Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Filipino American Symphony Orchestra
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: FASO
Mailing Address: 6621 Denny Ave.
City: North Hollywood
State: CA
Postal Code: 91606-2204
Main Phone: 213-770-2807
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: fasomusic.org
Employer ID Number: 46-2720347
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: FASO’s Education & Outreach Program
Project Description:

FASO aims to expand it’s year-round Education & Outreach Program, which currently educates 100-300 underserved youth from elementary to college level in BIPOC communities in L.A. and Orange counties with instrumental, songwriting, vocal classes and workshops. FASO’s programming is meant to nurture individual self-esteem and confidence as a person of color, and instill pride in one’s cultural identity, encouraging youth to advocate for themselves across industries. Filipino Americans are described as "invisible" or as the “forgotten minority,” with cultural narratives that are virtually unknown to the American public. Through its music programs, FASO increases visibility and helps integrate this predominantly immigrant group into the larger Los Angeles civic and cultural discourse. FASO’s Education & Outreach program provides music education and performance opportunities to diverse communities through:
Accessible string classes with free instruments for BIPOC communities and weekly music theory instruction.
The FASO Youth String Ensemble, serving over 40 young musicians aged 8-15 from the String Classes.
Interactive workshops in vocals, strings, winds, and songwriting, culminating in adjudicated recitals.
The Composition Program, fostering new works incorporating Filipino traditional music and indigenous instruments.
FASO’s diverse concert programming engages musicians, composers, educators, and producers to develop repertoire that resonates with the community. FASO’s unique educational program builds cultural bridges for young people and fosters appreciation for Filipino orchestral music.
The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra College Scholarship was established for college students in a degree program at an accredited higher education institution based in the United States to provide annual support.
Hermanowski funding would go directly to educating the students.

Total Project Budget: $70,400

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): California Arts Council, LA County Arts, City of LA Dept. of Cultural Affairs

Project Duration: Year-Round
Geographical Area Served: Glendale, LA, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Carson, Yorba Linda, Brea
Age Group To Be Served: 8 – 18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jilly
Contact Last Name: Canizares
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 3232409371
Contact Email: jilly@fasomusic.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Ross Ragland Theater & Cultural Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 200 N. 7th Street
City: Klamath Falls
State: Oregon
Postal Code: 97601
Main Phone: 5418878632
Main Fax: 541.884.8574
Organization Website: https://ragland.org/
Employer ID Number: 93-1006823
Organization Tax Status: 501 C 3 – Active

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/24/2025
Requested Amount: $4,800

Project Title: Summer Camps Program
Project Description:

Each summer, our vibrant Summer Camps Program brings together over 200 young artists from the Klamath Basin to explore creativity, build confidence, and develop invaluable life skills through the magic of theater.
Our little Sprouts Camp (ages 6-10) is designed for our youngest performers, offering morning and afternoon sessions, Monday through Friday. This is where budding thespians (grades K-4) dive into the fundamentals of acting, music, and movement, in a fun and supportive environment. This program culminates in a heartwarming mini-performance for the community—giving children their first taste of the stage while fostering teamwork and self-expression.
Our Youth Theater Camp (ages 10-18) is featuring Doctor Dolittle Jr this year. This immersive, three-week full day theater camp is a transformational experience for young actors, singers, and behind-the-scene creatives. Under the bright lights of the Ragland stage, students learn the ins and outs of a professional production—staging, improv, music, dance, set design, prop-making, costume creation, sound and video tech, and backstage crew work. More than just a show, this camp builds confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love for the performing arts.
For high school juniors and seniors interested in arts administration and event management, our internship program provides a real-world experience in organizing, planning, and running a full scale summer camp program—a stepping stone for future leaders in the performing arts and beyond.
We believe every child deserves the chance to shine. Scholarships are available to ensure financial barriers never stand in the way of a child’s artistic journey.

