Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Miami Dade College Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Miami Book Fair
Mailing Address: 300 NE Second Ave.
City: Miami
State: FL
Postal Code: 33132
Main Phone: 305.237.3258
Main Fax: 305.237.7890
Organization Website: MiamiBookFair.com and MiamiBookFairOnline.com
Employer ID Number: 59-6169745
Organization Tax Status: 501(3)(c)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 4/30/25
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Generation Genius Authors (GGA)/Children’s Alley (CA) at Miami Book Fair 2026
Project Description:

Generation Genius Authors has served nearly 310,000 students – the majority coming from Title I schools – with more than 6,000 participating in 2024 alone. And though it’s been a part of Miami Book Fair for more than 40 years, its goal remains the same: to cultivate literacy and learning while helping rear the next generation of engaged world citizens. We do that by connecting elementary- through high school-age students face-to-face with authors of the day’s most critically acclaimed and talked about books for children and teens through a slate of literary-focused activities, including book discussions, Q&As, and in-person meetings. The National Book Foundation’s Teens Read the National Book Awards – where high school-age GGA students meet the “best of” authors of the year as they take on the role of journalists in directing questions to the conference’s honoree panel – is another unique component of the program.

In executing GGA we work closely with Miami-Dade County Public Schools to provide these thought-provoking and exciting opportunities for students to explore book culture, hear about careers in the literary and creative industries, and develop critical literacy skills outside traditional learning environments. We make a particular effort to reach students in underserved areas whose families are considered low- or moderate-income. A key piece of GGA is the distribution of free books to participants, and in 2024 we gifted 6,599 free books to students across GGA and Children’s Alley combined.

All GGA participants are invited each year to experience Children’s Alley, the Fair’s popular educational playground that provides a comprehensive scope of learning activities that are fun, hands-on, creative, and interactive. Approximately 9,000 children and families visited the Alley in 2024, where they enjoyed culturally diverse storytelling and book-inspired musical and theatrical performances, craft and art activities, STEM programs, and more.

Total Project Budget: $352,835

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Based on the strong and long-standing relationships we have built with our children’s program funders, we expect that the majority of this program will be funded. Below is a list of the program’s legacy funders and the status of our pending requests for GGA/CA25: Nicklaus Children’s Health – $50,000 (Committed) Amazon – $40,000 (Potential The Batchelor Foundation – $40,000 (Potential) Meredyth Anne Dasburg Foundation – $35,000 (Potential) Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation – $20,000 (Potential) Peacock Foundation – $20,000 (Potential Walmart – $15,000 (Potential) Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation – $10,000 (Potential) Publix Super Markets Charities – $10,000 (Potential) The Children’s Trust – $10,000 (Potential) Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe – $10,000 (Potential) UHealth Jackson Children’s Care – $10,000 (Potential) Other Foundations – $30,000 (Potential) Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs and Other Grants – $7,000 (Potential) Miami Dade College – $35,835 (Potential)

Project Duration: November 20-22, 2026
Geographical Area Served: South Florida, including Miami-Dade (primary), Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Age Group To Be Served: GGA serves elementary, middle and high school students. Children’s Alley additionally serves toddlers through high school students.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Corey
Contact Last Name: Lewis
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 305.237.7847
Contact Email: clewis2@mdc.edu