Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Inspiring Forces II
Legal Name (if Different): Inspiring Forces II
Also Known As: Inspiring Forces II
Mailing Address: 465 Hawley Street
City: Rochester
State: NY
Postal Code: 1461
Main Phone: 3169939730
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://inspiringforces2.com/
Employer ID Number: 33-3127361
Organization Tax Status: Non profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/22/2026
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: The Restoration Pipeline
Project Description:

Project Description: The Circle of Care Pipeline
Inspiring Forces II is a veteran-led 501(c)(3) dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth in Rochester’s Northwest Quadrant. As a U.S. Army Veteran, I founded this organization to apply military-grade discipline and peer-to-peer accountability to the "crisis points" facing youth in the foster care system. Our mission is to ensure that no child’s potential is capped by their zip code or their family status.

The Need
Rochester’s foster youth face a "resilience gap." While our current cohort of 28 youth maintains a 100% academic graduation track, our Q1 2026 data identified that 15% of these students struggle with emotional regulation and self-esteem due to systemic trauma. Without targeted intervention, these bright young adults remain at high risk for housing instability and justice involvement.

The Project: Pathways 2 Greatness Expansion
We are seeking $10,000 to fuel our "Circle of Care" through the Rochester Restoration Pipeline. This funding will directly support:

Restorative Justice Workshops: Partnering with specialized practitioners to provide conflict resolution training for our 28 youth, specifically addressing the 15% resilience gap.

High-Touch Mentorship: Providing the materials and transportation stipends necessary for weekly 1-on-1 sessions that keep our seniors on track for university and trade school entry.

Therapeutic Art Integration: Using creative expression to process trauma and build the "unmasked" confidence celebrated at our annual Gala.

Leadership & Impact
Led by a veteran and supported by a collaborative network including Projecturge and TruImpact, we maintain an 85% direct-to-program fiscal ratio. A grant from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will provide the "bridge funding" needed to turn our 100% graduation track into 100% lifelong self-sufficiency for the next generation of Rochester leaders.

Total Project Budget: 10000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Board of Directors Committed Internal Operational oversight & 501(c)(3) compliance. Community Partnerships Committed In-Kind Rochester Restoration Pipeline (Projecturge, TruImpact, Rochester Hope) – Shared logistics, space, and food. ESL Charitable Foundation Pending Grant General Program Expansion ($65k Program Manager request). DMJF (Daisy Marquis Jones) Potential Grant Pathways 2 Greatness youth mentorship and student stipends. Mother Cabrini Health Potential Grant Pathways 2 Recovery (Veteran & Adult Behavioral Health). Masquerade Gala (4/17) Projected Event "Unmasking Dreams" – Direct youth scholarships and emergency participant funds.

Project Duration: Phase I: Mobilization July – Sept 2026 Hiring the Program Manager and Veteran Peer Lead; finalizing RRP partner schedules. Phase II: Implementation Oct 2026 – March 2027 Intensive Pathways 2 Greatness mentoring and Pathways 2 Recovery sessions; 36 sessions/quarter. Phase III: Evaluation April – May 2027 Addressing the 15% resilience gap via specialized workshops; prepping for the 2027 Gala. Phase IV: Reporting June 2027 Final impact analysis: Graduation rates, sobriety milestones, and fiscal audit.
Geographical Area Served: Strategic Positioning: "Our headquarters and primary service zones are strategically located in the 14608 and 14611 zip codes. These areas represent the ‘front lines’ of Rochester’s poverty and addiction crisis. By embedding the Pathways 2 Greatness program directly in the Northwest Quadrant, we remove the transportation barriers that often prevent foster youth from receiving consistent mentorship." The "Pipeline" Advantage: "Through our partnership in the Rochester Restoration Pipeline, we utilize the Flower City Park hub. This allows us to serve the ‘Finger Lakes’ region’s veterans who travel into the city for specialized recovery services that aren’t available in rural Monroe County." Addressing the 15% Gap: "Data shows that the 14621 area has some of the highest rates of youth justice involvement. Our Department of Restorative Justice is specifically targeting this geography to lower recidivism and close the emotional resilience gap we’ve identified in our Q1 intake."
Age Group To Be Served: DepartmentProgramAge RangeDevelopmental FocusYouth DevelopmentPathways 2 Greatness12 – 18 YearsMiddle & High School students; Foster care transitions; College/Trade readiness.Young Adult TransitionPathways 2 Greatness18 – 24 Years"Aging out" of foster care; Workforce entry; Early career mentorship.Health & RecoveryPathways 2 Recovery25 – 65+ YearsVeterans and adults in substance abuse recovery; Family reunification.Community ImpactCircle of CareAll AgesMulti-generational support for the 4 high-need families in our "Pipeline."

