Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: WeGo Together for Kids
Legal Name (if Different): Metropolitan Family Services
Also Known As: WeGo Together for Kids
Mailing Address: 222 E Willow Ave
City: Wheaton
State: IL
Postal Code: 60187
Main Phone: 7738023881
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wegotogetherforkids.com
Employer ID Number: 36-2167940
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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

Project Title: Community Social Worker
Project Description:

This project aims to expand mental health services and community engagement in West Chicago by hiring a bilingual Community Social Worker (CSW). The CSW will provide mental health services, programs, and resources to children and families in community spaces such as food pantries, libraries, faith communities, and laundromats. They will offer direct services like parenting classes, group therapy, and one-on-one therapy, while also supporting partner organizations by integrating social-emotional elements into existing programs and providing basic mental health training for staff.

The goals are to:
1. Connect parents and children to mental health resources and ongoing support.
2. Reduce stigma around mental health services.
3. Enhance social-emotional development in existing programs.

This approach addresses the top need for behavioral health services in West Chicago, especially for low-income, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking families. By meeting people where they are, the project aims to eliminate transportation barriers and normalize mental health practices without adding to families’ schedules.

The community-based approach will help decrease the stigma of accessing mental health services, particularly in the Hispanic community. By expanding the presence of a mental health provider in everyday spaces, the project seeks to create a healthier culture in West Chicago and improve coping skills, self-regulation, communication, and emotional awareness for both children and parents.

This initiative builds on a current pilot program using a Master’s level intern and aims to create a full-time, permanent position to maximize impact and reach in the community.

Total Project Budget: $85,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): DuPage County (potential); Northwestern Medicine (potential); DuPage Foundation (potential); United Way of Metro Chicago (confirmed)

Project Duration: ongoing
Geographical Area Served: West Chicago, IL
Age Group To Be Served: children and their families

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Molly
Contact Last Name: Beck Dean
Contact Title: Director, WeGo Together for Kids
Contact Phone: 7738023881
Contact Email: beckdeanm@metrofamily.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: House of Ruth
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 5 Thomas Circle NW
City: Washington
State: DC
Postal Code: 20005
Main Phone: 202-667-7001
Main Fax:
Organization Website: houseofruth.org
Employer ID Number: 521054102
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c ) 3

Proposal Information

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

Project Title: Kidspace Child and Family Development Center
Project Description:

Since 1976, House of Ruth has empowered women, children and families in Washington, D.C. to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and houselessness. Our continuum of services encompasses 12 service-enriched housing programs, trauma-informed daycare for children, and free counseling to empower anyone, regardless of gender, who is a survivor of trauma and abuse. We serve more than 1,000 individuals every year.

Funding is requested for House of Ruth’s Kidspace Child and Family Development Center. For more than thirty years, Kidspace has provided what survivors of domestic violence and houselessness need: a therapeutic place for their children, nearly all of whom are vulnerable to developmental delays, to find stability, to heal, and to be taught and treasured. Kidspace offers free, year-round, critical early-childhood learning and development services to unhoused children. Kidspace’s enriching childcare is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am-6pm year-round. In addition to an excellent infant, toddler, and pre-school curriculum, children receive onsite occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy and extensive support in developing social-emotional skills. Our Family Engagement Specialists engage parents in positively supporting their child’s development. Thanks to our innovative partnership with MedStar Georgetown Hospital, we offer multi-generational mental health supports for both parents and children. All staff are trained to provide trauma-informed care. We offer healthy meals and daily snacks to all enrolled children. All services are provided at no cost to the children and families we serve. Last fiscal year, Kidspace served 76 children and 88 parents.

Kidspace is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, an industry standard for recognizing high quality early childhood education programs. Kidspace is also rated “High Quality” by D.C.’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

Total Project Budget: 3,196,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Local Government Funding: $1,246,000 Private Contributions: $1,950,000

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Washington, DC
Age Group To Be Served: 6 weeks to 5 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Michaela
Contact Last Name: Muttom
Contact Title: Foundation Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 202-597-5798
Contact Email: mmuttom@houseofruth.rog

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Marquee Arts
Legal Name (if Different): Michigan Theater Foundation
Also Known As: The Michigan and State Theaters
Mailing Address: 603 E Liberty St
City: Ann Arbor
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 48104
Main Phone: 734-668-8397
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.marqueearts.org
Employer ID Number: 38-2269013
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/2025
Requested Amount: 7500

Project Title: Free Family Movie Series Celebrating Togetherness Through the Arts
Project Description:

The Free Family Movie Series is a vibrant, year-round program designed to bring our community together through the shared experience of cinema. Hosted monthly and open to the public at no cost, the series invites families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy beloved classics, animated adventures, and culturally significant films in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Held at the historic, 1600 seat, Michigan Theater, these screenings create an atmosphere of joy, connection, learning and nostalgia.

