Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, NY (CSJ)
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1725 Brentwood Rd
City: Brentwood
State: NY
Postal Code: 11717
Main Phone: 631-273-1871
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://brentwoodcsj.org/
Employer ID Number: 11-1631830
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: July 28, 2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: CSJ Garden Ministry
Project Description:

One of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s most impactful ministries is CSJ Garden Ministry, a seven-acre community garden that consists of 24 raised-bed plots for local families, vegetable gardens, a wheat field, goats, chickens, and a barn. A central component of CSJ Garden Ministry is providing free environmental education for children and families. With a small staff (1.5 paid), these have been offered on a part-time basis. Even with limited staffing, CSJ Garden Ministry reached 739 children through environmental education programs in 2025 demonstrating both strong community interest and the need for expanded programming. In late 2025, we added a new full-time member to the staff – an Environmental Educator – with the goal of broadening our educational outreach to children in the wider community. With this new position, our objective is to provide environmental education to at least 1,300 children and adults.

Expanded programming will primarily serve children (ages 3 and older) and adults from the Suffolk County communities of Brentwood and Central Islip. Many participants are from immigrant families and face economic hardships. As residents of communities experiencing environmental injustice and high population density, they are disproportionately affected by pollution and have limited access to safe, natural green spaces. Through hands-on experiences in gardens, farmland, meadows, and woodlands, offered at CSJ Garden Ministry participants gain meaningful opportunities to connect with nature. Research has shown that time spent in natural environments promotes physical and mental well-being, supports children’s social and emotional development, reduces stress, and strengthens family relationships.

We envision offering environmental education throughout the year, with programs available on a 12-month basis. In addition to expanding school-year programming, we will continue our popular summer programs for children and intergenerational experiences that engage entire families. Should a grant be awarded by the Hermanowski Family Foundation, it will be applied toward a new position – Environmental Educator.

Total Project Budget: $85,150

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): William and Maude Pritchard Foundation – pending; CSJ Ministry Fund – $10,000 Autumn fundraiser – To be held on 10/4/26 – expected to net $5000.

Project Duration: on-going
Geographical Area Served: Brentwood, Suffolk County, NY and surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: Primarily children from 3 – 14 years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Jeff
Contact Last Name: Smith
Contact Title: Director of Grants
Contact Phone: 63-273-1871 ext, 125
Contact Email: smithjg@csjbrentwood.org