Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Soundscapes Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 11712 Jefferson Avenue Suite C #473
City: Newport News
State: Virginia
Postal Code: 23606
Main Phone: 757-273-6178
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.soundscapes.org
Employer ID Number: 27-1923247
Organization Tax Status: 501(C)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/17/2025
Requested Amount: 8,000

Project Title: Soundscapes Daily After-School Music Education Programs
Project Description:

Soundscapes uses music to instill transformative life skills in underserved youth from under-resourced communities. Since 2009, we have served over 2,000 students, prioritizing those from underserved communities. Our student demographic is diverse: 54% African American, 21% White, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 8% multiracial. Since over 80% of our students come from low-income households, all programs are offered to families at no or low cost.

Soundscapes programs include three daily after-school music programs, community youth ensembles, summer camps, and a youth employment program. The purpose of this request is to support the three daily after-school programs that are intentionally located in Title I elementary schools, which are identified as having a high population of low-income students. Soundscapes’ daily after-school programs include two hours of free after-school care, high-quality music instruction, a hot meal, the instrument and other supplies needed, and transportation home after the program.

These components are critical for families affected by poverty and are made accessible at no cost to program participants. Soundscapes’ daily after-school programs are serving 200 students this school year, with more than 80% coming from low- to moderate-income households.
Soundscapes has a measurable impact on students. Participants show a 40% decrease in absences, fewer behavioral referrals, and a rise in school club participation from about two-thirds of students in the general population to 95% among Soundscapes students. High school students gain leadership experience as mentors and teaching assistants, and young adults in our youth employment program develop essential job skills while contributing to their community as educators and performers.
We are committed to ensuring all young people have access to high-quality music education and the tools they need to thrive. With your support, we can sustain and expand our programs, empowering more students to achieve their full potential.

Total Project Budget: 470,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Carnegie Hall, PlayUSA $60,000 Committed, City of Newport News $$80,577 Committed, Petters Family Foundation $300,000 Committed, Finish Line Youth Foundation $10,000 Committed, Randolph D. Rouse Foundation $30,000 Committed

Project Duration: 10 Months (September to June)
Geographical Area Served: Southeastern Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: Students ages 7-25 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Sara
Contact Last Name: Balgoyen
Contact Title: Director of Community Engagement
Contact Phone: 757-273-6178
Contact Email: sbalgoyen@soundscapeshr.org