Total Project Budget: $28,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Klammath City School District- $ 16,000 -potential -3,500 committed fundraiser, 3,700 potential GAP NEA

Project Duration: 06/2026-08/2026
Geographical Area Served: rural southern oregon
Age Group To Be Served: ages 6-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Curtis
Contact Last Name: Peoples
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 5418878632
Contact Email: exec.director@ragland.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: PITCHBLACK Immersive Experiences
Legal Name (if Different): Pitchblack Immersive Experiences, Inc.
Also Known As: PITCHBLACK Immersive Experiences
Mailing Address: 520 8th Ave. Suite 308
City: New York
State: New York
Postal Code: 10018
Main Phone: 917-971-0010
Main Fax: na
Organization Website: https://pitchblackexperience.com/
Employer ID Number: na
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) non profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/2025
Requested Amount: 10000.00

Project Title: Odd Man Out – Tour
Project Description:

ODD MAN OUT is an immersive experience in complete darkness in which the audience hears, smells, tastes and feels the story of Alberto, a blind musician traveling home from New York to Buenos Aires after decades of self-exile. The passengers’ ears, noses, skin, and palates are engaged in an immersive journey of love, prejudice and fears that were left behind. The experience begins upon entering the venue, where attendees are checked in for their flight to Argentina by our PITCHBLACK Airlines gate agent. They then descend a travel-inspired staircase to a lounge before entering a completely dark cabin. As flight attendants seat them, they experience Alberto’s poignant story of love, loss, exile, and redemption, felt through his perspective.

Last summer, we made a significant impact with our Off-Broadway production of Odd Man Out and in a special presentation in the “Encuentro Festival” in Los Angeles. We’ve secured opportunities at festivals such as the Festival Internacional de Teatro Hispano de Miami, the Physical Theatre of Chicago, and the WOW Festival in La Jolla. While these festivals have committed to presenting us, their fees do not cover all production costs, and we are seeking additional funding to make up the difference. We have received generous support from the Radio Drama Network but aim to diversify our funding sources. With your help, we can fairly compensate our actors and crew, as we did in our Off-Broadway production, where weekly payments ranged from $700–$1000. More importantly, funding from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will enable us to expand our innovative storytelling beyond New York and LA, while fostering a deeper engagement with diverse audiences and communities.

Total Project Budget: 75000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Radio Drama Network, Dewing Foundation, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Shubert Foundation, Mellon Foundation , New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

Project Duration: 4 weeks
Geographical Area Served: We are based in NYC and have mainly served the east coast (NY, Pennsylvania, Florida) but hope to serve nationwide with this tour.
Age Group To Be Served: all ages

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Carlos
Contact Last Name: Armesto
Contact Title: C0-Founder and Co-Executive Producer
Contact Phone: 917-971-0010
Contact Email: pitchblack@theatrec.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Ross Ragland Theater & Cultural Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 200 N. 7th Street
City: Klamath Falls
State: Oregon
Postal Code: 97601
Main Phone: 5418878632
Main Fax: 541.884.8574
Organization Website: https://ragland.org/
Employer ID Number: 93-1006823
Organization Tax Status: 501 C 3 – Active

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/24/2025
Requested Amount: $4,800

Project Title: Summer Camps
Project Description:

Total Project Budget: $28,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Klammath City School District- $ 12,000 -potential

Project Duration: 06/2026-08/2026
Geographical Area Served: rural southern oregon
Age Group To Be Served: ages 6-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Curtis
Contact Last Name: Peoples
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 5418878632
Contact Email: exec.director@ragland.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Mighty Writers
Legal Name (if Different): Mighty Writers
Also Known As: Mighty Writers
Mailing Address: 12 E Church lane
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Postal Code: 19144
Main Phone: 2672390899
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.mightywriters.org
Employer ID Number: 010920922
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3-24-2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Mighty Writers Free After-School Programs, Mentorship Program and Summer camp for long-term success
Project Description:

