Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Shadow Project
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2154 NE Broadway, Suite 130
City: Portland
State: OR
Postal Code: 97232
Main Phone: 971-373-3457
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.shadow-project.org/
Employer ID Number: 65-1166066
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/17/26
Requested Amount: 5000

Project Title: Reading Mentors
Project Description:

Reading Mentors serves students in grades 3–8 who are reading an average of three levels behind their peers due to learning differences, gaps in schooling, or a native language other than English. Students receive 1:1 support via an assistive technology, Learning Ally, delivered by Shadow Project staff and trained volunteers. In weekly sessions, mentors help kids set manageable goals and celebrate their progress every step of the way. With Learning Ally’s audiovisual features, kids are finally able to access books that interest and challenge them. As they discover what they can achieve, their confidence and motivation increases, and they’re more willing to persevere when reading feels hard: “I actually love reading! I can read a series now from book 1 to book 4.”
Partners receive a schoolwide Learning Ally license and specialized training so that both mentored and non-mentored students can take advantage of disabilities-specific reading technology. With assistive tools, strengths-based practice, and individualized attention, even the most discouraged readers build the skills and confidence needed to engage more with their schoolwork, participate more in class, and discover the joy of reading.
In the 2026-27 school year, Reading Mentors will deliver weekly support to 100–125 students in the Centennial School District, where 3rd grade reading proficiency has averaged 28% since 2022. We will also provide Learning Ally access to another 200-400 students and train district specialists to support them in using the platform.
Based on Reading Mentors’ performance since 2022, we expect most students to build independent reading habits, two-thirds to increase confidence and enthusiasm for reading, and half to improve proficiency by at least one grade level. Equally important, Reading Mentors is an emotional anchor for students who often struggle to engage at school: “For some students, it’s the best 15 minutes of their day.”

Total Project Budget: 330485

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Funding confirmed for Reading Mentors in the 2026-27 school year includes: • Anonymous donor via Vital Impact Group, $24,000 (allocation to Reading Mentors out of general operating award, year 3 of 4) • deLaski Family Foundation, $36,000 (allocation to Reading Mentors out of general operating award, year 2 of 3) • School partner cost-shares, $8,000-12,000 (pending budget determinations) Proposals are pending with: • First Tech Credit Union, $5,000 • O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, $10,000 Proposals are planned to: • CareOregon • Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation • Randall Charitable Trust • OnPoint Community Credit Union • HW and DCH Irwin Foundation • Rose Tucker Charitable Trust • Autzen Foundation • Herbert A Templeton Foundation • Oregon Cultural Trust

Project Duration: 2026-27 school year (September 2026 – June 2027)
Geographical Area Served: Centennial School District, Multnomah County, Oregon
Age Group To Be Served: Grades 3-8

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Gabrielle
Contact Last Name: Haber
Contact Title: Director of Foundation Relations and Evaluation
Contact Phone: 503-208-6220
Contact Email: gabrielle@shadow-project.org