Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Heartbeat Music Project
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO BOX 1146
City: Crownpoint
State: New Mexico
Postal Code: 87313
Main Phone: 5055562102
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.heartbeatmusicproject.org/
Employer ID Number: 99-0405361
Organization Tax Status: 501(C)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 30, 2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: The Heartbeat Music Project Summer Academy
Project Description:

The Heartbeat Music Project offers tuition-free music and cultural education to youth living on Navajo Nation. Our program serves Diné children ages 5-18 in Crownpoint, New Mexico, breaking down barriers that typically make music education inaccessible in this region.
We request $10,000 to support our Summer Academy:
$6,000 teacher stipends
$1,500 for teacher travel and accommodation
$2,000 for student transportation and meals
$500 for essential program supplies
Our two-week Summer Academy is an intensive program serving 60 students with daily private lessons, ensemble rehearsals, music theory instruction, and Diné cultural workshops. Students receive individualized attention while working toward multiple community performances that showcase their growth. The program provides a rare opportunity for rural Navajo students to immerse themselves in music education due to a number of barriers preventing them from accessing such opportunities.
Due to the remote, rural nature of Crownpoint and surrounding communities, qualified music instructors must travel significant distances to reach our students. Our teaching team combines local talent with graduates from prestigious programs including Columbia, Yale and Juilliard. Additionally, many families live miles from the program site with limited transportation options. This funding ensures we can bring talented teachers to this underserved area while helping students overcome transportation barriers and food insecurity. Providing daily meals addresses food scarcity in the region, ensuring students can fully engage in learning.
We partner with Navajo Technical University, which provides space including their traditional Hogan structure and surrounding classrooms. This collaboration strengthens community ties and creates a supportive environment for student growth.
The Hermanowski Foundation’s support would ensure a successful 2026 Summer Academy for approximately 60 students, allowing us to compensate our dedicated instructors fairly and provide the resources necessary for student success. By investing in music education honoring cultural heritage, we empower Diné youth to develop skills, confidence, and stronger connections to their community.

Total Project Budget: $44,544

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Lewis Prize for Music, New Mexico Childrenʻs Foundation, Mockingbird Foundation, Brabson Family Foundation, WHW Family Foundation

Project Duration: Summer 2026 (Two weeks)
Geographical Area Served: Crownpoint, New Mexico, Eastern Navajo Nation
Age Group To Be Served: K-12 grade, ages 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Lehuanani
Contact Last Name: DeFranco
Contact Title: Development Director
Contact Phone: 7032002840
Contact Email: lehuanani.defranco@gmail.com