Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Ridgefield A Better Chance
Legal Name (if Different): A Better Chance in Ridgefield, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1044
City: Ridgefield
State: CT
Postal Code: 06877
Main Phone: 512-300-9767
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ridgefieldabc.org
Employer ID Number: 06-1156849
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/2025
Requested Amount: 7,500

Project Title: A Better Chance in Ridgefield
Project Description:

Ridgefield A Better Chance (RABC) is dedicated to transforming the lives of academically talented young women of color by providing them with opportunities for educational and social success. Operating as a local chapter of the national organization, A Better Chance, RABC focuses on empowering gifted students from underserved backgrounds. We are respectfully requesting $7,500 for general operating expenses from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation to support eight scholars living at the RABC House during the spring semester of the 2025-26 school year, from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. Our proposed budget for the academic year stands at $343,140, ensuring that our scholars have access to vital resources and opportunities. The funding will facilitate college preparatory assistance, which encompasses SAT/ACT testing fees, tutoring services, college visits, and application expenses, as well as covering supplies essential for academic success. Importantly, we will allocate funds towards extracurricular activities, including Dance, Theatre, Cheer, Track, Volleyball, Mock Trial, Sign Language Club, and Ms. President, as well as summer enrichment programs—experiences that selective colleges favor in their admissions processes.

The mission of Ridgefield A Better Chance aligns seamlessly with the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation, which aims to improve and transform the lives of children and young adults in the United States by providing them with the necessary tools to succeed and achieve their full potential. As one of our current Scholars, Gabrielle, expressed, “Ridgefield A Better Chance has given me opportunities I never imagined, like studying ballet at the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. With their support, I applied to a summer program with Alvin Ailey and was accepted! I’m so excited for this opportunity to grow as a dancer.”

Many of our scholars arrive with limited exposure to opportunities outside their immediate communities, which is why RABC provides a multi-faceted support structure. Not only do we offer tutoring to address academic gaps, but we also actively encourage participation in various extracurricular activities, understanding that these experiences build character and life skills essential for their futures. Our Scholars have engaged in programs such as summer EMT courses, as another one of our Scholars, Renae, shared, "Through RABC, I was able to apply for and get accepted into a summer EMT course—an opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I can’t wait to learn and grow through this experience," and volunteer opportunities at esteemed institutions like Ridgefield Library, the Ridgefield Thrift Shop, A.C.T. of Connecticut, and the National Charity League.

Since our inception in 1987, we have successfully guided 66 scholars to graduation from Ridgefield High School (RHS), all of whom have progressed to prestigious universities and colleges. With an upcoming graduation at RHS on June 13, 2025, we will soon have 68 graduated Scholars. As we look ahead to the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, we take pride in our recent achievements, including the appointment of our first Executive Director, which has strengthened our community relationships and fundraising capabilities. However, we face challenges posed by limited funding and competition for donor support in our Ridgefield community. Our commitment to creating safe and enriching environments for our scholars remains steadfast, and with support of the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation, we can continue to uphold our mission and encourage our scholars to develop the skills and experiences necessary to achieve their dreams, whether it’s through dancing as Gabrielle shared, or discovering a passion for science and emergency healthcare like Ranae expressed. Thank you for considering our request for support.

Total Project Budget: $343,140

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed funding from institutional donors: $14,000.00 Potential funding from institutional donors: $135,686.69 Potential funding from individual donors and events: $185,953.31 Total annual expenses: $343,140.00 Amount remaining to be raised: $7,500.00

Project Duration: 1/1/2026-6/30/2026
Geographical Area Served: Fairfield County, Connecticut
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Sarah
Contact Last Name: Streif
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 512-300-9767
Contact Email: sarahstreifrabc@gmail.com