Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Good Karma Bikes
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 74 Barack Obama
City: San Jose, CA
State: CA
Postal Code: 95110
Main Phone: (408)439-9999
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.goodkarmabikes.org
Employer ID Number: 27-1552370
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 27, 2025
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Brake The Cycle of Absenteeism
Project Description:

At Good Karma Bikes, we believe every kid should have a bike—that’s why we grant them free, every day. Our "Break the Cycle of Absenteeism" Program ensures that transportation is never a barrier for low-income youth striving to succeed in school and beyond.

This program specifically targets students who struggle to get to school and participate in extracurricular activities due to financial hardship. Many of these students come from single-parent households where parents work multiple jobs or have schedules that make it difficult to provide reliable transportation. Without a way to get to school consistently, students are at a much higher risk of chronic absenteeism, which negatively impacts their academic success and future opportunities.

By granting them a bike, we empower kids with a safe, independent, and reliable way to stay engaged in their education and community.

A prime example of this program’s success comes from a Palo Alto school that reported a 55% absenteeism rate among a group of chronically absent students. In response, we provided 48 students with bikes, ensuring they had a dependable mode of transportation to school. The results were immediate—all but 11 students rode their bikes to school regularly, and the absenteeism rate dropped to 21%.

Beyond school attendance, our program also focuses on overall youth wellness. We collaborate with local clinics serving medical families to support children’s health and encourage outdoor activity. By providing bikes, we help kids stay active, reduce screen time, and improve their physical and mental well-being.

For many students, a bike is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a symbol of opportunity and freedom. It fosters independence, builds confidence, and, most importantly, helps break the cycle of absenteeism that holds so many children back from reaching their full potential.

Total Project Budget: $21,652

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Goodwin Family Memorial Trust ($10,000) Pending – supported w/$5K in 2024. San Jose Rotary ($2,500 pending) individual annual giving donors that restrict to support the program- rolling, Total annual est. between ($5k-$7,5K) .

Project Duration: Ongoing – 2024 funded 200 bikes, helmets and locks. As the need increases we are looking to serve nearly 400 low-income kids.
Geographical Area Served: Santa Clara County – Specifically Low-Income School District/Communities in San Jose.
Age Group To Be Served: 6-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jenny
Contact Last Name: Circle
Contact Title: Development Director
Contact Phone: (650)714-9956
Contact Email: jenny@goodkarmabikes.org