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): ms.
Contact First Name: Carolyn
Contact Last Name: Green
Contact Title:
Contact Phone: 3169939730
Contact Email: cgreen@inspiringforces2.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Ascend The Ride Foundation, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1720 Mars Hill Road Suite 124-235
City: Acworth
State: GA
Postal Code: 30101
Main Phone: 770-885-3573
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.ascendtheride.org/
Employer ID Number: 39-2487864
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 22, 2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Next Gen Riders: Youth Safety & Skills Progression Initiative
Project Description:

Ascend the Ride Foundation is a Georgia-based nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth through mountain biking and BMX. Our proposed project, Next Gen Riders: Youth Safety & Skills Progression Initiative, equips underserved youth with protective gear, structured coaching, and safe progression opportunities that build confidence, discipline, and resilience.

Through weekly sessions and community ride clinics, participants receive helmets, pads, and safety education while engaging in mentorship rooted in character development. The program integrates physical activity with life skills such as perseverance, emotional regulation, and goal setting.

Grant funding will support the purchase of essential safety equipment and a portable landing airbag system. This equipment allows youth riders to safely practice jumps and new skills in a controlled environment, significantly reducing injury risk while accelerating confidence and progression.

The initiative will directly serve youth ages 8–17 in the Atlanta area, particularly those with limited access to organized sports or outdoor recreation. By removing financial and safety barriers, we create an inclusive pathway for participation and growth.

Expected outcomes include increased physical activity, improved confidence, stronger peer relationships, and measurable skill progression in a safe environment. Long-term, the program fosters mentorship pipelines and keeps youth engaged in positive, healthy communities.

Total Project Budget: 20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual Donations

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: North Metro Atlanta communities
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 8-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Chelsea
Contact Last Name: Melis
Contact Title: Founder, Executive Director
Contact Phone: 770-885-3573
Contact Email: chelsea.melis@ascendtheride.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: YESUSA Transformational Cities
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 64356
City: Virginia Beach, VA 23467
State: VA
Postal Code: 23467
Main Phone: 8042403099
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.yesusacities.org
Employer ID Number: 85-2673704
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: All In Summer Sports Camp
Project Description:

Consistent with YESUSA Transformational Cities’ mission to develop Values-Based leaders through Character Development and College and Career Readiness, this program is designed to help students to apply skills and values from the classroom to the field. The ALL IN Youth Sports Camps are opportunities for youth ages 7 to 17 to participate in sports camps that provide character development and values-based skills training. Through this program, hundreds of underserved youth participants in Norfolk, VA will develop leadership, determination, collaboration, and other skills in fun, safe, educational, and athletic ways.

Total Project Budget: 243,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Norfolk Public Schools $118,000 Committed United Way $100,000 Request Submitted City of Norfolk Safer Communities $35,000 Request Submitted City of Norfolk PICC Grant $21,666 Committed Blocker Foundation $10,000 Committed Fidelity Charitable $ 5,000 Committed Langley For Families $ 5,000 Will apply Metro Ministers’ Conference $ 5,000 Committed Dominion Energy Foundation $ 2,500 Committed Norfolk Southern $ 2,500 Committed

Project Duration: July 2026-June 2027
Geographical Area Served: Hampton Roads
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18 yr old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Melissa
Contact Last Name: Curley
Contact Title: Funding
Contact Phone: 8042403099
Contact Email: admin@yesusacities.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Wabasso School of Fish Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 330 Legend Trail
City: VERO BEACH
State:
Postal Code:
Main Phone: 9546489827
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wabassoschooloffish.org
Employer ID Number: 33-3825707
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/22/2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Youth Fishing & Conservation Education Program
Project Description:

Wabasso School of Fish, Inc. delivers hands-on fishing education programs that teach youth essential life skills including water safety, environmental stewardship, and personal responsibility. Serving children in the Indian River Lagoon region, our program combines classroom instruction with guided shoreline fishing experiences, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learn in a safe, structured environment.

