Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Front Porch
Legal Name (if Different): Front Porch Cville
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 221 East Water Street
City: Charlottesville
State: VA
Postal Code: 22902
Main Phone: (434) 806-7062
Main Fax: NA
Organization Website: https://frontporchcville.org/
Employer ID Number: 47-4040467
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/25/26
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: The Front Porch’s Roots & Wings Program
Project Description:

The Front Porch is a nonprofit dedicated to “connecting all of us through music.” We fulfill this mission by (1) operating a vibrant community music school serving 600+ students of all ages and backgrounds; (2) offering free outreach programs that reach 850+ community members, including preschool and elementary school students as well as seniors in end-of-life and memory care; (3) sustaining meaningful employment for 33+ professional musicians; and (4) presenting distinctive concert experiences that reach thousands each year.

Because access to music and music education is not equally shared, The Front Porch is committed to expanding access through outreach programs and community initiatives; most notably, Roots & Wings.

Roots & Wings is The Front Porch’s flagship outreach program, providing free, high-quality music education to 700+ preschool and elementary school children each year in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and Greene County. Designed to address persistent racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to enrichment opportunities, Roots & Wings removes financial and structural barriers that prevent many children from participating in music education.

At the preschool level, Roots & Wings brings weekly, in-class music and movement instruction to 350+ children ages 2 to 5 through partnerships with early childhood centers and schools. Professional teaching artists deliver developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with the Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards, helping children build skills that support literacy, numeracy, self-regulation, and social-emotional development.

At the elementary level, Roots & Wings serves 350+ students through Hometown Choir, a free afterschool choir program offered in partnership with YMCA sites across all Charlottesville City elementary schools. Through weekly rehearsals and public performances, students build confidence, collaboration, and belonging while connecting families and their neighborhoods through music.

By fostering academic readiness and social-emotional growth, Roots & Wings advances The Front Porch’s mission and aligns closely with the Hermanowski Family Foundation’s goal of improving children’s lives.

Total Project Budget: $172,597

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed/have funded us in previous years: YMCA ($9,000), Albemarle County Public School Community Fund ($8,000), Manning Family Foundation ($25,000), National Endowment for the Arts ($40,000), Charles Lawrence Keith and Clara Miller Foundation ($30,000), and J&E Berkley Foundation ($5,000). Potential/have not funded us in previous years but application is pending: Party Parade ($5,000), The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation ($20,000), and Kathryn McQuade Foundation ($15,000).

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Central Virginia; specifically, Charlottesville City, Albemarle County, and Greene County
Age Group To Be Served: 2-11

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Sophie
Contact Last Name: Trawalter
Contact Title: Director of Advancement
Contact Phone: (434) 806-7062
Contact Email: sophie@frontporchcville.org