Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Queen Ann Nzinga Center, INC
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: QANC
Mailing Address: 18 Newton Avenue
City: Plainville
State: Connecticut
Postal Code: 06062
Main Phone: 860-805-6169
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.qanc.org/
Employer ID Number: 26-2803114
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 28, 2024
Requested Amount: $7,500

Project Title: Watoto Arts Enrichment
Project Description:

Watoto helps youth develop self-confidence, transferrable skills, and the freedom to dream without constraint. This program combines humanities lessons from an Afro-centric lens with arts workshops and live performance.

Through the year participants meet twice a week to learn about relevant cultural themes and interpret these themes through creative expression. Each program session includes a humanities lesson (ex. Symbols of Kwanzaa, a local figure of Hispanic Heritage, African fables, etc) which is followed by an arts workshop where participants express what they have learned (ex Creative movement to represent Kwanzaa symbols, preparing a skit to tell the story of a local figure, creating African masks to represent fable characters, etc.). As a result of the workshops, youth create original music, dance, theater and poetry pieces interpreting cultural themes, which are presented in a series of public events (typically 4 per program year) celebrating our heritage with diverse audiences.

QANC’s theory of change is to instill the belief in our young people, particularly our children of color, that they are worthy and can succeed through helping them dream, giving them exposure to resources, setting goals, creating a plan and taking their first steps with support of a broader community. We typically serve 40 individuals ages 5-20 in Greater New Britain; Most youth come from low to moderate income, minority households. Many struggle academically and our program success boosts their self-esteem, enhancing their progress in school. The humanities themes and art workshop offerings change each year in line with participant interests, talents, and their personal heritage. The aim is to teach participants about their own heritage, but also the heritage of others, promoting diversity and inclusive communities. We encourage children from all backgrounds to participate–after all, all of humanity can trace it roots back to Africa. We are stronger together!

Total Project Budget: $98,089

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): American Savings Foundation (Committed); J Walton Bissell Foundation (Committed); George A & Grace L Long Foundation (Potential); Elizabeth Norton Trust (Committed); National Endowment for the Arts (Potential); City of New Britain (Committed)

Project Duration: 9/1/24 – 6/30/25
Geographical Area Served: New Britain, CT (Central Connecticut)
Age Group To Be Served: Our program serves youth ages 5 – 20

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Chloe
Contact Last Name: Ellison
Contact Title: Development Associate
Contact Phone: 203-984-7845
Contact Email: chjellison@gmail.com