Mighty Writers requests $10,000 to provide our free after-school programs across 11 Mighty Writers locations during FY 2026. Our locations include,
MW Germantown, 12 E. Church Lane, Phila., PA 19144
MW West, 3520 Fairmount, Phila., PA 19104
MW El Futuro, 1025 S. Ninth St., Phila., PA 19147
MW North, 2300 Master St., Phila., PA 19121
MW El Futuro Kennett, 121 Willow St., Toughkenamon, PA 19374
MW Camden, 1801 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08104
MW Camden East, 307 Ablett Village, Camden, NJ 08105.
MW Atlantic City, 15 N. California Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 0840
MW AC Upbeach, 211 Melrose Ave., Unit 5, Atlantic City 08401
MW Newark, 59 Lincoln Park, Newark, NJ 07102
MW El Paso, 361 Vinton Road, Anthony, TX 79821

Core program description:
After-School Academy: Daily SEL, homework help and writing program for grades 2-8. 
College & Career Prep: Weekly workshops and paid fellowships.
Literary arts and SEL: Weekend/evening art and mindfulness workshops for kids ages 3-17. 
Mentorships: Student and mentor pairs work together on academic and social-emotional goals. 
Mighty Toddlers: Early literacy program to build pre-writing skills. 
Summer camp: 6 to 8 weeks of project-based learning on literature, art and STEM topics.
MW At Home: Online programming
2026 program goals and outcomes:
– Teach 5,700+ underserved BIPOC kids and youth ages 3-17 to increase academic performance across the curriculum (reading, writing).
– Improve grade-level writing proficiency with increased creativity and motivation to write frequently.
Academic program outcomes: 
75% or more of MW students will be literacy proficient for their grade level. 
80% will agree, “Because of MW, my writing has improved.”
65% will agree, “Because of MW, I read more frequently.”
75% will agree, “Because of MW, I write outside school more frequently.” 
75% will agree, “Because of MW, I enjoy writing more.”

Total Project Budget: 3974989

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): 2,384,993

Project Duration: January 1, 2026- December 31, 2026
Geographical Area Served: Philadelphia, PA; Chester County, PA; Camden, AC and Newark, NJ; and EL Paso,Texas.
Age Group To Be Served: 3-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Sukripa
Contact Last Name: Shah
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 2672390899
Contact Email: sshah@mightywriters.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: KR8TIV Justice
Legal Name (if Different): KR8TIV Justice Corporation
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 205024
City: Brooklyn
State: NY
Postal Code: 11220
Main Phone: 323-949-1482
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.alceehwalker.com
Employer ID Number: 99-4336275
Organization Tax Status: 501 (3)(c) tax-exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/24/25
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: NextGen News: Headlines for Change
Project Description:

Project Purpose and Statement of Need
Across the U.S., millions of students from under-resourced communities face systemic barriers that limit their academic growth and future opportunities. Many lack access to quality mentorship, creative outlets, and career exploration—particularly in fields like journalism and media, where diverse representation remains critically low.

NextGen News: Headlines for Change was created to address this gap. This four-week summer journalism program equips high school students (grades 10–12) with hands-on training in investigative reporting, media production, and community storytelling. Through journalism, students develop essential skills—critical thinking, public speaking, research, and writing—while learning how to elevate the stories of their communities and become advocates for social change.

Project Description
NextGen News offers an immersive experience where youth will explore and report on real-world issues affecting their neighborhoods. Students will create professional-grade journalism pieces that will be publicly showcased, offering both exposure and empowerment.

