Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: February Star Sanctuary
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 3910 Ausherman Road
City: Knoxville
State: MD
Postal Code: 21758
Main Phone: (410) 370-4402
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://februarystarsanctuary.com
Employer ID Number: 45-3941793
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/20/26
Requested Amount: 4,000

Project Title: Horses Helping Kids
Project Description:

Horses are one of the most commonly abused, neglected and abandoned animals in the U.S., with over 20,000 sent to slaughter each year. We strive to eliminate these tragedies and provide a safe haven for horses through rescue, rehabilitation, refuge and rehoming. An important aspect of our process and way in which we are unique, is encouraging horses to interact with as many people as they can, so they feel love from as many people as possible. This also allows us to not only help our horses, but people, especially the future generations. To promote access to and appreciation of the outdoors, we host horseback riding and horsemanship programs for kids ages 6-17, a hands-on educational experience at a working animal sanctuary, develop life skills and promote compassion for animals. Youth participants, most of whom are underprivileged, usually have no experience in a rural surrounding or with horses, and often lack access to the outdoors. Through horse interactions, they learn proper horsemanship, horseback techniques, responsibility by discovering what it requires to be a proper horse owner (e.g., how to feed, groom, muck stalls, identify poisonous flora) and why it’s important to care for vulnerable animals. We feel teaching our children to respect and protect even the most vulnerable among us is one of the most important life lessons we can pass on. These programs also give kids a safe space to socially interact and build confidence. Additionally, while on-site, kids learn about agriculture and equine industry careers and the fulfilling, financially stable futures they can provide and how to attain them. If we receive funding, we will be able to provide these programs to kids of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, at no cost to their families, so kids can participate without adding financial stress to their families.

Total Project Budget: 15,100

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): For 2027, we have $5,000 pending from the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership and $2,000 from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. For previous years and 2026, we’ve received grants from the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, Maryland Horse Industry Board, Delaplaine Foundation and Richard W. Kanode fund. We anticipate receiving funding from some or all of these organizations for 2027. Also, we receive donations from countless individuals.

Project Duration: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: 6-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Phyllis
Contact Last Name: Smith
Contact Title: Executive Director/Co-Founder
Contact Phone: (410) 370-4402
Contact Email: februarystarsanctuary@gmail.com