Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: New Jersey Orators
Legal Name (if Different): New Jersey Orators, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 272 Westfield Avenue
City: Piscataway
State: NJ
Postal Code: 08854
Main Phone: 732-846-5011
Main Fax: 732-846-5016
Organization Website: www.oratorsinc.org
Employer ID Number: 22-2858673
Organization Tax Status: 501C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 1/15/24
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: NJO Oratorical Program
Project Description:

Founded in 1985, New Jersey Orators, Inc. (NJO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth organization that teaches the art of public speaking, an appreciation for literature, reading and media arts literacy, civic engagement and college readiness workshops, and life skills to youth, specifically low and moderate income, between the ages of 7 and 18; thereby increasing their self-confidence, leadership skills and ability to maximize career choices and academic readiness and success in college. We recently added Oral History Interviewing of Seniors over 90 who have experiences of or recollections about the Civil Rights Era and Voting Rights. NJO’s vision is to develop confident youth in preparation for college and beyond.

Our NJO oratorical workshops offered at chapter locations are open to all students from 7 to 18 years of age regardless of race, religion, or creed. We serve approximately 200 students on an annual basis. NJO is a total volunteer organization with programming delivered by dedicated volunteer coaches, judges, and administrators who donate over 4,800 hours to support the oratorical and literacy programs. The Orators program offers weekly 1-hour programming over a 32-week period led by NJO Coaches. Orators receive individual and group instruction to develop strong verbal and original writing skills and an appreciation for literature.

Demonstrating the effectiveness of our programming, we have received several awards of recognition: 2023 King Commission Award, 2022 NJ Jefferson Award, 2021 New Jersey Chamber & the African American Chamber of Commerce Diversity Award; 2019 Johnson & Johnson’s MLK Community Service Award, 2015, 2015 President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2014 NJ Black Issue Conference Community Change Award in Education, and Manhattan Institute for Policy Research Social Entrepreneurship Award.

Eloise Samuels, CEO, was awarded Manhattan Institute’s Civil Society Fellow given to nonprofit leaders who have improved their local communities by addressing or preventing a social challenge

Total Project Budget: $148,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Membership dues ($30,000); Committed: Martin L. King Commission ($5,000), NJ Council for the Humanities ($10,000), Fred Brotherton Fdt ($4,000); Potential: Ohnell Fdt ($5,000), PNC Charitable Trust ($2,500), Nordstrom Fdt ($5,000),

Project Duration: July 2024 – June 2025
Geographical Area Served: New Jersey Counties (8): Essex, Union, Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington
Age Group To Be Served: 7 – 18 years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Eloise
Contact Last Name: Samuels
Contact Title: Founder & CEO
Contact Phone: 7322599139
Contact Email: esamuels20@gmail.com