Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: I.B.A FOUNDATION
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: I Believe Academy
Mailing Address: 9 HOWLAND ST
City: BOSTON
State: MA
Postal Code: 02121
Main Phone: 6177566919
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ibelieve-academy.org
Employer ID Number: 85-3162426
Organization Tax Status: non-profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Met /Gala
Project Description:

The Summer Fashion, Art, and Poetry Event is a dynamic, youth-led community showcase designed to uplift marginalized youth and families through creative expression, cultural pride, and community connection. Hosted by I Believe Academy, this event provides a safe and empowering platform where young people can share their voices through fashion design, visual art, spoken word poetry, and performance.

Many youth in underserved communities lack access to creative outlets that affirm their identity, culture, and talent. This event creates an inclusive space where youth can design and model original fashion pieces, display artwork, and perform poetry that reflects their lived experiences. Through guided workshops leading up to the event, participants will develop skills in design, creative writing, self-expression, teamwork, and public presentation.

The showcase will bring together families, community leaders, local artists, and supporters to celebrate youth achievement. In addition to performances and exhibitions, the event will feature interactive art stations, youth vendors, music, and resource tables connecting families to local support services.

Our goal is to increase youth confidence, strengthen family engagement, and promote positive community visibility for young people who are often underrepresented. By centering youth voice and creativity, the Summer Fashion, Art, and Poetry Event fosters belonging, leadership development, and social-emotional growth.

This initiative will serve youth and families across Boston, Brockton, Worcester, Framingham, and Pittsfield, creating an accessible, culturally affirming space where creativity becomes a tool for empowerment and community transformation.

Total Project Budget: 10000

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

Project Duration: Project Duration: June 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 (3 months) Includes youth workshops, event preparation, and the final Summer Fashion, Art, and Poetry Showcase.
Geographical Area Served: boston and surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: age 3 to 21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: damon
Contact Last Name: araujo
Contact Title: executive director
Contact Phone: 617-756-6919
Contact Email: ibelieveframingham@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Plug 4 Connection, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 570721
City: Orlando
State: FL
Postal Code: 32857
Main Phone: 407-970-8971
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://theplug4connection.org/
Employer ID Number: 87-2792859
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 Tax Exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/26
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Career Mentorship Programming
Project Description:

The PLUG 4 Connection’s Career Mentoring Project provides students with structured, small-group mentoring designed to help them explore potential career paths, understand the educational journey required to achieve their goals, and build meaningful connections with individuals already working in their fields of interest. Many students, particularly those who are first-generation college aspirants or from underserved communities, lack direct access to professionals who can help them visualize and navigate future career opportunities. This project addresses that gap by creating intentional spaces where students can learn, ask questions, and develop confidence in their career aspirations.

Students are organized into small mentoring cohorts based on shared career interests, such as healthcare, law, business, engineering, education, and technology. Each cohort meets regularly with both college and graduate students currently pursuing those careers, as well as experienced professionals working in those fields. These interactions provide students with insight into the academic pathways, challenges, and day-to-day realities of different professions. College and graduate student mentors offer relatable guidance on preparing for postsecondary education, while professionals share practical experiences, career advice, and industry knowledge.

In addition to group discussions, students participate in career exposure activities, which may include guest speaker sessions, workplace visits, skill-building workshops, and hands-on learning experiences. These opportunities allow students to connect their academic efforts with real-world applications and better understand the steps necessary to achieve their goals.

Through consistent mentoring relationships and meaningful exposure, students develop greater clarity about their future, increased motivation to pursue postsecondary education, and the confidence to take actionable steps toward their chosen careers. The Career Mentoring Project empowers students to make informed decisions, expand their sense of possibility, and build the foundation necessary for long-term academic and professional success.

Total Project Budget: $10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $5,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Orange County Florida
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Jennifer
Contact Last Name: Craiker
Contact Title: Director of Programs and Fundraising
Contact Phone: 407-902-8541
Contact Email: info@theplug4connection.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Canton Black Assistance Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 7356 Sunset Strip NW
City: North Canton
State: OH
Postal Code: 44720
Main Phone: 330 949 2370
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https:cantonblackassistancefoundation.com
Employer ID Number: 99-3672074
Organization Tax Status: 501 C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 20,2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Breakfast & Books Literacy Project
Project Description:

Our mission is to provide a free monthly breakfast and reading tutoring for students and grades 2nd to 5th. We host the program in seven churches throughout the city.
Each month we track the process of the students.
We want to find out how well they understand our curriculum.
We want to know how they are doing in school.
We set a standard of expectation that they will improve every month. We define success not just in the classroom but at home as well. Our goal is to have 16 sites in city.

