Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Risen Life Kids Learning Academy
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1219 3RD ST NW
City: SALEM
State: OR
Postal Code: 97304-4011
Main Phone: 9714076137
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.risenlifelearningacademy.org
Employer ID Number: 84-3140090
Organization Tax Status: 501©(3) nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/17/2025
Requested Amount: 7500

Project Title: Little Steps Scholarship Fund for Low-Income Children and Families
Project Description:

Risen Life Kids Learning Academy (Risen Life Kids) requests funding to provide uninterrupted child care services to low income, BIPOC families who cannot afford quality child care or potty training services. Located in a child care desert in Polk County, Oregon, 98% of the 74 children (ages 6 months to 12 years old) enrolled in our academy receive funding from the Employment Related Daycare Services (ERDC) program, which a family can only qualify for if their income is 185% below the federal poverty level or less. The Little Steps Scholarship Fund was created to address the financial needs of the families we serve who cannot afford registration fees, potty training fees, activity fees or school supplies, or need uninterrupted child care during life events and family emergencies.
Launched last year, this scholarship fund is available to currently enrolled or enrolling families who meet one or more criteria:
• Unable to afford both child care and other necessities like utilities and food, even after receiving TANF and SNAP benefits.
• Qualify for partial day child care but are unable to utilize it due to transportation barriers or conflicting work hours.
• Receive partial day child care hours but need full day child care so they can pursue full-time employment.
• Can’t afford potty training or activity fees, which aren’t covered by the ERDC.
• Can no longer afford child care during life events/emergencies, such as the gap between jobs, injury, or illness.
Providing quality child care for low-income families will have a ripple effect in the community. By partnering together, children will thrive, families will flourish, and the whole community will be uplifted.

Total Project Budget: 234750

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Autzen Foundation – $5,000 (pending); Charles & Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation – $7,500 (will apply); Umpqua Bank Foundation – $7,500 (pending); Spirit Mountain Community Fund – $7,500 (will apply)

Project Duration: 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2026
Geographical Area Served: Marion and Polk Counties, Oregon
Age Group To Be Served: 6 months to 12 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Theresa
Contact Last Name: Briggs
Contact Title: Director of Operations
Contact Phone: 971-407-6137
Contact Email: risenlifekids@gmail.com