Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Books Between Kids
Legal Name (if Different): Books Between Kids, Inc.
Also Known As: Books Between Kids (BBK)
Mailing Address: PO Box 25072
City: Houston
State: TX
Postal Code: 77265
Main Phone: 832-831-1402
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.booksbetweenkids.org
Employer ID Number: 462054301
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/26
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Book Celebrations
Project Description:

Books Between Kids respectfully requests grant support for our Book Celebration Program, our flagship initiative that provides children in low-income Houston-area schools the opportunity to choose and keep books to build their own home libraries. Books Between Kids is a Houston-based nonprofit founded by community volunteers who recognized that many children in our city have little to no access to books at home. Today, our organization distributes hundreds of thousands of books each year to children who need them most, working in partnership with economically disadvantaged schools and community organizations serving kids across the region.

Through the Book Celebration Program, we transform schools into joyful pop-up book fairs where every child selects 6 books to take home and keep forever. These events are designed not only to provide books, but to create excitement around reading, promote choice and ownership, and help families build home libraries that support long-term literacy development. Research shows that the number of books in a child’s home is one of the strongest predictors of academic success, yet many of the students we serve have few or no age-appropriate books of their own.

Grant funding will help cover the essential behind-the-scenes costs that make each Book Celebration possible, including boxes, tape, and other packing supplies, storage of books at our warehouse headquarters, and the staff and volunteer time required to sort, organize, and prepare books so that every child can choose books of their own.

With the support of this grant, we will continue working toward our strategic goal of significantly increasing the number of books we place in the hands of children each year, ensuring that more Houston-area students have the opportunity to develop a love of reading, strengthen their literacy skills, and experience the pride of building a home library of their own.

Total Project Budget: 371,393

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): None yet for the 26/27

Project Duration: Ongoing project with funds to be used within one year after receiving them
Geographical Area Served: Greater Houston Area
Age Group To Be Served: Birth – 18 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Kayla
Contact Last Name: Hand
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 713-725-1023
Contact Email: kayla@booksbetweenkids.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Renew Birmingham
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8037
City: Birmingham
State: Alabama
Postal Code: 35218
Main Phone: 205-201-4275
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.renewbham.org
Employer ID Number: 87-3838491
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Youth Workforce & Community Leadership Initiative
Project Description:

The Youth Workforce & Community Leadership Initiative is an ongoing workforce development program designed to prepare high school seniors for success in college, careers, and civic life while strengthening the communities in which they live. Through a combination of soft skills training, paid community service projects, career exploration, and partnerships with local employers, the program equips young people with the knowledge, confidence, and real-world experience needed to transition successfully into post-secondary education and the workforce. Grant funding will help sustain and expand this initiative, ensuring that more youth have access to opportunities that build both professional skills and community leadership.

Participants engage in hands-on neighborhood improvement projects that support local schools, parks, and shared community spaces. These projects not only create visible improvements within the community but also provide meaningful work experience that reinforces responsibility, teamwork, and civic pride. Students receive stipends for their participation, recognizing the value of their contributions while reinforcing the connection between service, work ethic, and personal development.

A central component of the program is the Workforce Development Track, which introduces students to a range of career pathways and employment opportunities. Through career exploration workshops, mentorship, and workplace immersion experiences, participants gain exposure to industries they may not otherwise encounter. The program also helps students access scholarships and financial assistance for certifications, training programs, or continued education after graduation.

By combining workforce readiness training with meaningful community service, the initiative helps young people build skills for long-term success while developing pride in their neighborhoods.

Total Project Budget: $50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Potential sources for the project include The Caring Foundation and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation.

Project Duration: The project would be for 10 months, spanning one school year from August 2026 to May 2027
Geographical Area Served: The Southeast (Birmingham, Alabama)
Age Group To Be Served: The group served will be high school seniors, ranging in age from 16-18 years old.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: TaShundia
Contact Last Name: McGee
Contact Title: Deputy Director
Contact Phone: 205-539-5017
Contact Email: admin@renewbham.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, INC
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 6655 Dobbin Road Unit #4
City: Columbia
State: MD
Postal Code: 21045
Main Phone: 410-381-0700
Main Fax:
Organization Website: cctarts.shop
Employer ID Number: 52-1066100
Organization Tax Status: Exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/19/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Theatre for Students with Disabilities
Project Description:

CCTA’s Mission is to educate through the arts by creating theatrical experiences that “inspire thought, action, creativity, and change”. CCTA is dedicated to making these experiences available and accessible to as many members of the community as possible with an emphasis on teaching and nurturing our children regardless of gender, race, religion, ability, age, or socioeconomic status.
To help us achieve this mission we offer three programs for students with disabilities free of charge. Our Brightlights on Broadway sessions work with students ages 6-16, Broadway Connections works with specific high school special education programs, and our New Horizons works with students over 16. Our staff uses musical theatre as a vehicle for students to work on social skills, improve communication, and build community. Our lead instructor for this is also a licensed occupational therapist. She blends her theatre experience with research based practices to create the best environment for our students to succeed.
This program has been operating for more than 10 years. It attracts more than 50 students each season, many of whom return year after year. One parent shared, “our daughter has Down Syndrome…the students in the program benefit from her [the teacher’s] background in occupational therapy and I have seen my daughter’s speech and confidence improve.” Keeping these programs operating comes out to just under $40,000 each year. We are working to diversify our funding sources, so that we can continue to offer these programs free of charge to our community.

