Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Lawrence Arts Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 940 New Hampshire St.
City: Lawrence
State: Kansas
Postal Code: 66044
Main Phone: 785.843.2787
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://lawrenceartscenter.org
Employer ID Number: 48-0825692
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: January 27, 2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Lawrence Arts Center Youth Art Education Financial Aid
Project Description:

The Lawrence Arts Center’s Financial Aid Fund ensures that access to the arts is sustaining; not an optional add-on but an essential facet of life. Post-pandemic, the last few years have demonstrated how vital arts programming is to our community’s physical, social and mental wellness. There has been an increase in demand for financial aid for children of all ages and backgrounds to take classes in year-long early education programs in arts based preschool, kindergarten, youth visual arts, dance and theater. These educational opportunities create meaningful social connections between students, provide avenues for professional development, and foster much needed outlets for self-expression. We provide partial and full financial aid funds to those who qualify under the federal criteria of the poverty level, very low income, and low income.

While cost of living expenses have greatly increased in the area due to a scarcity of affordable housing and rising costs for food and material goods, wages have not risen locally to meet those demands. Additionally, public funding from the City of Lawrence has decreased considerably in the last ten years. These factors have led to the Lawrence Arts Center having to support the elevated financial needs of our community through its operational budget, a practice which has become increasingly difficult in the rebounding non-profit economy. The organization is committed to finding support through private donations and impactful national funding opportunities such as the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation Grant, to accomplish this goal. Only by making innovative arts programming accessible to all students, regardless of income level, can the Lawrence Arts Center fulfill its mission that art is for everyone.

Total Project Budget: $60,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $30,000 (committed) $20,000 (potential private donations)

Project Duration: 1 year (Jan. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2027)
Geographical Area Served: Douglas County, Kansas
Age Group To Be Served: 3-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Marlo
Contact Last Name: Angell
Contact Title: Film, Grants, Special Projects
Contact Phone: 785.843.2787
Contact Email: grants@lawrenceartscenter.org