Each week of the program focuses on a key area of journalistic development:
Week 1: Journalism Foundations & Community Research
Week 2: Interview Techniques & Story Development
Week 3: Live Reporting & Event Coverage
Week 4: Editing, Finalization & Community Presentation

Students will work with professional mentors, local journalists, and educators to develop their projects. Each cohort will culminate in a public screening and community dialogue event, ensuring not only skill development but also civic engagement.
Goals & Objectives
Equip youth with foundational journalism and media production skills.
Increase confidence, critical thinking, and advocacy through storytelling.
Provide tangible pathways to careers in journalism and media.
Amplify marginalized voices and increase awareness of local social issues.
Evaluation & Success Metrics
Pre- and post-program assessments measuring journalistic skills.
Completion of professional student journalism pieces.
Surveys measuring growth in student confidence, leadership, and career aspirations.
Tracking future enrollment in journalism programs or internships.
100% student completion of journalism projects and public presentations.
75% of participants report increased leadership skills and confidence.
At least 30% pursue journalism-related opportunities post-program.
Increased local awareness of key social issues via student storytelling.
Anticipated Outcomes
A professional portfolio of journalism work.
Enhanced communication and critical thinking skills.
A greater understanding of community advocacy and media literacy.
A clearer path to careers in journalism, broadcasting, and media production.

Total Project Budget: 100,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation – $25,000 (Committed)

Project Duration: June 2025-August 2025
Geographical Area Served: South Florida
Age Group To Be Served: High School Students

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Alcee H.
Contact Last Name: Walker
Contact Title: Founder/President
Contact Phone: 310-872-9266
Contact Email: awalker@cmdreamsfilms.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rhoxon Productions Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 710 Delaware Avenue
City: Erie
State: PA
Postal Code: 16505
Main Phone: 814.528.8940
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.rhoxonproductions@gmail.com
Employer ID Number: 93-3719145
Organization Tax Status: Tax Exempt 501c#

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/25/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Lucky: A Feature Film Illuminating the Realities of Stalking
Project Description:

"Lucky" is a psychological thriller about Daphne, a woman whose affair with her boss spirals into a dangerous web of manipulation, deceit, and violence. As Daphne fights to reclaim her life, she uncovers hidden forces in the corporate world that seek to silence her. This gripping narrative explores the emotional and societal repercussions of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.

This project will be Rhoxon Productions’ premiere feature film, with a talented team, including award-winning director Allison Dayne, actor and producer Katie Nixon, and Emmy-nominated director of photography Braden McClain. Our cast and crew include local talent from Erie, PA, fostering community engagement and empowering the next generation of filmmakers. We will shoot in unique locations like Watson Curtze Mansion, Presque Isle, and Erie’s Bayfront, highlighting the region’s beauty and promoting local tourism.

We are seeking funding to cover production costs, including script development, casting, set design, filming, and post-production. The funds will also support marketing and distribution efforts, including festival submissions, promotional campaigns, and community screenings. This film will create about 50 freelance jobs in an industry that has been ravaged since COVID.

"Lucky" is not just an artistic project but an opportunity for social change. Through compelling storytelling, we aim to spark conversations on harassment and create a platform for advocacy. Additionally, the film will provide economic benefits to Erie by employing local talent, supporting local businesses, and positioning the city as a film-friendly destination.

We believe "Lucky" will leave a lasting impact on audiences, inspire important conversations, and lay the foundation for future projects that drive positive social change.

Total Project Budget: 500,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Erie Community Foundation, Erie Insurance, Erie Arts and Culture, Angel Investors

Project Duration: 5 months
Geographical Area Served: North Western Pennsylvania
Age Group To Be Served: 16-45

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Katie
Contact Last Name: Nixon
Contact Title: President of Rhoxon Productions
Contact Phone: 8145288940
Contact Email: rhoxonproductions@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Laurel Civic Association Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): Laurel Civic Association Inc.
Also Known As: Laurel Civic, LCA
Mailing Address: 509 Collins Rd, PO Box 511
City: Laurel
State: Florida
Postal Code: 34272
Main Phone: 941-483-3338
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.LaurelCivic.org
Employer ID Number: 65-0187752
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 24, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Youth Empowerment Programs
Project Description:

Laurel Civic Association, Inc., is shaping foundations for successful lives for people of all ages in Sarasota County through education, life skills, personal empowerment, community awareness, and self-sufficiency.

