Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Altru Health System
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2501 Demers Ave
City: Grand Forks, ND
State: ND
Postal Code: 58201
Main Phone: 7017805600
Main Fax:
Organization Website: altru.org
Employer ID Number: 45-0310462
Organization Tax Status: non profit

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/27/2025
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Books for Bright Beginnings: Reach Out and Read
Project Description:

Did you know that simply being exposed to books as early as infancy helps children not only learn to read but also understand key concepts like front to back, left to right, and top to bottom? Located in Grand Forks, ND, 41 dedicated pediatric and primary care providers across our clinics proudly distribute an average of 30 books every day! From infancy to age 5, pediatric patients receive a free, developmentally appropriate book during well-child visits—adding up to 10 books over their first five years of life. With more than 5,000 children receiving books in 2024 and over 72,000 books distributed over the program’s 20 years, we are helping families incorporate books into their daily routines.

Providers actively engage parents by emphasizing the importance of talking, singing, reading, and playing with their infants—simple yet powerful activities that support early brain development, strengthen family connections, and nurture a lifelong love of reading and learning. Reading to children from an early age is one of the most effective ways to enhance cognitive development and language acquisition.
Altru serves a diverse and growing community, including individuals from Laotian, Vietnamese, Native American, Somali, Nepalese, and Hispanic backgrounds, among many others. Many speak English as a second language or are non-English speakers, while their children often learn English as their primary language. This program helps bridge that gap by providing families with a free and meaningful way to bond, learn, and grow together.

The foundation of early literacy not only equips children for academic success but also nurtures curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking skills that support lifelong growth. Your support ensures that every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to the tools they need to thrive.

Total Project Budget: 7,000 per year

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): In the past, Altru benefited from a partnership with Target Corporation, which provided crucial funding until 2016, when their support was discontinued. Since then, the program has relied on the generosity of local donors, with significant contributions from local supporters such as the Myra Foundation and Walmart. The Altru Health Foundation continues to cultivate relationships with donors and purses grant opportunities to keep this invaluable program thriving. To ensure the continued success of Reach Out and Read in Grand Forks, we are committed to expanding our funding strategies, seeking new partnerships, and engaging with the community such as through our recent book drive to secure the necessary resources. Through these methods we aim to maintain and grow the program, providing essential literacy resources to children in our community for years to come. Committed for 2025: University of North Dakota committed funds from their Staff Senate Jeans Give Back Program for 2025 which is approximately $1,000.

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Northeast North Dakota- City of Grand Forks
Age Group To Be Served: Children aged 5 and under

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Misty
Contact Last Name: Lundbohm
Contact Title: Senior Philanthropy Specialist
Contact Phone: 7017805600
Contact Email: misty.lundbohm@altru.org