Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: WaterStrong
Legal Name (if Different): The WaterStrong Initiative
Also Known As: WaterStrong
Mailing Address: 7043 SW 8th Ave
City: Portland
State: OR
Postal Code: 97219
Main Phone: 971-678-7043
Main Fax: n/a
Organization Website: www.waterstrong.org
Employer ID Number: 81-4451506
Organization Tax Status: tax exempt non profit 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 5/16/25
Requested Amount: 7,500

Project Title: WaterStrong programs in water safety and water stewardship
Project Description:

Founded in 2016, WaterStrong is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Portland, Oregon with the mission to end drowning and promote safer, cleaner waters. WaterStrong is Candid Gold certified and a 1% For the Planet partner organization.

With over 370,000 deaths every year, drowning is the third leading cause of injury death among children under 14. The US loses over 3,500 children every year to drowning, and Oregon suffers a 26% higher rate than the national average with almost all drowning deaths occurring in natural bodies of water. At the same time, we are facing a climate change emergency with severe storms, overstressed groundwater, harmful algal blooms, and toxic runoff impairing our rivers and lakes.

WaterStrong provides EcoSwim programs in essential water safety and environmental education, focusing on reaching underserved families. We deliver water safety, swimming, CPR training, and environmental education around water, to empower youth to become future caretakers of the water, confident swimmers, and capable first responders.

WaterStrong programs grow every year. In 2024, WaterStrong conducted 34 events, distributed 1,650 lifejackets, engaged 300 volunteers, and certified 15 new CPR instructors including 11 women of color and 2 mother-daughter pairs. In 2025-2026, WaterStrong will double our impact with bi-weekly EcoSwim clinics, summer day camps, community CPR classes, and lifejacket distribution/water safety education events.
If awarded, a grant from the Hermanowski Foundation will be used to support the ongoing delivery of EcoSwim clinics for children ages 5-14 and CPR and lifeguard trainings for middle and high school students.

Thank you for your consideration. Swim! Learn! Thrive!

Total Project Budget: 80,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): private donations (25,000), other grants (45,000), fee for services – CPR classes (10,000),

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Oregon
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 5-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Dena
Contact Last Name: Marshall
Contact Title: Founder / Director
Contact Phone: 971-678-7043
Contact Email: dena@waterstrong.org