Grant Request Gamers Outreach
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Gamers Outreach
Legal Name (if Different): Gamers Outreach Foundation
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 108 N Maple Rd, Box 694
City: Saline
State: MI
Postal Code: 48176
Main Phone: 909-655-1975
Main Fax:
Organization Website: gamersoutreach.org
Employer ID Number: 26-0321174
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: January 18, 2024
Requested Amount: $3,500
Project Title: Gamers Outreach Karts: Healing Play for Hospitalized Children in Florida
Project Description:
Hundreds of thousands of children in Florida are hospitalized annually. The process leads to increased stress, feelings of loneliness, and diminished emotional states–factors that interfere with the healing process. During hospitalization, kids need an outlet for play to improve overall well-being. Play is proven to help heal, reduce patient stays, and ultimately allows kids to thrive. While hospitals excel in providing medical care, they aren’t always equipped with scalable platforms for play.
We’re uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives and health of hospitalized children in Florida. We partner with hospitals to implement an innovative program in pediatric units called Gamers Outreach Karts (“GO Karts”). GO Karts transform and improve the lives of young patients. They are portable, all-in-one, medical-grade video game kiosks that offer healing play. GO Karts include age-appropriate games curated to encourage cognitive growth (e.g., world-building games and puzzle games) and foster social connection (e.g., two-player games that require collaboration). Our program becomes a key component of a child’s healing journey, treated like other critical medical equipment, and incorporated into patient care plans.
Our free program is universally accessible and embraces all patients under 18, regardless of illness, ability, socioeconomic background, or other circumstances. Through regular engagement with GO Karts, children alleviate stress and anxiety; are distracted from pain or uncomfortable treatments; foster meaningful connections; and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Combined, these gains lead to improved physical health, healing, and patient outcomes.
We will implement one GO Kart at a partner hospital in Florida (we can collaborate with the Foundation to select a hospital, if preferred). We’ll reach 3,000 children within one year. Together, we’ll not only provide unique play experiences to children; we’ll deliver a tool that revolutionizes the hospital environment and empowers the healing of thousands of children.
Total Project Budget: $52,500
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Gulf Coast Community Foundation (potential), Community Foundation Tampa Bay (potential), Schulze Family Foundation (committed), Anonymous Individual Donor (committed)
Project Duration: We will fully utilize funding in 2025, the year following the grant award in October 2024. It is important to note that our program will last longer than the traditional one-year grant period without additional grant support from the Foundation. GO Karts are incredibly sustainable. Unlike other initiatives that wind down as grant funds are depleted, our project maintains its momentum. The key to our program’s sustainability is our use of durable, eco-friendly materials in the GO Karts. This approach ensures the longevity of each gaming kiosk. At a one-time cost of $3,500 to implement, a GO Kart becomes a permanent resource and piece of medical equipment for pediatric patients. This cost-effective, one-time investment model means that the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation’s support will continue to impact children in Florida long-term without the need for additional funding.
Geographical Area Served: Florida
Age Group To Be Served: Our program is available to all children under 18 years of age. However, those 6 – 13 years old tend to be most impacted.
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Dimitri
Contact Last Name: Teixeira
Contact Title: Grant Manager
Contact Phone: 401-309-5697
Contact Email: dteixeira@gamersoutreach.org