Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Upstate Circle of Friends
Legal Name (if Different): Upstate Circle of Friends
Also Known As: UCF
Mailing Address: 29 Ridgeway Drive
City: Greenville
State: SC
Postal Code: 29605
Main Phone: 8642775788
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://ucfgreenville.org/
Employer ID Number: 20-4593516
Organization Tax Status: Non-Profit 501(c)3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: March 20, 2026
Requested Amount: $7,500

Project Title: Nourish to Thrive: Youth Nutrition and Garden-Based Learning Initiative
Project Description:

Upstate Circle of Friends (UCF) seeks support to expand its youth nutrition and wellness programming serving children in Greenville County’s District 25, where over 70% of students in Title I schools qualify for free or reduced-price meals and many families live in federally designated food desert areas. For these children, consistent access to nutritious food remains a daily challenge, particularly outside of the school day.

Through UCF’s USDA Summer and Afterschool Feeding Programs, the organization provides thousands of meals annually to children at risk of hunger. This project builds on that foundation by integrating food access with hands-on education through UCF’s Urban Teaching Garden and whole-family support through its Wellness Hub.

Children participating in the program not only receive healthy meals, but also engage in garden-based learning where they grow, harvest, and taste fresh produce, building lifelong knowledge around nutrition and food systems. At the Wellness Hub, families are connected to health services, nutrition education, and supportive resources that address underlying barriers to stability.

Funding from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will support the expansion of meal service sites, increased access to fresh produce, and enhanced enrichment programming that promotes both physical health and academic engagement. The program will serve hundreds of children annually, with a focus on those living in high-poverty, underserved neighborhoods.

Founded in 2006, UCF has a proven track record of reaching vulnerable populations and delivering integrated services that address both immediate needs and long-term outcomes. By combining nutritious meals, experiential learning, and family-centered support, this initiative helps children build healthier futures while strengthening the communities in which they live.

Total Project Budget: $7,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Upstate Circle of Friends leverages a combination of public and private funding to support youth nutrition and wellness programming. Current and potential sources include USDA Summer and Afterschool Feeding Program reimbursements, private foundation support, corporate and community donations, and individual contributions. This request represents a portion of a larger, ongoing initiative.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Greenville County, South Carolina, with a focus on District 25 and surrounding high-poverty communities
Age Group To Be Served: Children and youth ages 5–18

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Roseanne
Contact Last Name: Brown
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: (864) 934-5557
Contact Email: Roseanne@UCFGreenville.org