Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Starfinder Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 4015 Main Street
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Postal Code: 19127
Main Phone: 4152032970
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.starfinderfoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 04-3649918
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 7/30/2025
Requested Amount: $10000

Project Title: Support for our Playmakers
Project Description:

Starfinder Foundation’s motto—“Soccer for Social Change, Leadership Beyond the Game”—aligns with the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of young people across the United States.

Our flagship program, Playmakers, serves 100 high school-aged youth from across Philadelphia, representing students from over 25 schools. Using the universal accessibility of soccer, Playmakers engages youth from underserved communities and supports their growth through three core pillars: Health & Physical Fitness, Social-Emotional Learning, and Future Focus.

The year-round program includes after-school, weekend, and summer activities. From November to May, youth participate in at least six hours of structured programming each week during the school year. Sessions promote healthy habits, emotional well-being, and goal setting for life after high school.

At the heart of the Playmakers experience is our R.E.A.C.H. agreement—Readiness, Empathy, Attitude, Communication, and Hard Work—which cultivates self-awareness, resilience, and leadership. Programming is led by trained Coach-Mentors, all Starfinder alumni, who complete over 20 hours of annual training in positive youth development, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and mentoring practices.

Starfinder eliminates traditional barriers to participation including costs, access to transportation, food, academic support, and equipment. This holistic model ensures that youth can fully engage—regardless of financial or logistical challenges.

The outcomes speak for themselves: 100% of Playmakers participants graduate from high school (compared to 74% citywide), and 92% go on to post-secondary education (compared to just 41% citywide).

The Starfinder Foundation respectfully requests a grant of $10,000 from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation to keep Playmakers accessible and impactful for youth across Philadelphia.

Total Project Budget: $1.2m

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Buckley Foundation, FIFA, The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust, and others

Project Duration: One year
Geographical Area Served: City of Philadelphia
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Andrea
Contact Last Name: Rodgers
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 2157645410
Contact Email: andrea@starfinderfoundation.org