Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 701 Market Street, Suite 1250
City: St. Louis
State: MO
Postal Code: 63101
Main Phone: (314) 881-2015
Main Fax:
Organization Website: archpark.org
Employer ID Number: 27-2128072
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 27, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Paddle Your Park
Project Description:

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a nonprofit conservancy and the official philanthropic partner of Gateway Arch National Park and its surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis. We help care for the park’s natural landscapes and provide community engagement and education programming for 85,000 St. Louisans each year.

Gateway Arch Park Foundation seeks support for its Paddle Your Park program—an interactive learning opportunity for low-income students to engage in outdoor education activities that enrich academic objectives. Paddle Your Park bridges classroom learning and the natural world and seeks to motivate the next generation to protect and enjoy our shared public lands.

Paddle Your Park is a collaboration between the National Park Service, local/state/federal public land management agencies, and outdoor recreation organizations. Fourth grade students participate in activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking and archery; and are introduced to:

-various aquatic species
-water quality and concepts of pollution and bioaccumulation
-wetland science and habitat loss for biodiverse animals
-area flora and fauna
-human impact and the importance of good stewardship

Research shows outdoor field trips provide students with the opportunity to develop increased perception and a greater vocabulary; build on classroom instruction; gain a better understanding of topics; and bolster critical thinking skills. A day spent outdoors also promotes a healthy lifestyle and nurtures a greater curiosity for nature. Without the Paddle Your Park program many of the students who participate would not have the opportunity to spend the day on the water and in the outdoors despite living nearby, due to lack of resources.

In May 2023, more than 240 students from Title 1 schools participated in the program’s spring session. In 2024, we are seeking funding to expand Paddle Your Park to serve even more Title 1 students in two sessions throughout the year.

Total Project Budget: $29,750

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Paddle Your Park receives funding from the Regional Business Council, committed at $5,000. We rely on foundation support to fill the funding gap of $24,750.

Project Duration: Spring and Fall
Geographical Area Served: St. Louis metropolitan area
Age Group To Be Served: 8 to 11 year old children (Elementary-school aged children)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Amanda
Contact Last Name: Goldsmith
Contact Title: Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs
Contact Phone: 314-881-3535
Contact Email: amanda.goldsmith@archpark.org