Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Southeastern Guide Dogs
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Dogs Inc
Mailing Address: 4210 77th Street East
City: Palmetto
State: Florida
Postal Code: 34221
Main Phone: 941-729-5665
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.dogsinc.org
Employer ID Number: 59-2252352
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 03/25/2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Dogs Inc Children and Teens Program
Project Description:

At Dogs Inc, we are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside children, teens, and families as they navigate life’s most tender and transformative moments. Through our Children and Teens Program, extraordinary dogs become trusted companions—opening doors to confidence, independence, and renewed hope.
For children, skilled companion dogs offer more than comfort; they inspire growth. These gentle, intuitive partners help children build self-confidence, develop responsibility, and discover a sense of purpose. With each small success—learning a new skill, caring for their dog, or simply feeling less alone—children begin to see a future filled with possibility and strength.
For teens with vision loss, this program arrives at a pivotal time. Our personalized, no-cost guide dog training empowers young people ages 15–17 to experience independence earlier, with support tailored to their daily lives at home, at school, and on campus. As trust grows between teen and dog, so does confidence—replacing hesitation with freedom and opening pathways to education, connection, and self-determination.
We are also honored to serve Gold Star families, offering skilled companion dogs who bring comfort and quiet healing in the face of profound loss. These dogs provide steady companionship, helping children and families feel supported, understood, and never alone.
Each placement is thoughtfully matched, carefully prepared, and supported for a lifetime—always at no cost. Made possible by compassionate donors, this program reflects a shared commitment to dignity, resilience, and hope—ensuring every child and teen we serve can move forward with courage and possibility.

Total Project Budget: 1,387,833

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual donors, Lady Suzanna P. and Carlton Tweed Charitable Foundation,Special People in Need,The Hurlburt Foundation, Inc.,Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation,Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: South Florida
Age Group To Be Served: 5-17

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Christen
Contact Last Name: Benson
Contact Title: Managing Director, Grants and Foundation Partnerships
Contact Phone: 941-729-5665
Contact Email: southeasterngrants@guidedogs.org