Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Madison Reading Project
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1337 Greenway Cross, Suite 186
City: Madison
State: WI
Postal Code: 53713
Main Phone: 6083477970
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.MadisonReadingProject.com
Employer ID Number: 47-2077478
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: March 17, 2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Book Mark’d
Project Description:

Madison Reading Project is applying for funding to increase our supply of books given away in languages other than English. We’re seeing a significant increase in requests for books in Spanish, Hmong, Arabic, Swahili, and more.

We provide these diverse language books through our Book Mark’d literacy programs supporting elementary-aged children.

Book Mark’d focuses on children in kindergarten through eighth grade and is built around partnerships with schools and out-of-school time programs to support educators and their students with free books and literacy programs that ignite a love of reading.

Madison Reading Project works closely with local educators, community leaders and district administrators to determine where our services are most needed. Many of the schools we serve have children whose families recently immigrated to the United States and are learning English for the first time.

Children whose parents speak a language other than English are often relied on to facilitate communication for their parents and guardians. By providing books in their native language, we can reduce the emotional and mental load placed on children learning a new language and provide an avenue for children and their parents and guardians to enjoy reading together in their native language.

Book Mark’d focuses on youth residing in households experiencing financial insecurity, and whose age ranges from 5 to 14 years old. Books curated by our staff match the age and reading ability of the children to be served at each program location.

By meeting a child where they are in terms of language, reading ability, and interest, we make reading enjoyable, accessible, and fun – our book selections are full of some of the silliest stories and best illustrations that get kids excited to turn the page and read!

Total Project Budget: $383,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Fitchburg HNI Grant Program: $15,000 (anticipated) Madison Rotary Foundation: $5,000 (secured) Inkind, fundraising, donations: $34,000 (secured and anticipated) Epic Charitable Foundation: $10,000 (secured) Cap Times Kids Fund: $3,000 (anticipated) Forward Community Investments: $5,000 (secured) Wall Family Foundation: $10,000 (anticipated)

Project Duration: one year, June 2025–June 2026
Geographical Area Served: Dane County and nine South Central Wisconsin counties
Age Group To Be Served: Elementary and Middle School Students

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Rowan
Contact Last Name: Childs
Contact Title: Founder/Co-Executive Director
Contact Phone: 608-347-7970
Contact Email: Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com