Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Friends of Coeur D’Alene Elementary
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 810 Coeur D Alene Ave
City: Venice
State: CA
Postal Code: 90291
Main Phone: 3107737561
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.friendsofcda.org/
Employer ID Number: 20-0038668
Organization Tax Status: 501 c3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 06/18/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Growing Healthy Futures: Youth Garden Education and Wellness Program
Project Description:

Friends of CDA’s Growing Healthy Futures: Youth Garden Education and Wellness Program provides children and youth with hands-on learning experiences that promote academic achievement, healthy lifestyles, leadership development, and environmental stewardship. Serving youth from underserved communities in Los Angeles County, the program uses a community garden as an outdoor classroom where participants engage in experiential learning activities that support their educational, physical, and social development.

Through weekly garden-based lessons, youth learn about plant science, nutrition, environmental sustainability, food systems, and healthy eating habits. Participants gain practical skills by planting, maintaining, and harvesting fruits, vegetables, and pollinator-friendly plants while exploring STEM concepts through real-world applications. The program also incorporates nutrition education, teaching youth how fresh foods contribute to overall health and wellness and encouraging lifelong healthy habits.

In addition to academic enrichment, the program fosters leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and self-confidence. Youth participate in collaborative projects, volunteer opportunities, and community service activities that strengthen their connection to their neighborhood and build valuable life skills. Family engagement events further reinforce learning by encouraging parents and caregivers to participate in garden activities and healthy eating initiatives.

Funding from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation will support educational materials, garden supplies, youth programming, nutrition workshops, and hands-on learning activities throughout a one-year period. The program is expected to serve more than 200 children and youth, providing opportunities for meaningful engagement, skill development, and personal growth.

By combining education, health, and youth development in a supportive outdoor environment, Growing Healthy Futures equips young people with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to make healthy choices, succeed academically, and reach their full potential. The program helps cultivate a new generation of informed, engaged, and resilient youth prepared for future success.

Total Project Budget: 15000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Friends of CDA Contribution (cash, in-kind support, volunteer labor, other grants): $5,000

Project Duration: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Los Angeles
Age Group To Be Served: The program primarily serves children and youth ages 5–18 through structured garden-based education, while also engaging younger children and young adults up to age 21 through family events, volunteer opportunities, and leadership activities.

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Erin
Contact Last Name: Harnisch
Contact Title: Presidet
Contact Phone: 3107737561
Contact Email: erinharnisch@cdavenice.org