Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Chintimini Wildlife Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: CWC
Mailing Address: 311 NW Lewisburg Ave
City: Corvallis
State: OR
Postal Code: 97330
Main Phone: (541)745-5324
Main Fax:
Organization Website: chintiminiwildlife.org
Employer ID Number: 94-3085445
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/31/2023
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Oregon Wildlife Science Program (OWL’s)
Project Description:

Over the next year, CWC will expand into Lane County and continue to support Benton County students with the Oregon Wildlife Science(OWLS) Program. We will utilize our 5-acre Nature Education Center to inspire youth to learn the ecological importance of diversity in our community while also fulfilling the State of Oregon’s 2nd-grade science standard on species diversity. Rewarded funds will be used to provide a no-cost, 4-hour, on-site education program to 2nd-grade students in the county, regardless of socioeconomic background with our 12 ambassador animals that we offer in English, Spanish &Braile. We hope to instill an appreciation for the natural world and inspire Lane and Benton County youth to preserve and celebrate the outdoor spaces we share with wildlife.Our work is most effective when it inspires a child into action, whether it be drawing, writing, researching, or simply sharing what they’ve learned with someone they love. In alignment with many school districts, we are committed to whole-child learning, and thus we celebrate when students engage with the world around them; feel safe enough to be creative, curious, empathetic, and passionate; and can find a sense of place and purpose.In a paper written on ecotherapy, researchers Summers and Vivian state: “Clear and abundant evidence demonstrates that interaction with nature affects not only the well-being but our health throughout life. This evidence suggests that people who as children strongly interact with ecosystems and environment live longer with better quality of life." After two years of disrupted learning, the negative impacts of virtual and even hybrid schooling are apparent, with numerous studies showing an increase in depression, anxiety, and mental health in school-age children. We believe that the addition of this nature-based program as supplemental education will help improve the overall well-being of children in the immediate future and throughout their lives.

Total Project Budget: $45,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Benton Community Foundation $8,590 (secured) Chambers Family Foundation $13,500 (potential)

Project Duration: January 1st, 2024- December 31st, 2024
Geographical Area Served: Benton County, OR + Lane County
Age Group To Be Served: 7-9 year olds

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Catherine
Contact Last Name: Mendez
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (458) 256-0826
Contact Email: director@chintiminiwildlife.org