Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Empower Youth Fund
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 5316 NORTH EAST 6TH AVE UNIT D
City: FT LAUDERDALE
State: FL
Postal Code: 33334
Main Phone: 954-300-1963
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://empoweryouthfund.org/
Employer ID Number: 92-2657679
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 1/9/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Bringing Opportunity to the Field: Athletic Access for Underserved Youth
Project Description:

Empower Youth Fund seeks grant support to expand equitable access to organized sports for underserved youth athletes ages 7–18 who face significant financial and systemic barriers to participation. Rather than waiting for families to navigate complex systems on their own, Empower Youth Fund actively brings opportunity to young athletes, meeting them where they are and removing cost-based obstacles that too often limit potential.
Youth sports participation is increasingly out of reach for low-income families due to rising costs for registration fees, uniforms, equipment, training, and travel. These barriers disproportionately affect underserved communities, leaving talented and motivated youth without access to the physical, social, and developmental benefits of athletics.
Through this project, Empower Youth Fund will provide direct, needs-based athletic sponsorships that cover essential participation expenses across multiple sports. Athletes are identified through community outreach, partnerships with schools and local organizations, and referrals from coaches and families. Each sponsorship is informed by the athlete’s circumstances, ensuring support is responsive, respectful, and impactful.
Participation in organized sports is strongly linked to increased confidence, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and academic engagement, while also reducing isolation and risk-taking behaviors. By keeping youth engaged in safe, structured environments, this initiative supports both athletic development and long-term personal growth.
Grant funding will directly support athlete sponsorships, allowing Empower Youth Fund to serve more families, deepen community partnerships, and strengthen equitable pathways for young athletes to dream big, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential, on and off the field, regardless of financial circumstance.

Total Project Budget: $12,025

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual donations and community-based fundraising, including peer-to-peer campaigns supported by Empower Youth Fund, participating families, and local supporters (potential)

Project Duration: 12 months (January 2027 – December 2027)
Geographical Area Served: Southern Florida, with a focus on underserved communities
Age Group To Be Served: 7-18 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Dorothy
Contact Last Name: Bailey
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 954-300-1963
Contact Email: dorothy@empoweryouthfund.org