Our program has demonstrated strong, measurable impact. Over the past year, we served approximately 100 youth participants, and 100% of those children received free fishing gear to take home. Each participant is equipped with a rod and reel combo, a fully stocked tackle box, a fish identification chart, and a reusable water bottle. By providing these resources, we ensure the experience extends beyond a single event, empowering youth to continue fishing independently while reinforcing the skills and values learned through the program.

Building on this success, we aim to expand our reach and work toward serving up to 200 youth participants this year. This project will directly support that growth by providing at least 25 additional underserved youth with complete fishing kits and hands-on instruction in casting, knot tying, species identification, conservation practices, and local fishing regulations.

Funding will support fishing equipment, program materials, bait, permits, and safety resources necessary to operate safe and effective sessions. The program also emphasizes conservation of the Indian River Lagoon, encouraging participants to become responsible stewards of their environment.

By removing financial barriers and expanding access, this project promotes long-term engagement in positive outdoor activities, strengthens family connections, and creates measurable, lasting community impact.

Total Project Budget: $15,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual donations, local business sponsorships, fundraising events, and in-kind contributions of fishing equipment and supplies.

Project Duration: 12 months (ongoing program with recurring seasonal events)
Geographical Area Served: Indian River County and surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: 6-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: David
Contact Last Name: Brachfeld
Contact Title: Founder & CEO
Contact Phone: 7723218328
Contact Email: david@wabassoschooloffish.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The BRidge Agency INC
Legal Name (if Different): The BRidge Agency INC
Also Known As: The BRidge Agency INC
Mailing Address: 6868 Florida Blvd, Suite 2H
City: Baton Rouge
State: LA
Postal Code: 70806
Main Phone: 2253372751
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.bridgeagencyinc.org/
Employer ID Number: 82-1454444
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/21/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: BRidge Forward: Youth & Family Wellness Initiative
Project Description:

BRidge Forward: Youth & Family Wellness Initiative is a community-based program designed to strengthen the well-being of underserved youth and families in Baton Rouge through access to essential resources, mental wellness support, and youth development opportunities. Led by the BRidge Agency, this initiative will provide targeted support to low-income families living in historically under-resourced neighborhoods.

Through this project, youth ages 7–18 and their parents or guardians will engage in structured programming that promotes leadership development, emotional wellness, conflict resolution, and positive decision-making. Youth participants will benefit from safe, supportive spaces where they can build confidence, express themselves, and develop skills for long-term success. Simultaneously, parents and caregivers will receive direct support through resource navigation, access to essential items such as hygiene supplies and diapers, and connections to critical community services.

Funding from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will directly support program materials, workshop facilitation, and the distribution of essential resources to families in need. This investment will enable the BRidge Agency to expand its reach and provide consistent, high-quality programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term family stability.

By integrating youth engagement with family-centered support, the initiative takes a holistic approach to community wellness. Expected outcomes include improved youth coping and leadership skills, increased access to resources for families, and stronger connections between residents and community support systems.

Ultimately, BRidge Forward aims to create a healthier, more resilient community where youth are empowered to lead and families are equipped to thrive.

