Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Freedom Waters Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2860 W State Road 84, Suite 109
City: Fort Lauderdale
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33312
Main Phone: 239-263-2377
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://freedomwatersfoundation.org/
Employer ID Number: 204513735
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Therapeutic Boating for Children with IDD
Project Description:

Freedom Waters Foundation empowers children with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) to experience the joy of adaptive sailing and therapeutic boating to grow confidence, foster social connection, and create unforgettable and transformative memories.

Although there is no definitive public data available for the number of children with IDD in South Florida, 61,000+ Floridians have been diagnosed, and many struggle to secure enriching and skill-building services. The CDC reports that the prevalence of children with IDD continues to increase. Many of the children we served in 2024 reported accessibility-related restrictions that limit their life experiences and overall well-being.

Most children served by this program have never been on a boat or experienced the
water, despite their geographic proximity. Our accessible boats allow us to provide adaptive sailing and individual and group boating experiences that families thought were out of reach for their child.

Seeing the pure joy radiate from a child with an IDD who is learning to sail on their own, catch their first fish, navigate the vessel, or feel the sea breeze on their face is why we continue to work hard towards our mission.

Research shows that therapeutic boating benefits children with IDD by reducing stress and anxiety, improving self-esteem and social skills, providing a sense of freedom and independence, and encouraging bonding. Our outcome evaluations confirm this impact on those we serve.

We graciously request a grant of $10,000 to continue to support the increasing number of referrals we receive from our community partners. We are a lean organization, and our cost is $125/participant, which includes docking fees, fuel, accessible sailboat maintenance, a t-shirt and hat, lunch, and water.

This does not include staffing or our office space. We aim to serve 1000 children with IDD over the 12- month grant cycle. Our program budget is $250,000, and we have already raised $125,000 through grants, donations, and fundraising.

Total Project Budget: 250,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed Grants: $100,000 Donors: $10,000 Fundraising: $15,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach and Broward Counties
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Julie
Contact Last Name: Starr
Contact Title: Grants Coordinator
Contact Phone: 239-263-2377
Contact Email: Julie@jstarrmedia.com