Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Marine Education Initiative, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 9619 Nevada Place
City: Boca Raton
State: FL
Postal Code: 33434
Main Phone: 561-405-5576
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.marineinitiative.org
Employer ID Number: 45-3862555
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/15/2026
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Sustainable Agriculture Education Program
Project Description:

Marine Education Initiative’s Sustainable Agriculture Education Program empowers underserved youth ages 6–18 with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to grow their own food while protecting the environment. Designed for students from under-resourced communities, the program combines science, environmental stewardship, and food security education through engaging, experiential learning.

Participants learn how to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs using sustainable farming methods including aquaponics, soil-based gardening, and hydroponics. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students gain practical skills in seed starting, plant care, harvesting, and understanding the food system from farm to table. By teaching youth how to produce healthy food in small spaces, the program helps build lifelong habits that support nutrition, self-sufficiency, and resilience.

A central component of the curriculum focuses on fertilizer pollution and its impact on local waterways and marine ecosystems. Students explore how excess fertilizers used in conventional agriculture can run off into rivers and oceans, contributing to harmful algal blooms and water quality issues. Through demonstrations and experiments, participants learn sustainable alternatives and responsible growing practices that reduce environmental harm.

The program is delivered through field trips, school partnerships, and community workshops at Marine Education Initiative’s new site in West Boca Raton (next to Horshoe Acres) and partner sites throughout South Florida. By blending environmental science with real-world agricultural skills, the Sustainable Agriculture Education Program inspires the next generation of environmental stewards while addressing food insecurity in vulnerable communities.

Through this initiative, Marine Education Initiative equips young people with the tools and knowledge to grow their own food, make environmentally responsible choices, and become leaders in building healthier and more sustainable communities.

Total Project Budget: 300000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Hamilton Family Charitable Trust (Commited $400,000 over 3 years), Asofsky Family Foundation (Commited $10,000 over 1 year), Impact 100 PBC (Potential – $100,000 over 2 years), Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation (Potential $100,000 over 1 year)

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach County
Age Group To Be Served: 6-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Nicholas
Contact Last Name: Metropulos
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 561-405-5576
Contact Email: nick@marineinitiative.org