Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Artists For Humanity, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: AFH
Mailing Address: EpiCenter, 100 West Second Street, Boston
City: Boston
State: MA
Postal Code: 02127
Main Phone: 617 268-7620
Main Fax: 617 268-7358
Organization Website: www.afhboston.org
Employer ID Number: 04-3138434
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/2016
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Youth Arts Enterprise
Project Description:

AFH’s central program, the Youth Arts Enterprise, employs 250 Boston teens annually during out-of-school hours: Tuesday-Thursday from 3:00-6:00PM during the school year and Monday-Friday from 12:00-5:30PM during the summer. AFH partners these youth apprentices with professional artist / designer mentors to collaborate on innovative projects – like engineering bike racks for installation throughout the City – that promote active learning and advanced 21st Century Skills development in creativity, media, technology, critical-thinking, problem-solving and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) concepts.

AFH offers this project-based learning in fully-equipped, staffed studios in Graphic Design/Motion Graphics, Painting, Photography, Screen-Printing, Sculpture/3D Design, Video and Web Design. Studios feature a small group structure of 7-12 young people working alongside a mentor. Individual attention enables the mentor to introduce concepts, discuss direction, advise on techniques, and ensure that each participant is working to his/her potential. This hands-on approach quickly builds skills, confidence and aptitude. Youth are encouraged to self-direct by choosing subject matter, researching ideas/images, and exploring techniques. Group critique strengthens communication and critical analysis.

Commissioned projects require apprentices to focus and craft a product that responds to client needs. Teens participate in planning, product development and marketing. Like any other job, they are expected to be punctual, treat the work seriously and function as team members. Unlike most jobs available to teens, young people are directly involved in client negotiations and meetings, giving them an important introduction to the professional world.

AFH further prepares teens for today’s global knowledge-based economy by ensuring they have access to computer literacy, digital media, STEM concepts and advanced technological training. AFH offers rigorous academic support systems, including: High School Credit Bearing Program, tutoring, literacy through the arts, and college readiness / success programming. The indicators of success are compelling: 100% of high school seniors working at AFH graduate, 95% on time.

Total Project Budget: $2,830,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): AFH’s funding strategy combines goals for earned and contributed income: Institutional Giving: AFH anticipates that 39% of our 2016 revenues will stem from foundation, corporate and government grants. Toward this goal: * AFH consults strategically with a core group of funders who invest long-term commitments in our unique model. * We are working with a fundraising consultant to introduce us to national donors and position us for a deeper scope of investment. * We are strengthening development materials for discrete program components and applying for investment in multiple philanthropic priorities, including youth development, arts and culture, workforce development, job readiness, experiential education, college readiness and persistence, interdisciplinary arts/STEM learning, youth violence prevention, substance abuse-prevention, and environmental sustainability. * AFH has received grants in the amount of $2,000 and higher from the following foundation, corporate and governmental sources in the past year: A.C. Ratshesky Foundation ($10,000); Anna B. Stearns Charitable Foundation ($15,000); Anonymous ($20,000); The Barr Foundation ($50,000); Bloomberg Philanthropies ($175,000*); Blue Hills Charitable Foundation ($2,000); Boston Cultural Council ($3,000); Boston Office of Workforce Development/ Community Development Block Grant ($50,000); Boston Redevelopment Authority ($39,250); Clowes Fund ($15,000); Edvestors ($5,000); Eliot K-8 School ($18,000); J. E. and Z.B. Butler Family Foundation ($50,000); John Hancock Financial Services ($70,000); Klarman Family Foundation ($50,000); The Krupp Foundation ($10,000); Lewis Family Foundation ($35,000); LLH/LHM Foundation ($8,000); Massachusetts Cultural Council ($42,350); Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ($20,000); Massachusetts Port Authority ($5,000); MAXIMUS Foundation ($2,000); Nathan Cummings Foundation ($45,000); Nathaniel Saltonstall Arts Fund ($10,000); National Science Foundation ($269,580); New England Foundation for the Arts ($3,000); Ramsey McCluskey Foundation ($7,500); South Boston Association of Non Profits / Gilette ($8,166); State Street Foundation ($100,000); Stavros Niarchos Foundation ($100,000); Wellington Management Foundation ($15,000); William E. Schrafft and Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust ($18,000). Individual Giving: Since 2003, AFH’s Major Gifts program has realized nearly $4,000,000 from individual donors in response to site visits, patron parties and our annual and summer appeals. *Board of Advisors – Founded in 2007, AFH’s Board of Advisors plays a pivotal role in strengthening our business contacts and funding resources. Members personally contribute $2,500 or more annually. Currently, at 60 members, AFH hopes to expand the board to 75 members and increase overall contributions from individuals and annual events by 15%. *The Luminaries – Through in-person meet-ups and monthly donations, AFH is piloting a new group, The Luminaries, to engage young professionals with an invested interest in AFH and our young people. *Rodman Ride For Kids – AFH participated in the annual Rodman Ride for Kids since 2010. This fundraising event provides an annual opportunity to raise matching funds, involve the community and secure corporate sponsors. In 2015, $1,009,005 of funds raised was eligible for a 6% match (or $60,540.30) through the Ride! Earned Income: AFH’s enterprise component creates a reliable income stream that helps support the organization. Overall, AFH earned 38% of our operating expenses in 2015. Demand is increasing for our commissioned projects and services, and youth have more opportunities to contribute to sophisticated and multi-faceted projects and exhibitions. Meanwhile, AFH has assembled new marketing and project teams, which we believe will cultivate greater opportunities and increase profitability.

Project Duration: Now in its 25th year, the Youth Arts Enterprise runs in cycles of 1-year, from Jan 1st-December 31st in 2016.
Geographical Area Served: Boston, MA
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Patrice
Contact Last Name: Maye
Contact Title: Director of Institutional Giving
Contact Phone: 617 268-7620
Contact Email: patricemaye@afhboston.org