More than just movies, this series is an entry point into the power of storytelling and the broader world of the cinematic arts. Each event provides opportunities for informal learning and enrichment, with select screenings featuring guest appearances and Q&A sessions with cinema industry professionals. From directors and editors to costume designers and voice actors, these artists share behind-the-scenes insights that demystify the filmmaking process and spark curiosity in both children and adults.

The Free Family Movie Series is rooted in our belief that the arts are for everyone. By eliminating financial barriers, we invite all members of the community to participate in cultural programming that entertains, educates, and inspires. Whether it’s a child’s first movie or a family’s monthly tradition, these experiences cultivate a deep sense of togetherness, creativity, and community pride. Through laughter, learning, and shared storytelling, we are building lasting memories—one movie at a time.

Total Project Budget: $42,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Bank of Ann Arbor, Dominos Pizza, Ann Arbor Community Foundation, Creative Washtenaw

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Washtenaw County
Age Group To Be Served: 3-12 and families

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Molly
Contact Last Name: Rowan
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 208-283-7065
Contact Email: mrowan@marqueearts.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Epicenter of Monterey
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The Epicenter
Mailing Address: 737 South Main Street
City: Salinas
State: CA
Postal Code: 93901
Main Phone: 831-998-7291
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://epicentermonterey.org
Employer ID Number: 47-5474622
Organization Tax Status: 501 C3 Non Profit Organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03-24-2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Providing Essential Skills Development for Foster Youth
Project Description:

The Epicenter exists to empower at risk and system involved youth ages 12-18 to flourish by connecting them to community resources that provide opportunities for equity and hope in order to improve youth outcomes in Monterey County. We offer a range of support services, including job training and placement, educational support, mental health counseling, and housing assistance. Our organization primarily serves and supports youth impacted by the foster care system, probation youth, and youth experiencing homelessness. Annually, we serve over 300 youth in various programs to include LGBTQ support, and our Friday Night Live drug and alcohol youth prevention program.

The Epicenter is requesting funding to provide foster youth with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills development. Requested funding will help youth develop essential skills to navigate challenges, improve decision making and to prevent drug and alcohol use and other risky behaviors. Our focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)skills building will help improve emotional regulation and health outcomes for youth. The population to be served are Monterey County children and youth ages 12-18, most of who are from low-income and marginalized demographics (to include, Foster Youth, Youth Experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity, and Probation youth). The Epicenter will serve 40-60 youth. The majority of our population is Hispanic/Latino. Funding will support program staff and supplies.

Total Project Budget: $20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Community Foundation for Monterey County-$10,000 Committed

Project Duration: November 1, 2025-October 31, 2026 12 month project period
Geographical Area Served: Salinas, California
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Rose
Contact Last Name: Vasquez
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 8315857293
Contact Email: strategicwritingandconsulting@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: NOMMA
Mailing Address: 425 O’Bannon Street
City: New Orleans
State: Louisiana
Postal Code: 70114
Main Phone: 504.227.3810
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.nomma.net
Employer ID Number: 27-0868305
Organization Tax Status: Tax Exempt 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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

Project Title: High Quality Education Initiatives at NOMMA
Project Description:

We are requesting this grant to support our efforts in providing a holistic, high-quality education to the 947 cadets at the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy (NOMMA). Our goal is to enhance academic performance, leadership development, and social-emotional well-being among our students, many of whom face economic disadvantages and other challenges. If awarded, the funds will be used to support professional development for staff, revitalization of extracurricular activities, maintenance of school facilities, transportation, and expansion of our social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. These investments will strengthen our ability to provide a well-rounded education, preparing our cadets for future academic and career success. We aim to achieve several key outcomes, including maintaining our 95% graduation rate, ensuring two-thirds of our students earn industry-based credentials, and increasing family and community engagement. These outcomes reflect our commitment to student growth and readiness for both higher education and leadership roles.