Total Project Budget: $38,115.75

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Maryland State Arts Council – $4,000 (pending) Nora Roberts Foundation – $5,000 (pending) Robert L. Pierson Foundation – $5,000 (committed) In-Kind Donations – $2,750 Unrestricted Operating Budget – $21,365.75

Project Duration: FY27
Geographical Area Served: Maryland
Age Group To Be Served: 6+

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Steven
Contact Last Name: Fleming
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 410-381-0700
Contact Email: sfleming@cctarts.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Eskolta School Research and Design Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Eskolta
Mailing Address: 121 W 27th Street, Suite 405
City: New York
State: NY – New York
Postal Code: 10001
Main Phone: 732-765-2113
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.eskolta.org
Employer ID Number: 46-1946122
Organization Tax Status: 501C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Eskolta Career Pathways Fellowship
Project Description:

The Eskolta Career Pathways Fellowship is a cohort-based workforce development program that equips 50–75 high school students in New York City with the skills, experiences, and professional networks needed to succeed in high-demand careers. Through paid participation, career-connected learning, and work-based experiences, the program advances economic mobility and prepares youth to access meaningful employment pathways.

Total Project Budget: $264,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): NBA Foundation, NYCPS, Board Giving Campaign

Project Duration: 1 Year
Geographical Area Served: New York City
Age Group To Be Served: 16-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Tashaka
Contact Last Name: Zeigler
Contact Title: Chief Operating and Strategy Officer
Contact Phone: 732-765-2113
Contact Email: tzeigler@eskolta.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Eskolta School Research and Design Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Eskolta
Mailing Address: 121 W 27th Street, Suite 405
City: New York
State: NY – New York
Postal Code: 10001
Main Phone: 732-765-2113
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.eskolta.org
Employer ID Number: 46-1946122
Organization Tax Status: 501C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Eskolta Career Pathways Fellowship
Project Description:

The Eskolta Career Pathways Fellowship is a cohort-based workforce development program that equips 50–75 high school students in New York City with the skills, experiences, and professional networks needed to succeed in high-demand careers. Through paid participation, career-connected learning, and work-based experiences, the program advances economic mobility and prepares youth to access meaningful employment pathways.

Total Project Budget: $264,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): NBA Foundation, NYCPS, Board Giving Campaign

Project Duration: 1 Year
Geographical Area Served: New York City
Age Group To Be Served: 16-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Tashaka
Contact Last Name: Zeigler
Contact Title: Chief Operating and Strategy Officer
Contact Phone: 732-765-2113
Contact Email: tzeigler@eskolta.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Black Girl Magic Day
Legal Name (if Different): Team Unity, Inc.
Also Known As: BGMD
Mailing Address: 9 Granada Crescent
City: White Plains
State: NY
Postal Code: 10603
Main Phone: 646-531-0523
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.blackgirlmagicday.org
Employer ID Number: 13-3863452
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) — fiscally sponsored by Team Unity Incorporated

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 19, 2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: BGMD Club: Free Virtual Afterschool Program for Black Girls in Harlem
Project Description:

For over five years, Black Girl Magic Day has shown up for Black girls in Harlem. Through free annual events, mentorship circles, and community programming, we have directly served 800+ girls and their families. We have seen what happens when a girl is truly seen and celebrated. She stands taller. She reaches further.

We also know what she is up against. Black girls account for 45% of out-of-school suspensions nationally despite representing only 15% of public school enrollment. Black teens report experiencing an average of five instances of racial discrimination every single day. These are not distant statistics. They describe the girls in our community.

The BGMD Club is how we respond. Launching in summer 2026, the BGMD Club is a free virtual afterschool program for girls ages 6 to 15 that builds directly on the trust and relationships we have cultivated through years of community programming. A summer pilot will allow us to refine the curriculum and onboard our first cohort ahead of the full 2027 program year.

Weekly 45-minute sessions cover five curriculum areas: Arts and Crafts, STEM, Business and Entrepreneurship, Wellness and Mindfulness, and Content Creation. Each girl receives monthly activity kits shipped to her home with everything she needs for hands-on learning. Sessions are led by a trained Activity Specialist, capped at 20 students, and completely free for every family.

