Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Christodora: Nature, Learning, Leadership
Legal Name (if Different): Christodora, Inc.
Also Known As: Christodora
Mailing Address: 1 East 53rd Street, 6th Floor
City: New York
State: New York
Postal Code: 10022
Main Phone: 2123715225
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.christodora.org
Employer ID Number: 13-5562192
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/22/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Christodora’s Winter Ecology Program
Project Description:

The Winter Ecology Program (WEP) is an engaging ecology program that helps young people discover that nature and wildlife exist in New York City and why and how these ecosystems matter. Students participate in multisensory hands-on experiments, which help them discover an ecosystem in action right in their neighborhood. For many students, WEP sparks an interest in science, nature, and learning more about Christodora’s other leadership and environmental programs.
WEP is over two decades old, and implemented through a network of partnerships with New York City public middle schools in the city’s most economically challenged communities. We work mainly in the Bronx but also have long-term partner schools in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. WEP reaches over 2,000 students across 20 partner schools annually, with new ones added yearly. Lessons are provided through a well-designed science and environmental curriculum that is reviewed and improved each year to ensure that it includes the most current science. The curriculum is also aligned with NYC Science Learning Standards. WEP academic tracks include biomes, endangered species, pollination, pollution, and water, where students engage in games and hands-on activities to help connect concepts to real-world examples. For instance, in our water track, examples include a game called The Story of Trash, where students learn where our rubbish goes (often, not recycled nor ending up in landfills!), or permeability studies to discover the importance of urban trees and green spaces for flood and temperature control. Following WEP, one student shared, “Christodora changed my understanding of nature in the city because it made me realize I’m a part of an ecosystem.”

Total Project Budget: $226,597

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): ConEdison ($10,000), Lily Auchincloss Foundation ($15,000)

Project Duration: January 2025 – December 2025
Geographical Area Served: Under-resourced New York City neighborhoods, especially the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and parts of Brooklyn
Age Group To Be Served: Middle School Students (11-13)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alexis
Contact Last Name: Sanborn
Contact Title: Manager of Development and Communications
Contact Phone: 212-371-5225
Contact Email: development@christodora.org