Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Wild Earth Wilderness School
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Wild Earth
Mailing Address: 2307 Lucas Turnpike
City: High Falls
State: NY
Postal Code: 12440
Main Phone: (845) 256-9830
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wildearth.org
Employer ID Number: 20-1675636
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/12/2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Nature Connection & Experiential Education (NCEE)
Project Description:

Wild Earth’s mission is to ignite transformative connections through wisdom rooted in the natural world.

Research documents the benefits of outdoor play, including increases in physical well-being, mental and emotional development, and academic outcomes. However, on average American youth ages 8-17 spend less than 7 minutes a day engaged in outdoor play and over 7.5 hours in front of an electronic screen.

For ten years Wild Earth has collaborated with school districts in Kingston and Ellenville, NY to provide the Nature Connection and Experiential Education (NCEE) project, fostering social and emotional learning for students through nature-based guided recess experiences. During the 2026-2027 school year, NCEE will serve over 2,500 students across these two districts. The program focuses on supporting both students and the adults who work with them:
• Guided Recess: Wild Earth staff mentors work in each school on a weekly basis to offer all students a range of optional, choice-based activities designed to promote team building, healthy risk taking, access to nature, and a constructive outlet for students’ midday energy. Each week features a rotating selection of nature-based activities, including a hands-on touch table, crafts, books and field guides, and fast-moving group games. Through these activities staff work to connect with students to build trust and rapport.
• Monitor Engagement: Wild Earth also provides professional development for school recess monitors based on Wild Earth’s Coaching Concepts developed through twenty years of programming. Through workshops and monthly coaching sessions, Wild Earth leaders support school staff to provide continuity in mentored outdoor recess activities throughout the school year.

A $5,000 grant from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will support guided recess and monitor engagement throughout the academic year to benefit more than 2,500 students in grades K-8, providing the sense of connection and belonging for students to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Total Project Budget: $350,064 (current year 2025-2026 NCEE budget)

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Wild Earth is just beginning the process of securing project support for the coming year. The following foundations have supported NCEE in current and previous years, and we expect renewed funding in 2026-2027: Ascienzo Family Foundation ($7,500), Carvel Foundation ($10,000), Fund for Women & Children ($35,000), HOPE For Youth Foundation ($12,000), Hover Foundation ($6,500), HVCU Charitable Foundation ($5,000), Klock Foundation ($15,000), Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund ($4,000), Skodnek Foundation ($25,000), Swantz Family Foundation ($5,000), Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation ($5,000), Wolosoff Foundation ($10,000)

Project Duration: 9/1/2026-8/31/2027
Geographical Area Served: Kingston, NY and Ellenville, NY
Age Group To Be Served: 5-14

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Kate
Contact Last Name: Pinyavan
Contact Title: Co-Executive Director, Finance & Operations
Contact Phone: (845) 256-9830
Contact Email: kate@wildearth.org