Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center
Legal Name (if Different): Dancing Spirit, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 414
City: Ignacio
State: CO
Postal Code: 81137
Main Phone: 9705634600
Main Fax:
Organization Website: http://www.dancingspiritgallery.org/
Employer ID Number: 45-2753491
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 Charitable Organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/7/2023
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Youth Art Programs
Project Description:

Dancing Spirit provides access to the arts for youth that is affordable and available within our small town. We partner with local schools and service organizations to offer art classes that are low cost with scholarships for kids who need financial help. Ignacio has a significantly lower income base than nearby Durango, and Colorado as a whole. The town has a population of 852, is majority minority, and nearly surrounded by Southern Ute Tribal Lands.

Dancing Spirit became a 501c3 organization in response to local requests to provide art education to youth. Over the past 13 years we have built partnerships with area service agencies and schools including the Southern Ute Boys and Girl Club, the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy, and the Hope Christian Academy to offer art access and support to youth year-round. We are represented by a board comprised of artists, we hire artist consutltants as teachers, and offer volunteer and community service opportunities based in the arts.

We know how art improves the lives of kids. Our Director, Kasey Correia is a certified Change Leader who is dedicated to helping others find themselves through creativity. She has seen the many ways the arts can help kids find themselves, find meaningful expression by connecting to their personal voice, by helping regulate their emotions, and through the development of healthy relationships that last.

The grant funding we receive for youth arts is dedicated to paying teachers and teaching assistants, buying art materials, and scholarships. We celebrate the the work of young artists by displaying paintings on a fence at our art corner on Goddard Avenue (Ignacio’s Main Street) and by display art flags painted by youth on lampposts across town.

Philanthropic support from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will help kids who are underrepresented, challenged, and interested in art.

Total Project Budget: $89,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Contractual agreements with education partners: $25,000 (committed) Onward! Legacy Foundation: $1,500 (received) Colorado Creative Industries Colorado Creatives grant: $6,500 (received) La Plata Electric Association Education fund: usual request $5,000 (requested) Mable Hughes Charitable Trust: $25,000 (requested) Duncan Charitable Trust: $20,000 (requested) McInnes Charitable Trust: $35,000 (requested)

Project Duration: ongoing under annual funds
Geographical Area Served: Town of Ignacio Colorado and surrounding areas in La Plata County.
Age Group To Be Served: School aged youth grades kindergarden through 12 (ages 5 – 18)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Kasey
Contact Last Name: Correia
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 9705634600
Contact Email: dancingspiritgallery@gmail.com