Mission Statement: With our partners, we build strong foundations through programs that empower children and families to lead successful lives.

Laurel Civic supports primarily low-income and at-risk children through a multi-faceted Youth Development Program which currently provides 691 students with skills and structure they need to succeed.

Laurel Civic offers all Youth Empowerment Programs at no cost. All students are welcome to participate, regardless of their financial situation.

Kid’s Café – According to No Kid Hungry, children’s learning outcomes suffer when they regularly experience hunger and nutritional deficiency, which impacts concentration, memory, mood, motor skills, all of which children need to be successful in school. Kid’s Café provides 22,000+ hot, nutritious meals annually for every Youth Empowerment Program below.

Homework Assistance Program – Works in partnership with Sarasota County Public Schools and certified classroom teachers to provide academic tutoring.
Students use Chromebooks and internet, which are often unavailable at home. A record-high 126 students currently receive intensive academic support, through a low 4:1 student-to-teacher, staff, and volunteer ratio to ensure personalized guidance. This approach consistently drives strong academic outcomes.

Teen Empowerment Summer Program – Teens ages 14 to 19 work together in age groups to help plan for their future. Younger students experience peer interaction and learning opportunities to address topics and emerging issues they face at home and in society as young teens. Older students are empowered through hands-on career exploration, skill-building workshops, and financial literacy training.

Summer Reading Program – Empowers students to increase reading skills and abilities to help maintain and improve reading levels, avoiding the “summer slide”, and instilling a love of reading that will sustain their life-long learning.

Total Project Budget: $372,564

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Wilson Wood Foundation, Plantation Golf and Country Club, Venice Yacht Club, 100 Women Who Care, Wawa Foundation, Coldwell Banker Cares, Sarasota County

Project Duration: Ongoing, Kids Cafe year-round, Youth Academic Program 10 months of academic calendar, Teen Empowerment Program 7 weeks during summer break, Reading Program 7 weeks during summer break
Geographical Area Served: Students in south Sarasota County, primarily from Venice, Nokomis, Laurel, Osprey
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-K through Grade 12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Peter
Contact Last Name: Casamento, M.A.
Contact Title: President and CEO
Contact Phone: 941-483-3338
Contact Email: pcasamento@laurelcivic.net

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Real Champions, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 7596 W Main St
City: Ridgeland
State: South Carolina
Postal Code: 29936
Main Phone: 843-726-6000
Main Fax:
Organization Website: realchampionsinc.org
Employer ID Number: 81-3956956
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/25
Requested Amount: 6250

Project Title: Advocate Mentorship
Project Description:

Real Champions, Inc. exists to eliminate the cycle of generational poverty by providing trusted Advocate Mentors for children, starting in kindergarten and remaining through high school graduation. We work with the most vulnerable and underserved students – those whose families have been in poverty for at least two generations and have experienced at least one of the following: 1) single-parent household; 2) incarcerated/previously incarcerated parent; 3) Section 8/low-income housing for more than two years. Using a series of enrollment questions, including ACEs scores, school performance, behavior, and family history, we work closely with schools and families to identify students who need our help. Youth referred to our program typically test behind their current academic standing and do not have the advantage of high parental involvement due to barriers like transportation or scheduling conflicts.
 
Advocate Mentors step into these situations to equip and empower vulnerable students for success. They meet weekly with their mentees in school and after school, all year long, preparing and designing academic and experiential learning opportunities and targeted social-emotional learning (SEL) and “soft skill” activities. Advocate Mentors not only work closely with the child, but they also collaborate with the child’s family and other natural support systems. Advocate Mentors create “success teams” around each child by identifying natural mentors in the child’s life (such as family members, teachers, coaches, etc). And facilitating a cooperative process of planning, assessment, and advocacy to ensure that the child is well protected and equipped. They are also trained to partner with existing community organizations to secure tangible needs, such as clothing, food, and housing. They simultaneously act as mentors for children and advocates for the family, by assisting and connecting parents to resources in our community while directly working with each child.