Total Project Budget: 17,399,170

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): First Horizon Bank, New Orleans Recreation Culture Fund, Pro Bono Publico, Keller Family Foundation, Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation

Project Duration: 12 Months
Geographical Area Served: Greater New Orleans Area, Louisiana
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Colonel
Contact First Name: Chris
Contact Last Name: Schlafer
Contact Title: Commandant
Contact Phone: 504.227.3810
Contact Email: development@nomma.net

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Ms Jd
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 440 N BARRANCA #4942
City: Covina
State: CA
Postal Code: 91723
Main Phone: 6174605311
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ms-jd.org
Employer ID Number: 20-5112363
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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

Project Title: Determined to Rise 2026
Project Description:

Determined to Rise is a one-day academy in law and leadership for middle-school girls, entering grades 6-8, with fun and engaging workshops and inspiring speakers. By providing opportunities for education and interaction with women law students and attorneys, Ms. JD’s Determined to Rise Academy empowers girls to see themselves as future legislative leaders and members of the legal profession.
Ms. JD currently executes two Determined to Rise academies each year (Chicago and Boston) at no cost to participants, and is poised to expand this program to D.C. and other regions in the Northeast and Southwest (TBA) due to increasing demand.

Total Project Budget: 68545.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $50,000 in committed and potential program sponsorships, $8,000 in fundraising event revenue.

Project Duration: 1 year (3 workshops)
Geographical Area Served: U.S. (national and regional)
Age Group To Be Served: 11-14 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Andrea
Contact Last Name: Watson
Contact Title: Development Director
Contact Phone: 480-389-6077
Contact Email: awatson@ms-jd.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Heroes Circle | Kids Kicking Cancer
Legal Name (if Different): Kids Kicking Cancer
Also Known As: Heroes Circle
Mailing Address: 27600 Northwestern Highway, Suite 220
City: Southfield
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 48034
Main Phone: 248-864-8238
Main Fax: 248- 864-8245
Organization Website: https://heroescircle.org
Employer ID Number: 38-3500655
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/25
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Supporting Pediatric Healing
Project Description:

The Pediatric Healing Program offers children undergoing treatment for pediatric illness the tools to promote resiliency and self-regulation so they can better manage their response to pain, stress, and anxiety during medical treatment and beyond. Our method of therapies is designed to engage a child’s imagination while teaching them how to work through overwhelming emotions.

From the physical perspective, we offer a proprietary technique which allows children to mindfully mitigate both pain and stress. Clinically evaluated, the protocol is proven to calm those “fight or flight” areas of the brain, targeting those which register pain and provoke stress.

From the psychosocial perspective, we offer camaraderie, a deeply empathetic community of individuals who share similar experiences, and opportunity for social experiences.

Services are provided at inpatient and outpatient levels through hospital, clinical, and community partnerships. Wraparound services and targeted programming are offered through our outpatient programming. Programming is offered in in-person and virtual formats to ensure accessibility.

Services are primarily delivered through our martial-arts instructors, who have undergone extensive training to become certified instructors in our program, in addition to their black-belt their own practices.

As our Chief Martial Artist shared, “The beauty of Martial Artists helping to navigate children through their illnesses is a child’s innate belief that the Black Belts possess special powers.  Walking into a hospital room or clinic adorned in a martial arts uniform and Black Belt, the instructor immediately commands attention based on her or his presence alone.  Articulating that they are there to assist the child in their journey helps to solidify the relationship, even on a first visit.”

We also retain a social worker and child life specialist on our team to ensure services are readily available and offered at the highest level of quality possible.

Total Project Budget: 750,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Children’s Foundation- committed, Abrams Foundation- committed, Anonymous Foundation- committed, Subaru Share the Love Campaign- committed, Star Lincoln- committed, Variety Children’s Charity- Pending

Project Duration: 1/1/2025-12/31/2025
Geographical Area Served: Michigan (statewide)
Age Group To Be Served: 3-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Amanda
Contact Last Name: Rogers
Contact Title: Development & Research Associate
Contact Phone: 248-864-8238
Contact Email: arogers@kidskickingcancer.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: ACFA
Mailing Address: 745 N Sanborn Road
City: Salinas
State: CA
Postal Code: 93905
Main Phone: 831-758-5715
Main Fax:
Organization Website: http://alisalfinearts.org
Employer ID Number: 77-0194560
Organization Tax Status: 501 C3 Non Profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03-24-2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: ACFA Visual Arts Program
Project Description:

Since 1986, The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts (ACFA) has provided cultural art experiences and instruction to children, youth and families living in East Salinas. During this period, ACFA has established itself as a cultural and artistic community "hub" of the community. ACFA is the focal point and home to a growing number of budding artists, art programs and community art collectives working to empower and provide enrichment opportunities for youth. ACFA provides a safe and welcoming space for youth to grow and explore their artistic abilities.

We provide opportunities for young artists to showcase their art through art exhibitions, musical performances and cultural celebrations, all free to the community.

The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts is requesting program funding for our “Visual Art” program.
ACFA Cultural & Family Arts is a visual arts program that offers a creative space for youth to explore
diverse cultural traditions and histories. Through hands-on art activities, we promote cultural awareness and the preservation of family values, deeply rooted in the community we serve.

