Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Chicago Voyagers
Legal Name (if Different): TFK Chicago Voyagers
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 534 Pratt Ave N
City: Schaumburg
State: Illinois
Postal Code: 60193
Main Phone: 616-634-4907
Main Fax:
Organization Website: chicagovoyagers.org
Employer ID Number: 75-2986724
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/31/25
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Journey & Voyage Program 2026
Project Description:

Chicago Voyagers (CV)’s mission is to empower youth impacted by injustices through adventure therapy programs that foster physical and mental well-being, healthy relationships, and skills for life success. Our programs consist of half-day to multi-day recreational excursions utilizing therapeutic programming and trauma-informed care, covering a broad range of activities that build confidence and inspire trust, persistence, compassion, and teamwork. Activities include canoeing, camping, rock climbing, hiking, bicycling, and backpacking, among others. Teens concurrently engage in emotional challenges designed to enhance self-esteem and build self-sufficiency, while regularly receiving outdoor and conservation education. Our year-round programming and all materials are offered at no cost to participants.

Journeys engage the same group of students for six months or more for outdoor adventure therapy activities. Our staff mentor each student individually, helping them set goals, achieve success, and support each other. The Voyage program builds on Journey, guiding the same group of ten students throughout their middle school and high school years through outdoor adventure therapy activities. Voyages begin with day-long adventures, working up to occasional overnight excursions and culminating in an annual wilderness expedition. Our Voyage program recently received multi-year seed funding, demonstrating strong signs of its sustainability and impact, as well as leading to increased support from our existing funders.

Each of our Journey and Voyage programs uses a multi-faceted, neuroscience-based approach to prevent or diminish the impact of adverse childhood experiences, harnessing the outdoors as a tool for helping youth of color and low-income youth develop the critical skills needed to reach their full potential. 100% of CV participants are taken out of their neighborhoods and into natural green spaces to challenge themselves physically and emotionally while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

Total Project Budget: $451,399

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Steans Family Foundation $90,000 Gorter Family Foundation $30,000 Hunter Family Foundation $25,000 Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust $50,000 National Recreation Foundation $75,000 National Recreation Foundation $15,000 Bass Pro & Cabela’s $7,500 Swantz Family Foundation $5,000 FT Cares Foundation $7,5000

Project Duration: While CV provides programming year-round, this grant would be used for our 2026 Journey and Voyage programs.
Geographical Area Served: Chicagoland, IL
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Liz
Contact Last Name: Jansen
Contact Title: Grants & Marketing Manager
Contact Phone: 616-634-4907
Contact Email: liz@chicagovoyagers.org