Total Project Budget: 871,406

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Financial support for our program comes from individuals, organizations, and businesses (locally and nationally), and from grants from private, public, and corporate foundations. We have approximately 200 individual donors and 20 business partners. For privacy, we do not release names but are willing to share more information about our funding sources upon request and with the consent of the donors. Additionally, we have received numerous grants from the state of South Carolina’s Department of Social Services and from foundations, including the following: Dabo Swinney’s All In Foundation, Palmetto Electric, The Rogers/ Slater Foundation, The Baptist Foundation of South Carolina, Church Mouse of Hilton Head Island, Truist Bank, The Aflac Foundation, Heritage Classic Foundation, Truist Foundation, and Coastal States Bank.

Project Duration: Year round
Geographical Area Served: Lowcountry, South Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: Kindergarten-12th grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Brenna
Contact Last Name: Bennett
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 843-726-6000
Contact Email: development@realchampionsinc.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Real Champions, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 7596 W Main St
City: Ridgeland
State: South Carolina
Postal Code: 29936
Main Phone: 843-726-6000
Main Fax:
Organization Website: realchampionsinc.org
Employer ID Number: 81-3956956
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/25
Requested Amount: 6250

Project Title: Advocate Mentorship
Project Description:

Real Champions, Inc. exists to eliminate the cycle of generational poverty by providing trusted Advocate Mentors for children, starting in kindergarten and remaining through high school graduation. We work with the most vulnerable and underserved students – those whose families have been in poverty for at least two generations and have experienced at least one of the following: 1) single-parent household; 2) incarcerated/previously incarcerated parent; 3) Section 8/low-income housing for more than two years. Using a series of enrollment questions, including ACEs scores, school performance, behavior, and family history, we work closely with schools and families to identify students who need our help. Youth referred to our program typically test behind their current academic standing and do not have the advantage of high parental involvement due to barriers like transportation or scheduling conflicts.
 
Advocate Mentors step into these situations to equip and empower vulnerable students for success. They meet weekly with their mentees in school and after school, all year long, preparing and designing academic and experiential learning opportunities and targeted social-emotional learning (SEL) and “soft skill” activities. Advocate Mentors not only work closely with the child, but they also collaborate with the child’s family and other natural support systems. Advocate Mentors create “success teams” around each child by identifying natural mentors in the child’s life (such as family members, teachers, coaches, etc). And facilitating a cooperative process of planning, assessment, and advocacy to ensure that the child is well protected and equipped. They are also trained to partner with existing community organizations to secure tangible needs, such as clothing, food, and housing. They simultaneously act as mentors for children and advocates for the family, by assisting and connecting parents to resources in our community while directly working with each child.

Total Project Budget: 871,406

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Financial support for our program comes from individuals, organizations, and businesses (locally and nationally), and from grants from private, public, and corporate foundations. We have approximately 200 individual donors and 20 business partners. For privacy, we do not release names but are willing to share more information about our funding sources upon request and with the consent of the donors. Additionally, we have received numerous grants from the state of South Carolina’s Department of Social Services and from foundations, including the following: Dabo Swinney’s All In Foundation, Palmetto Electric, The Rogers/ Slater Foundation, The Baptist Foundation of South Carolina, Church Mouse of Hilton Head Island, Truist Bank, The Aflac Foundation, Heritage Classic Foundation, Truist Foundation, and Coastal States Bank.

Project Duration: Year round
Geographical Area Served: Lowcountry, South Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: Kindergarten-12th grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Brenna
Contact Last Name: Bennett
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 843-726-6000
Contact Email: development@realchampionsinc.org