Total Project Budget: 10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): This project is supported by $12,000 in committed funding from the National Police Athletic League, with an additional $35,000 in potential funding requested from the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation

Project Duration: June 2026-December 2026
Geographical Area Served: East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana (with a focus on underserved communities in zip codes 70802, 70805, and 70806)
Age Group To Be Served: Youth ages 7–18 and their parents or guardians (families in underserved communities)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Nicole
Contact Last Name: Scott
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 225-337-2751
Contact Email: nicole@bridgeagencyinc.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The NCCIL
Mailing Address: 102 Cedar Street
City: Abilene
State: Texas
Postal Code: 79601
Main Phone: (325) 673-4586
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.nccil.org/
Employer ID Number: 75-2733048
Organization Tax Status: 501C 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/21/2026
Requested Amount: 4,000

Project Title: Every Artist Starts Little (E.A.S.L.)
Project Description:

The NCCIL brings stories to life by partnering with award-winning illustrators to create one-of-a-kind exhibitions. These vibrant displays captivate visitors of all ages, showcasing the artistry behind beloved picture books. Every Artist Starts Little (E.A.S.L.) is a monthly early childhood education program focusing on literacy and fine art. It emphasizes sensory play and process art while developing fine motor skills.

With programming focused on children ages 0-5, this service provides targeted early reading strategies and hands-on experiences. The small group setting allows for individualized learning while still encouraging social interaction for both children and their mothers. This critical program is well-loved by the community but generally goes underfunded as it serves a smaller and specific audience. Funds would be used to provide art supplies and books for each child to take home.

Total Project Budget: 6,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Community Foundation of Abilene ($500)

Project Duration: Occurs monthly, funds would be spent for 2027 programming
Geographical Area Served: West Central Texas
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Kayla
Contact Last Name: Young
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (325) 673-4586
Contact Email: kayla@nccil.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Harlem Commonwealth Council Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: HCC
Mailing Address: 361 West 125th Street
City: New York
State: NY
Postal Code: 10027
Main Phone: 212-749-0900
Main Fax: 212-749-1042
Organization Website: https://www.harlemcommonwealth.org
Employer ID Number: 13-6271908
Organization Tax Status: Non-profit 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/21/2026
Requested Amount: $9840

Project Title: Take the A Plane to Harlem: HCC’s Aviation Lab
Project Description:

The Take the A Plane to Harlem: HCC’s Aviation Lab program is an innovative afterschool initiative designed to introduce middle and high school students in Harlem to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on aviation learning experiences. Using STEMPilot’s flight simulation technology and curriculum, students will experience hands-on concepts like aerodynamics, navigation, physics, and engineering while gaining exposure to real-world aviation and aerospace careers.

The program builds on Harlem Commonwealth Council’s recent success during summer 2025 with an inaugural international STEM experience in Spain. A small group of our high school students – many of whom had never flown before – participated in a transformative STEM camp. That experience demonstrated the power of aviation to expand students’ perspectives and spark interest in STEM, aviation, and global career pathways. Take the A Plane to Harlem was created to bring that same sense of discovery and opportunity directly to students in their own community.

Through collaborative “flight crew” learning, simulation missions, and exposure to aviation professionals, students will develop technical skills, confidence, and awareness of high-growth career opportunities. The program will also introduce students to colleges in aviation and aerospace from New York City’s Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology to Embry-Riddle, one of the nation’s premier aviation universities in Florida.

By connecting STEM education to tangible academic and career opportunities within their community – and beyond – the program expands students’ horizons while reinforcing Harlem Commonwealth Council’s mission to promote economic mobility through education, workforce development, and exposure to high-growth industries.

Total Project Budget: $14,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): HCC has committed $4000 for "Take the A Plane to Harlem" program for the renovation of the space that will house the EduStation flight simulator.

Project Duration: one year, specifically academic calendar year (August ’26-May ’27)
Geographical Area Served: NYC… and the world. By educating and exposing these Harlem-based high schoolers to aviation careers, we believe the world via flight will be the ultimate geographic area served.
Age Group To Be Served: 13-19 (late middle school- freshman year college students)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jai Jai
Contact Last Name: Greenfield
Contact Title: Strategic Programs & Grants Lead
Contact Phone: 917-580-1845
Contact Email: grants@harlemcommonwealth.org AND/OR jaijai@thejsuite.co

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Colin F Kennedy Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1175 Chadbyrne Dr
City: Columbus
State: Ohio
Postal Code: 43235
Main Phone: (585)978-1709
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.cfkfoundation.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-2116726
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/21/26
Requested Amount: $5000

Project Title: Scholarship
Project Description:

The Colin F. Kennedy Scholars Program provides renewable scholarships to students from underserved communities in middle school, high school, and post-secondary institutions. Our goal is to prepare students for a life of opportunity and to become productive, contributing to members of their communities through successful completion of their education.

