Grant Request Story Tapestries

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form


Organization Name: Story Tapestries
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 19301 Hempstone Ave
City: Poolesville
State: MD
Postal Code: 20837
Main Phone: 3019166328
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.storytapestries.org
Employer ID Number: 27-3352560
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information


Today’s Date: 03/31/2024
Requested Amount: 7,000

Project Title: Write Your Story (WYS): Literacy Building Through Arts Integration
Project Description:

A 2022-23 education report demonstrated 42% of children were ready for kindergarten, with only 29% of those living in poverty ready. Story Tapestries’ improves the literacy level of children in economically challenged and potentially emotionally difficult situations by using multiple arts forms as the vehicle for teaching and learning. According to the teachers surveyed, we have increased students’ literacy levels by 95% supporting their ability to recall stories, answer comprehension questions and tell their story.

WYS is a comprehensive approach to youth development and academic enrichment, using arts-integrated educational experiences taught in collaboration with classroom educators to support social emotional learning (SEL) and academic achievement. Program design includes dedicated co-planning between teaching artists and teachers, conversations with the caregivers, and observation of students in action to ensure curriculum materials reflect SEL and academic needs of the community. This generates engagement & fosters a supportive, identity-safe, inclusive educational setting.

Programs at each school and early childhood center includes: One 1.5-hour interactive family engagement events including food, art-centered workshop, a performance; A 3-Hour workshop for teachers on how to use Arts Integration and Universal Design for Learning to develop students’ SEL and academic skills; an artist-in-residence program directly teaching in PreK – 2nd grade classrooms with arts-integrated activities for students and for teachers to support academic achievement and SEL skills (the artist will be at each site for 10 days, providing a minimum of 5 for up to 10 hours of direct programming in each classroom). When children learn through the arts, evidence-based research shows simultaneous acquisition and reinforcement of academic and social-emotional skills. Improving these foundational skills supports academic achievement. (Johnson-Green & Flannery, 2020)

Total Project Budget: 162,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): PNC, Bernard Family, Ausherman Foundation, Frederick County Community Foundation, Leggett Family, Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Delaplaine Kettering Family Foundation, WorkSource Montgomery, MD State Arts Council

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: MD, District of Columbia, and VA
Age Group To Be Served: Focus on 2-8 years old

Contact Information


Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Arianna
Contact Last Name: Ross
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 301 916-6328
Contact Email: development@storytapestries.org