Grant Request The Children’s Gallery
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: The Children’s Gallery
Legal Name (if Different): The Children’s Gallery Chicago
Also Known As: TCGC
Mailing Address: PO Box 25238
City: Chicago
State: Illinois
Postal Code: 60625
Main Phone: 7084915412
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.thechildrensgallerychicago.org
Employer ID Number: 39-2506846
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: June 10, 2025
Requested Amount: $10,000
Project Title: The Children’s Gallery Chicago: After-School Arts & Academic Enrichment Program
Project Description:
The Children’s Gallery Chicago is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming after-school hours into creative, educational, and emotionally supportive experiences for underserved Chicago youth. In our pilot year, we will directly serve 150 children, ages 5–17, through free after-school programs blending visual arts, creative writing, academic tutoring, and mentorship.
Our initiative responds to an urgent need: for every child in an after-school program in Chicago, three more are waiting for a spot. With foundational funding, we will partner with 2–3 public schools or community sites on the South and West sides of Chicago to offer high-impact programming that improves school engagement, boosts literacy, and cultivates emotional resilience. Led by skilled teaching artists and tutors, our model centers identity, creativity, and connection—making sure no child is alone during peak hours for youth crime and risky behavior.
Funding from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation will directly support our 2026 program cycle, enabling us to expand our pilot work into a full-year initiative at partner school sites. This investment will allow young participants to complete original art and writing portfolios, build academic confidence, and experience the joy of being seen, heard, and celebrated.
The project will be evaluated through attendance, pre/post academic assessments, creative portfolios, and stakeholder surveys. Every dollar of the grant will be spent within the 2026 program cycle and reported accordingly. Together, we can make the after-school hours a canvas for growth, safety, and hope.
Total Project Budget: $275,000
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Pending foundation grants; Individual donors and grassroots sponsors; Earned income from youth-designed merchandise; In-kind support from community partners and local businesses
Project Duration: January 2026 – December 2026
Geographical Area Served: Chicago’s South and West Sides
Age Group To Be Served: Children and youth ages 5–17
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Patty
Contact Last Name: Aikonedo
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7084915412
Contact Email: patty@tcgchicago.org