With $10,000 in support, BGMD will serve at least 20 girls in its first full program year through small, high-touch sessions designed to ensure meaningful engagement and consistent participation. Girls will build skills, find mentors, and build relationships with peers who reflect them and believe in their potential. For many Harlem families, this will be the only free, culturally affirming enrichment program available to their daughters. We are committed to keeping it that way.

Total Project Budget: $25,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Founder investment alongside early community donations supporting pilot program costs Potential: Awesome Foundation NYC ($1,000, pending); corporate sponsorships in progress within Harlem; additional microgrant applications in pipeline

Project Duration: January 2027 to December 2027
Geographical Area Served: Harlem, New York City and surrounding communities (virtual program accessible nationally)
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 6 to 15

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alicia
Contact Last Name: Nuby
Contact Title: Director of Grants
Contact Phone: 561-633-3329
Contact Email: a.nuby@blackgirlmagicday.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Theater Project
Legal Name (if Different): The Theater Project a NJ N0nprofit Corp
Also Known As: The Theater Project
Mailing Address: 676 Lexington Rd
City: Union
State: NJ
Postal Code: 07083
Main Phone: 9088098865
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.TheTheaterProject.org
Employer ID Number: 45-2256837
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: $2,500

Project Title: Outreach: Theater Arts Education
Project Description:

The Theater Project’s programs for young people include workshops and tutorials in playwriting, acting and improvisation. The ARK summer program (Actors Reading with Kids) pairs actor/tutors one-to-one with young readers for reading enrichment.
TTP seeks out partnerships in low to moderate income communities. With arts education the first casualty of tight budgets, TTP offers on-site theater education classes at schools and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, at no cost to the host organization.
Acting workshops build self-confidence and offer outlets of self-expression to young people left out of sports programs. Playwriting activities build communication/critical thinking skills in ways unparalleled by most school assignments.
In TTP’s annual Young Playwrights Competition, now in its 24th year, NJ high school students are challenged to write short plays. Twelve students are recognized each year, and four prize-winning plays are performed by professional actors at the awards ceremony.
We have been able to encourage participation by sending volunteer adult authors from our adult Playwrights Workshop to do one-time “how to get started” sessions with English classes in area high schools. After the awards have been announced, volunteers also offer a one-time script consultation tutorial to any interested entrant in the competition,
We would like to expand this program by offering four free 6-session playwriting workshops to schools and organizations; grant support would stipend the adult leader.
As requests for individual tutorials have increased each year, the need to also provide honoraria for playwright-mentors has become clear.
Project Benefit
Motivating students to write material more complex than a text message becomes more challenging each day as reliance on social media and AI looms larger and larger.
The Theater Project’s program has supported students who have gone on to careers in the arts, while strengthening communication skills for all the participants in any field.

Total Project Budget: $14,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Friends of the Union Library (committed), Corporate sponsorships, grants and individual donations

Project Duration: July1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Central New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: 8-18 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Mark
Contact Last Name: Spina
Contact Title: Artistic Director
Contact Phone: 9739194818
Contact Email: markanthonyspina@thetheaterproject.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Theater Project
Legal Name (if Different): The Theater Project a NJ N0nprofit Corp
Also Known As: The Theater Project
Mailing Address: 676 Lexington Rd
City: Union
State: NJ
Postal Code: 07083
Main Phone: 9088098865
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.TheTheaterProject.org
Employer ID Number: 45-2256837
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: $2,500

Project Title: Outreach: Theater Arts Education
Project Description:

The Theater Project’s programs for young people include workshops and tutorials in playwriting, acting and improvisation. The ARK summer program (Actors Reading with Kids) pairs actor/tutors one-to-one with young readers for reading enrichment.
TTP seeks out partnerships in low to moderate income communities. With arts education the first casualty of tight budgets, TTP offers on-site theater education classes at schools and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, at no cost to the host organization.
Acting workshops build self-confidence and offer outlets of self-expression to young people left out of sports programs. Playwriting activities build communication/critical thinking skills in ways unparalleled by most school assignments.
In TTP’s annual Young Playwrights Competition, now in its 24th year, NJ high school students are challenged to write short plays. Twelve students are recognized each year, and four prize-winning plays are performed by professional actors at the awards ceremony.
We have been able to encourage participation by sending volunteer adult authors from our adult Playwrights Workshop to do one-time “how to get started” sessions with English classes in area high schools. After the awards have been announced, volunteers also offer a one-time script consultation tutorial to any interested entrant in the competition,
We would like to expand this program by offering four free 6-session playwriting workshops to schools and organizations; grant support would stipend the adult leader.
As requests for individual tutorials have increased each year, the need to also provide honoraria for playwright-mentors has become clear.
Project Benefit
Motivating students to write material more complex than a text message becomes more challenging each day as reliance on social media and AI looms larger and larger.
The Theater Project’s program has supported students who have gone on to careers in the arts, while strengthening communication skills for all the participants in any field.

