Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: HawkWatch International
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2240 South 900 East
City: Salt Lake City
State: UT
Postal Code: 84106
Main Phone: 8014846808
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.hawkwatch.org
Employer ID Number: 85-0358519
Organization Tax Status: 5o1c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/26
Requested Amount: 5000

Project Title: Closing the Nature Gap in the Coastal Bend
Project Description:

Many communities face systemic barriers to accessing nature and environmental education, particularly low-income, immigrant, and refugee populations. HawkWatch International (HWI) is working to bridge this “Nature Gap”—the inequity in access to outdoor experiences—by providing free and low-cost, immersive learning experiences with our live Raptor Ambassadors. Our Nature Gap programming directly brings conservation education to communities, intentionally reducing significant barriers and ensuring that all individuals, especially those from underserved populations, have access to high-quality STEM education. Up until last year, these programs have exclusively taken place in Utah, where they reach nearly 10,000 learners per year.

Leveraging expenses dedicated to an existing birding festival, HWI tested the idea of bringing Nature Gap programs on the road by bringing its Raptor Ambassadors to the Coastal Bend of Texas. We saw incredible demand for these programs, and in just three days, we served nearly 1,000 learners. Many more could have been served if we had more time.

The requested $5,000 in funding will allow us to expand our reach in the fall of 2026 and engage approximately 2,000 learners, primarily from under-resourced backgrounds. Funds will support educational materials, travel costs, and the care of our Raptor Ambassadors. Partnering with the Hermanowski Foundation will help us meet this growing need, eliminate further barriers to environmental education, and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.

Total Project Budget: 10500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Potential: Flint Hills Natural Resources; Committed: Hazel Rocks Fund

Project Duration: Fall 2026
Geographical Area Served: Coastal Bend, Texas (Great Corpus Christi area)
Age Group To Be Served: School-aged children (K-12)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Kirsten
Contact Last Name: Elliott
Contact Title: Development & Communications Director
Contact Phone: 801-484-6808
Contact Email: kelliott@hawkwatch.org