Grant Request Growing Futures Early Education center
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Growing Futures Early Education center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Growing Futures
Mailing Address: 8155 Santa Fe Drive
City: Overland Park
State: KS
Postal Code: 66204
Main Phone: 4026122764
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.growingfutures.org
Employer ID Number: 48-0723044
Organization Tax Status: 501c3
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: March 23, 2026
Requested Amount: 10,000
Project Title: Growing Futures Nutrition Prgram
Project Description:
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal USDA program that reimburses early education centers for serving nutritious meals and snacks to children in care. Reimbursement rates are tiered based on family income, with higher rates available for children from lower-income households. All meals must meet USDA nutritional guidelines, ensuring children receive a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy to support healthy growth and development.
While CACFP provides critical nutritional funding, it does not cover the additional costs associated with specialty diets. Children with food allergies, medical conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease, or cultural dietary needs such as halal or kosher meals require customized meal preparation that falls outside standard reimbursement. The extra costs of specialized ingredients, preparation, and staff time are not covered by the program.
For Growing Futures, addressing these gaps is essential to providing equitable, inclusive care for every child we serve. When children’s dietary needs go unmet, the consequences extend beyond nutrition — affecting their health, safety, sense of belonging, and ability to fully participate in the classroom community. No child should feel excluded at mealtime because of a food allergy, medical condition, or cultural practice.
If awarded, grant funds will be used to cover the unreimbursed costs of specialty diets, ensuring Growing Futures can safely and respectfully meet each child’s unique nutritional needs. This investment supports USDA and health and safety compliance, reduces the risk of adverse reactions, and strengthens trust with the families we serve. Most importantly, it affirms our commitment to equity — ensuring every child, regardless of dietary need, has the same opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Total Project Budget: $179,856.25
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $157,847.53 (CACFP Grant)
Project Duration: July 2026 – June 2027 (Fiscal Year)
Geographical Area Served: Kansas City Metro
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 0-5
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Chris
Contact Last Name: Stibbs
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 402-612-2764
Contact Email: chris@growingfutures.org