Total Project Budget: $14,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Friends of the Union Library (committed), Corporate sponsorships, grants and individual donations

Project Duration: July1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Central New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: 8-18 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Mark
Contact Last Name: Spina
Contact Title: Artistic Director
Contact Phone: 9739194818
Contact Email: markanthonyspina@thetheaterproject.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Children Rising
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2633 Telegraph Ave. #412
City: Oakland
State: CA
Postal Code: 94612
Main Phone: 510-836-5100
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.children-rising.org
Employer ID Number: 94-3403801
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Succeeding by Reading
Project Description:

Children who learn to read by the time they complete third grade are far more likely to succeed in middle school, graduate from high school, and enjoy a fuller, safer, more prosperous life. Throughout Oakland educational inequity is a social injustice impacting children in low-income neighborhoods. Children, primarily Black and Latino, are systematically locked out of opportunity due to their zip code and the schools they attend. The sad reality is that, as a community, we do not provide these eager children with enough proper support to give them a fair chance to succeed in school.

Succeeding by Reading, our one-on-one interventional literacy tutoring program is designed to surround a child with the academic support they need to catch up to grade-level reading so that they can become a confident, engaged student. Succeeding by Reading builds the foundational literacy skills of second and third-grade students through individualized tutoring that fully incorporates “Science of Reading” principles.

Children Rising closely partners with Oakland public school principals and teachers at our community’s most under-resourced Title 1 elementary schools. These educators refer children struggling the most in reading and are paired with a trained Children Rising tutor for weekly tutoring throughout the academic year. There is no cost to families for their children to receive this tutoring.

Last school year, we tutored 150+ children in reading, providing 4,500 one-on-one tutoring sessions with 105 trained tutors from the community. On average, 65% of students regularly attending our program gain two or more grade levels by the end of the year. Caring relationships develop between tutor and student throughout the year. The vast majority of students develop increased self-confidence, improved social-emotional skills, and foundational reading skills so they can actively participate in the classroom.

Total Project Budget: 375630

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual Contributions – $125,000 committed, Lowell Berry Foundation – $40,000 committed, Callison Foundation – $25,000 pending, Ross Stores Foundation – $30,000 pending, Mary A Crocker Trust – $20,000 pending, Jack and Jill Foundation – $10,000 pending, Oakland Promise – $118,000 pending.

Project Duration: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Oakland, CA
Age Group To Be Served: 7-10 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Chelsea
Contact Last Name: Boniak
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 510-588-1820
Contact Email: chelsea@children-rising.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Child Hunger Outreach Partners
Legal Name (if Different): CHOP
Also Known As: CHOP Out Hunger
Mailing Address: 2 Elizabeth Street
City: Towanda
State: PA
Postal Code: 18848-1604
Main Phone: 5704855050
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.chopouthunger.org
Employer ID Number: 83-3319637
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: $6500

Project Title: In School Pantry & Weekend Backpack Program
Project Description:

Our Backpack Program and In-School Pantry Program work together to ensure students have consistent, reliable access to food both during the school day and at home.

The Backpack Program addresses weekend hunger by providing students with bags of shelf-stable, easy-to-prepare food to take home each week. These bags are discreetly distributed through schools and are designed to bridge the gap when school meals are unavailable. Each bag contains a balanced selection of items, including proteins, grains, fruits, and snacks, ensuring children have enough to eat over the weekend.

Complementing this effort, our In-School Pantry Program places fully stocked food pantries directly inside schools, eliminating barriers such as transportation, stigma, and limited access to traditional food assistance. These pantries offer a wider variety of food, including fresh and frozen items when available, and are accessible to older students and their families throughout the week. School staff play a critical role in identifying needs and ensuring food is distributed with dignity and care.

Together, these programs create a comprehensive, school-based hunger relief system that supports students every day of the week. By meeting children where they are, we reduce food insecurity, improve attendance and focus in the classroom, and strengthen connections between schools and families. This integrated approach allows us to serve tens of thousands of students weekly while building a scalable, sustainable model that can be replicated across communities.

Total Project Budget: $1,367,402

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We have commitments from UPMC, The Taylor Family Foundation, PS Bank, The Hawk Family Foundation, The Sheldon Family Foundation in the amount of $342,000. We continually submit grants to grow our sources of income.

Project Duration: ongoing
Geographical Area Served: 16 counties in Northern and Central Pennsylvania
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs
Contact First Name: Dani
Contact Last Name: Ruhf
Contact Title: CEO/Founder
Contact Phone: 5704999665
Contact Email: dani@chopouthunger.org