Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Synapse Arts Collective
Legal Name (if Different): Synapse Arts Collective
Also Known As: Synapse Arts
Mailing Address: 1442 W Jarvis Ave
City: Chicago
State: Illinois
Postal Code: 60626
Main Phone: 947-227-3283
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.synapsearts.com
Employer ID Number: 20-1586508
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/20/2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Inclusive Dance Classes
Project Description:

Inclusive Dance Classes are a weekly performing arts program designed for disabled and non disabled teens and adults to learn and create together in an accessible, community based environment. Co led by Synapse Arts and Unfolding Disability Futures, a collective of disabled artists, the program takes place every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at Clarendon Park Community Center in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and is also offered online to support participants who are immunocompromised or unable to travel. Each class serves 12 to 24 participants with a ratio of one teacher or aide for every six students, welcoming members of the disability community, Park District Special Recreation participants, and dancers of all experience levels from across Chicagoland. Launched in fall 2025, the program served 60 individuals in its first year and is expanding to serve over 100 individuals annually.

Classes provide structured performing arts learning through guided movement exercises, improvisation, and collaborative choreography, helping participants build movement vocabulary, creative expression, and performance skills. Teaching artists bring both professional expertise and lived experience into the classroom, fostering an environment that supports artistic growth, confidence, and connection. Accessibility is central to the program’s design, with accommodations including ASL interpretation, live captioning, sensory materials, flexible seating, air purifiers, and wellness supports. Tuition is offered on a pay what you can model and participation is free when needed, ensuring equitable access. Funding supports teaching artists, accessibility services, administrative coordination, and classroom resources needed to sustain and expand this inclusive performing arts program.

Total Project Budget: $20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual Donations – $5,000 (Committed) In Kind space donation from Chicago Park District – $7,000 (Committed) Kettering Family Foundation – $10,000 (Potential) Montgomery Ward Foundation – $5,000 (Potential) Awesome Foundation – $1,000 (Potential)

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Chicago, IL
Age Group To Be Served: Teens and Adults

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Rachel
Contact Last Name: Damon
Contact Title: Co-Director
Contact Phone: 947-227-3283
Contact Email: fundraising@synapsearts.com