Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 340 E Michigan
City: Kalamazoo
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 49067
Main Phone: 2693521213
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.kalamazoocrisis.org/
Employer ID Number: 88-4226591
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 12/4/2025
Requested Amount: 3000

Project Title: Ardea Youth Climate Coalition
Project Description:

The Ardea Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) is an initiative of the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition (KCCC), a regional hub for climate action and community resilience. Formed in 2019, KCCC unites residents, institutions, and local governments around equitable climate solutions. Ardea emerged from one urgent question voiced by young people: “Where can we learn the skills to make real change?”

Ardea provides that pathway. Each year, a diverse cohort of high school students from across Kalamazoo County is selected through a competitive application process. While participants share a commitment to environmental protection and social justice, many have had limited access to climate education or civic engagement. Ardea fills this gap through a transformative, year-long learning experience grounded in climate justice, science, and democracy.

The program begins with a 40-hour summer Climate Leadership Intensive blending classroom learning with hands-on training. Students study climate science, environmental policy, energy systems, and environmental justice while practicing organizing, public speaking, storytelling, and facilitation. Guest speakers include community activists, researchers, policy advocates, and Indigenous leaders who model diverse pathways for climate action. The intensive also helps each cohort build the trust and culture needed for effective organizing.

Throughout the school year, students meet twice monthly to deepen their learning and implement collaborative projects. Cohorts choose focus areas such as sustainable fashion education, youth engagement, curriculum reform, or climate literacy advocacy. The 2025–26 cohort is leading a campaign to strengthen Michigan’s K–12 climate education standards, gathering data from students and teachers and meeting with legislators to support improvements to House Bill 4961.

All projects are youth-designed and supported by adult mentors and community partners. Students gain real-world experience in coalition building—working alongside groups like MYLES and DAYUM—while developing skills in organizing, communication, environmental research, and policy analysis.

Ardea is free for participants and provides stipends, meals, supplies, and transportation support to ensure equitable access.

Total Project Budget: 87000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): ENNA foundation $30,000 (secured) Private Donors $26,000 (secured) $9,000 (anticipated), Earth Rising Foundation (potential) $20,000, Advia Credit Union (Potential) $10,000

Project Duration: July 26-June 26
Geographical Area Served: Kalamazoo County Michiga
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Jenny
Contact Last Name: Doezema
Contact Title: Executive Director of Kalamzoo Climate Crisis Coaltion
Contact Phone: 2693521213
Contact Email: KCCC@kzooclimate.org