Fall Family Art encourages families to create art together, fostering connection and cultural expression through collaborative projects.
Beginning Art introduces youth to the basics of visual arts, helping them develop foundational skills and an appreciation for various art forms.
Advanced Art builds on these skills, offering more complex techniques and opportunities for artistic growth.

This program provides a creative space for cultural exploration, where youth are exposed to a plethora of cultural traditions and history through visual arts. Our activities promote cultural awareness and preservation of family values that are relevant to the community we serve. Our visual arts workshops are open to participants of all skill levels and experience and engage whole families, especially during the Fall, in preparation for our annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration.

Total Project Budget: $36,400

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Packard Foundation $10,000, California Arts Council-$5,000, Monterey County Arts Council-$7,000, Donations-$4,400

Project Duration: 12 Months
Geographical Area Served: Salinas, California in Monterey County
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 7-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Alfredo
Contact Last Name: Avila
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 310-743-4935
Contact Email: alfredo@alisalfinearts.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Liquid Theatre Collective
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 244 5th Ave, Suite A295
City: New York
State: New York
Postal Code: 10001
Main Phone: 9173095631
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.liquidtheatrecollective.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-5103948
Organization Tax Status: 509(a) (2)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: Monday, March 24 2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Marian the Musical /University of Michigan New Works Festival
Project Description:

Liquid Theatre Collective, a nonprofit organization, has been invited to showcase its new musical, Marian, at the University of Michigan’s New Works Festival in January 2026. This production tells the story of the legendary opera singer Marian Anderson. To bring our full creative team to this remarkable event, we are seeking an additional $30,000 to cover housing, transportation, and living expenses.

The production will be entirely performed by University of Michigan students, offering them an incredible opportunity to collaborate with our professional director and choreographer. This partnership will provide invaluable learning experiences and mentorship, enriching the students’ education and enhancing the overall production quality.

Total Project Budget: $30,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): University of Michigan/Societe Generale

Project Duration: January 12, 2026 – February 15th
Geographical Area Served: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age Group To Be Served: 12 – 90

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Randy
Contact Last Name: Donaldson
Contact Title: Producing Director of Liquid Theatre Collective
Contact Phone: 9173095631
Contact Email: donaldson.randy@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
Legal Name (if Different): Girl Scouts Council of Nation’s Capital
Also Known As: GSCNC
Mailing Address: 4301 Connecticut Ave NW M-2
City: Washington
State: DC
Postal Code: 20008
Main Phone: 2025343785
Main Fax:
Organization Website: gscnc.org
Employer ID Number: 54-0732966 
Organization Tax Status: 501c(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/25
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Project Description:

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSCNC) is the largest, most diverse Girl Scout council in the nation with 76,889 members (45,194 K-12 youth and 31,695 adult volunteers) in Washington, DC and 25 surrounding Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia counties. Our mission is fully aligned with The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation and we are proudly committed to providing youth opportunities to build the courage, confidence, and character needed to make the world a better place.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) is the foundation of the Girl Scout experience, delivering a collection of engaging, challenging, and fun activities designed specifically for school-aged girls. Everything youth do in Girl Scouts is infused with the GSLE, which teaches Girl Scouts’ Keys to Leadership: discover, connect, and take action. These Keys help youth explore the world, inspire each other, and collectively make the world a better place. The GSLE also ties into our four pillars: Entrepreneurship, Outdoors, Life Skills, and STEM.

Girl Scouts Research Institute has conducted various studies, surveys, and evaluation reports. The 2021 Alum Difference study found that: 84% of Girl Scouts step into leadership roles, 88% are satisfied with their life overall, and 68% of adults who participated in Girl Scouting as youth members credit their success to Girl Scouts. Furthermore, 90% of all female U.S. astronauts, 80% of all female tech leaders, and 76% of female U.S. Senators were Girl Scouts. One hundred percent of female U.S. Secretaries of State were also Girl Scouts.

GSCNC youth programming and experiences play a vital role in developing leadership skills, giving youth access to a network of supportive friends and adults who help create new possibilities for their futures. Girl Scouts is committed to creating the next generation of leadership, and teaching youth that nothing is out of reach through experiential learning.

Total Project Budget: 22,623,860

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Programming and Membership Fees, Institutional Donors, Individual Donors

Project Duration: April 2025-September 2025
Geographical Area Served: DC, MD, WV, VA
Age Group To Be Served: Youth K-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Maureen
Contact Last Name: O’Shea
Contact Title: Grants Officer
Contact Phone: 2025343785
Contact Email: moshea@gscnc.org