Total Project Budget: $5,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Sisters of Charity, The Canton Rotary, Jerusalem Baptist Church, and The Christ Foundation

Project Duration: The Breakfast & Books Literacy Project is a three year program.
Geographical Area Served: Canton, OH
Age Group To Be Served: Seven to Twelve years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Wuyanbu
Contact Last Name: Zutali
Contact Title: Founder
Contact Phone: 330 949-2379
Contact Email: cantonblackfoundation@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rainbow Place Shelter
Legal Name (if Different): Rainbow Place Shelter for Homeless Women Inc
Also Known As: Rainbow Place Shelter
Mailing Address: 215 West Montgomery Ave
City: Rockville
State: MD
Postal Code: 20850
Main Phone: (301) 762-1496
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.rainbowplace.org/
Employer ID Number: 47-5082306
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/26
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Young Adult Shelter
Project Description:

Since 1982, Rainbow Place Shelter has been a seasonal overnight shelter in Rockville serving adult women of all ages who are experiencing homelessness.

We are currently in the exciting process of expanding Rainbow’s mission to serve young adults 18-24 years of age, including the LGBTQ+ community, with year-round 24-hour emergency shelter and the support needed to transition out of homelessness. We will expand our operations through acquisition of a new facility, fundraising, expansion of services, and expanding outreach.

According to the Voices of Youth Count Survey conducted in 2016 and 2017 (the most recent full accounting), 1 in 10 young adults (ages 18-25) had experienced a form of homelessness in the previous 12 months. Montgomery County Public Schools reported in December 2025 that over 469 high school students were current experiencing housing instability. Over 100 of them were 18-21 years of age.

Young adults aged 18-24 who face homelessness lack stable support systems. They often have educational, financial, substance-use, or mental health challenges. In response to these needs, Rainbow’s young adult shelter will not only provide shelter and case management services, but also assist with GED preparation, workforce development, mental health counseling, addiction counseling, legal services, financial literacy, mentoring, and more. These services, provided through partnerships with organizations expert in their fields, will aid our guests in transitioning out of homelessness and thriving independent of the social service apparatus.

This shelter, the first of its kind in Montgomery County, MD, will change the trajectory of young lives.

Total Project Budget: $1,500,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): State of Maryland, Montgomery County MD Government, Rockville United CHurch, Greater Washington Community Foundation, Women’s Club of Chevy Chase,

Project Duration: 1 year to build
Geographical Area Served: Montgomery County MD
Age Group To Be Served: 18-24

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Nina
Contact Last Name: Blecher
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 301-325-0669 (cell)
Contact Email: development@rainbowplace.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Autism REC
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1140 S. 26th Street
City: Philadelphia
State: Pa
Postal Code: 19146
Main Phone: 215-200-0405
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.autismrec.org
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status:

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/20/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Life & Social Skills
Project Description:

Autism REC’s Life & Social Skills Program empowers children and teens on the autism spectrum with the practical tools they need to thrive at home, in school, and in the community. Designed to build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections, the program provides structured, hands-on learning in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Participants engage in interactive activities that strengthen communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and teamwork. Through real-life scenarios and guided practice, youth develop essential life skills such as personal hygiene, time management, money handling, decision-making, and self-advocacy. Social development is reinforced through group discussions, role-playing, peer collaboration, and community-based experiences that promote positive interactions and relationship building.

