second leading cause of unintentional injury death, with individuals with disabilities, such as autism, epilepsy, and Down Syndrome, facing an even higher risk. The Autism Society reports that children with autism spectrum disorder are 160 times more likely to experience a nonfatal or fatal drowning compared to their neurotypical peers. In addition to teaching life-saving water safety skills, this program fosters confidence, independence, and self-esteem while promoting health and wellness through low-impact aquatic activities. RBAC also invests in ongoing instructor training to ensure our staff meets the evolving needs of children and families. This program exemplifies our mission to empower communities and change lives through accessible, inclusive aquatics.

Total Project Budget: $331,874

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Georgina-Fredrick Children’s Foundation: $25,000.00 – Potential Patron Saints Foundation: $25,000.00 – Potential RBAC Support: $709,322.51 – Potential Total Potential Funding Sources: $759,322.51

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Los Angeles County, Pasadena & West San Gabriel Valley
Age Group To Be Served: 5 to 40

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alyce
Contact Last Name: Monet
Contact Title: Development Manager
Contact Phone: (626) 564-0330 x 422
Contact Email: amonet@rosebowlaquatics.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Seattle Arts & Lectures
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: SAL
Mailing Address: 340 15th Ave E #301
City: Seattle
State: Washington
Postal Code: 98112
Main Phone: 206.621.2230
Main Fax:
Organization Website: lectures.org
Employer ID Number: 91-1384964
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 28, 20225
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Writers in the Schools (WITS)
Project Description:

For 30 years, our Writers in the Schools (WITS) program places local, professional writers with teaching experience in extended classroom residencies at 36 K-12 public schools and at 2 Seattle Children’s Hospital departments. Serving over 6,000 students, WITS empowers young people to discover and develop their authentic writing and performance voices and nurture a love of and joy for reading, writing, and creative expression. WITS is unique in that it reaches all students in a classroom, including students who do not yet identify as writers. We prioritize bringing WITS to historically underserved students with the least access to enriching arts learning opportunities. Last school year, over half of our partnering schools were under-resourced and served majority populations of students from low-income households (based on Free and Reduced-Price Meal eligibility) and who identify as BIPOC.
We launched WITS Rewritten, a new pilot program that provides WITS residencies at no cost to schools that serve large populations of students furthest from educational justice. For its inaugural year, WITS Rewritten served 534 students at three schools: Wing Luke Elementary, Denny International Middle School, and Rainier Beach High School in the Seattle Public Schools District.
This year through a new partnership with Seattle Public Schools’ Summer Learning program, six WITS Writers led creative writing residencies at Graham Hill Elementary School, from July 8th to August 2nd, for K-4th grade students who need additional support and opportunities to succeed.

Total Project Budget: $708,963

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): 716,168

Project Duration: Ongoing every school year (every 12 months)
Geographical Area Served: King County, Snohomish County
Age Group To Be Served: K-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Inez Maubane
Contact Last Name: Jones
Contact Title: Grants & Sponsorships Manager
Contact Phone: 206.621.2230 x27
Contact Email: imjones@lectures.org