Total Project Budget: $50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Annual Campaign, Key Donors, Sponsorships, and Fundraisers

Project Duration: 26/27 School year
Geographical Area Served: Nationwide
Age Group To Be Served: Middle School through College; 12-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Martin
Contact Last Name: Kennedy
Contact Title: Vice Chairman Colin F Kennedy Foundation
Contact Phone: (585)978-1709
Contact Email: martin@cfkfoundation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Colin F Kennedy Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1175 Chadbyrne Dr
City: Columbus
State: Ohio
Postal Code: 43235
Main Phone: (585)978-1709
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.cfkfoundation.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-2116726
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/21/26
Requested Amount: $5000

Project Title: Scholarship
Project Description:

The Colin F. Kennedy Scholars Program provides renewable scholarships to students from underserved communities in middle school, high school, and post-secondary institutions. Our goal is to prepare students for a life of opportunity and to become productive, contributing to members of their communities through successful completion of their education.

Total Project Budget: $50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Annual Campaign, Key Donors, Sponsorships, and Fundraisers

Project Duration: 26/27 School year
Geographical Area Served: Nationwide
Age Group To Be Served: Middle School through College; 12-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Martin
Contact Last Name: Kennedy
Contact Title: Vice Chairman Colin F Kennedy Foundation
Contact Phone: (585)978-1709
Contact Email: martin@cfkfoundation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Nevada Youth Empowerment Project
Legal Name (if Different): Nevada Youth Empowerment Project
Also Known As: NYEP
Mailing Address: 1369 Faland Way
City: Reno
State: NV
Postal Code: 89503
Main Phone: 7757472073
Main Fax: 8883310717
Organization Website: www.nyep.org
Employer ID Number: 26-1118584
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/21/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Structured Community Living for Housing Stability and Adult Readiness
Project Description:

The Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP) is requesting support for the facilitation of its Community Living Program (CLP), a housing-based program serving 14 young women (ages 18–24) at a time in Reno, Nevada.

Participants typically enter the program experiencing homelessness, disrupted education, and limited access to stable employment, often without consistent adult support systems.

The CLP is a structured, 9–24 month program that combines housing with daily, staff-led facilitation of routines, responsibilities, and skill development. Residents are required to participate in a standards-based system that includes education, employment preparation, financial management, and interpersonal skill development.

Funding will support the labor required to operate this environment, including daily supervision, enforcement of program expectations, delivery of a multi-component life skills curriculum, individualized coaching tied to measurable responsibilities, and maintenance of a non-punitive, high-accountability communication model.

This work is staff-intensive and depends on consistent, in-person facilitation.

NYEP operates with a fixed capacity of 14 residents to maintain safety, supervision, and accountability. Expansion is not included in this request; increasing capacity without proportional staffing and housing would reduce program integrity.

The program is structured in phases (stabilization, responsibility, and independence), requiring residents to demonstrate progress before advancing. This sequencing limits throughput but preserves reliability.

NYEP is privately funded and has declined funding that requires reduced expectations or shortened timelines, as those conditions conflict with program function.

This request supports continued operation of a controlled, high-accountability housing environment for participants willing to engage in structured change.

Total Project Budget: 400000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): US Bank Foundation – $20k NV Energy Foundation – $10k Bush Family Foundation – $10k Roxie and Azad Joseph Foundation – $10k Gabelli Foundation – $10k Al & Mary Evans Foundation – $10k Earl & Elizabeth Ash Foundation – $10k Marie Crowley Foundation – $10k DP Foundation – $3k William H Moffat Jr. Foundation – $50k E.L. Cord Foundation – $5k Hester Family Foundation – $10k Keyser Foundation – $10k

Project Duration: 1/1/27 – 12/31/2027
Geographical Area Served: Nevada
Age Group To Be Served: 18-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Monica
Contact Last Name: DuPea
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7757472195
Contact Email: monica@nyep.org