Total Project Budget: $35,960.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Seybert Foundation, Philadelphia Autism Project, Wawa Foundation

Project Duration: February -December
Geographical Area Served: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Age Group To Be Served: 5-21 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Jamila
Contact Last Name: Tucker-Mulero
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 215-200-0405
Contact Email: jamila@autismrec.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: DIAMOND BEAUTY ACADEMY
Legal Name (if Different): DIAMOND BEAUTY ACADEMY
Also Known As: DIAMOND BEAUTY ACADEMY
Mailing Address: 631 N 12TH STREET, #1
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Postal Code: 19123
Main Phone: 6109204644
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.diamondbeauyacademy.info
Employer ID Number: 934610815
Organization Tax Status: 5013c

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/26
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Whole Child Empowerment Projet
Project Description:

The Whole Child Empowerment Project is a holistic youth development initiative designed to support children and young adults up to age 21 by addressing the full spectrum of their growth — academic, creative, emotional, and physical. Grounded in the belief that lasting success happens when the whole child is supported, the project integrates arts, education, health, and wellness programming to create pathways toward confidence, stability, and long-term opportunity.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and structured enrichment experiences, participants engage in creative arts, STEM-informed activities, leadership development, and workforce readiness training that build both technical skills and personal resilience. The program combines skill-building with social-emotional learning, helping youth strengthen self-esteem, improve decision-making, and develop healthy habits that support overall well-being.

Participants receive consistent guidance from trained instructors and mentors who provide individualized support while fostering a safe, inclusive environment where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Programming is intentionally designed to remove barriers to access by offering culturally responsive, community-centered experiences that meet youth where they are and help move them toward their goals.

The Whole Child Empowerment Project aims to improve educational engagement, increase creative and career readiness skills, and promote positive health and wellness outcomes. By investing in youth during critical developmental years, the project helps participants build the confidence, skills, and support systems needed to transition successfully into adulthood, higher education, and meaningful career pathways.

Through this comprehensive approach, the project not only enriches lives today but strengthens the future of the communities these young people will lead tomorrow.

Total Project Budget: 10,000

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

Project Duration: 12 weeks
Geographical Area Served: Philadelphia
Age Group To Be Served: 14-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Miss
Contact First Name: Danielle
Contact Last Name: McLane
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 6109204644
Contact Email: glowgetters@diamondbeauty.info

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Men of excellence inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 424
City: Alpharetta
State: Ga
Postal Code: 30009
Main Phone: 6785959346
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.menofexcellenceinc.com
Employer ID Number: 81-2278849
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/26
Requested Amount: 4000

Project Title: Pathway to excellence
Project Description:

Pathways to Excellence operates directly on school campuses through both daytime and afterschool
programming, structured in coordination with each partner school. At Frederick Douglass High School,
programming is delivered during designated lunch periods based on the school’s preference to maximize
participation while avoiding transportation barriers. This model allows students to receive academic support,
mentoring, and enrichment without missing instructional time or afterschool transportation.
At our middle and elementary school partners, programming is delivered immediately following the school day
on campus, with virtual sessions incorporated on select days, including Fridays. This flexible structure allows MoE
to remain accessible to students while adapting to varying school schedules and operational needs.
Within the program, students receive daily homework assistance and tutoring, mentoring centered on
accountability and decision making, and structured life skills workshops with an emphasis on financial literacy
and interpersonal development. Students also participate in college and career readiness activities, including
college visits, guest presentations from professionals, and hands on workforce exposure through partnerships
such as Levy Corporation at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. These experiences help students connect daily academic
effort with tangible future opportunities

Total Project Budget: $432,940

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Mercedes Benz stadium and State Farm arena concession stand work, United way of greater Atlanta, Georgia state afterschool network, Walmart foundation, Kroger foundation, American woodmark foundation, Richard c. Munroe foundation

Project Duration: Aug 2026-Aug 2027
Geographical Area Served: Metro Atlanta area
Age Group To Be Served: 13-19

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: DeAndre
Contact Last Name: Holt
Contact Title: Founder
Contact Phone: 6785959346
Contact Email: Info@menofexcellenceinc.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Freedom To Rise
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Freedom to R.I.S.E.
Mailing Address: 15407 Minerva Avenue
City: Dolton
State: IL
Postal Code: 60419
Main Phone: 3123392004
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.freedom2rise.org
Employer ID Number: 93-1845320
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Community Literacy & Food Access Support Initiative
Project Description:

Freedom to R.I.S.E. proposes the Community Literacy & Food Access Support Initiative to strengthen access to educational resources and healthy food awareness for children, families, and seniors in the south suburban Cook County area, including Park Forest and surrounding communities.

This project integrates literacy engagement with community wellness by providing reading materials, facilitated literacy activities, and food access education through trusted community and faith-based partners. Many families and seniors in the communities served experience barriers related to access, mobility, and limited resources, which can affect both educational outcomes and overall well-being. This initiative is designed to address those challenges through culturally responsive, community-centered programming.

Project activities will include the distribution of age-appropriate literacy materials, facilitated reading and discussion sessions, and community workshops that connect literacy with wellness and healthy food access. Seniors and caregivers will be engaged to support intergenerational learning and to ensure programming reflects lived experience and community priorities.

The project is expected to serve approximately 75–100 individuals, including children, families, and seniors. Outcomes include increased access to literacy resources, strengthened community connections, and improved awareness of food access and wellness supports. By leveraging partnerships and community leadership, Freedom to R.I.S.E. aims to deliver meaningful, scalable impact while remaining accountable to the community it serves.

Total Project Budget: 15,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): I AM–Chi Micro-Grant (Committed): $11,000 Individual Donations (Committed/Potential): $2,000 In-Kind & Community Partner Contributions (Committed): $2,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: South Suburban Cook County, Illinois (including Park Forest and surrounding communities)
Age Group To Be Served: Children, families, and seniors (intergenerational)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Chanel
Contact Last Name: Kennedy-Bertrand
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 3123392004
Contact Email: contact@freedom2rise.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Elm State Care
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Cornerstone Counseling
Mailing Address: 966 S Main Street
City: Plantsville
State: CT
Postal Code: 06479
Main Phone: 860-736-5386
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.cornerstonecounselingct.com/
Employer ID Number: 39-4513598
Organization Tax Status: 509 (a) (2)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2.17.2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Trauma-Informed School Staff Training for Enhanced Student Support
Project Description:

Elm State Care partners with local school districts to provide trauma-informed mental health support to children and adolescents. Many school staff—teachers, counselors, and support personnel—need additional training to recognize and respond effectively to students who have experienced trauma.

This project will deliver professional development sessions directly in schools, equipping staff with practical strategies to support students’ emotional regulation, engagement, and resilience. Staff will learn how to identify trauma-related behaviors, implement supportive interventions, and create a safe, predictable school environment that fosters student well-being.

By increasing staff capacity, the program will directly benefit students, improving academic, social, and emotional outcomes. Funding from this grant will cover training materials, facilitator fees, and on-site logistics, ensuring that all participating staff can attend without financial barriers.

This initiative builds on Elm State Care’s ongoing work in school districts and addresses a critical need identified by educators for targeted, trauma-informed professional development. Approximately 50 school staff members will participate, with the skills learned reaching over 200 students across participating schools.

Through this program, Elm State Care aims to strengthen the school environment, equip staff with evidence-based approaches, and promote long-term resilience for students impacted by adverse childhood experiences.

Total Project Budget: 12,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): In-kind clinician time: Licensed mental-health clinicians donating their expertise to deliver PD sessions (valued at $2,000). • Office and administrative support: Use of Elm State Care’s existing office space, scheduling systems, and materials (valued at $500). Potential Sources: • Hermanowski Foundation Grant Request: $10,000 to cover facilitator fees, materials, logistics, and program coordination. • Other Philanthropic Support: Elm State Care may seek additional funding from local foundations or community sponsors to expand PD offerings or provide follow-up resources for schools.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Connecticut: Southington, Plainville, East Hartford School Districts
Age Group To Be Served: k-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alexa
Contact Last Name: Ford
Contact Title: Grant Coordinator
Contact Phone: 8608771447
Contact Email: alexa@elmstatecare.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Share for Life Foundation, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 301 St. Nicholas Avenue
City: New York
State: NY
Postal Code: 10027
Main Phone: 917-65305965
Main Fax:
Organization Website: shareforlife.org
Employer ID Number: 57-1145113
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/18/2026
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: S4L Positive Thinking and Resilience Education
Project Description:

The S4L Positive Thinking and Resilience Education program is a year-long initiative designed to cultivate adolescents’ self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and psychological resilience. Through structured discussions, reflective exercises, and experiential activities, participants develop skills to reframe maladaptive thought patterns, recognize personal strengths, and establish purpose-driven objectives that promote sustained academic achievement, social competence, and personal development.

Total Project Budget: 24000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Queens District Attorney Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Program $25,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Astoria, Queens
Age Group To Be Served: 5-21 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Janine
Contact Last Name: Saulsbury
Contact Title: Founder & CEO
Contact Phone: 917-653-5965
Contact Email: janine@shareforlife.org