Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: BGCEC
Mailing Address: 1102 W Lincoln Ave #240
City: Goshen
State: Indiana
Postal Code: 46526
Main Phone: 5745345933
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.greatfutures.club
Employer ID Number: 351033735
Organization Tax Status: Nonprofit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/23/2026
Requested Amount: 5000

Project Title: Brain Gain Initiative
Project Description:

Promoting literacy and STEAM in a fun and engaging environment is crucial to enhance the falling math and reading rates in Elkhart County. 32.4% of fourth through eighth grade students demonstrated language arts proficiency as opposed to the state average of 44.8%. Math scores are significantly lower, with 22.5% of third through eighth graders demonstrating grade level efficiency, compared to the state average of 40.7%. This declining academic achievement demonstrates a significant need for out-of-school education initiatives. Brain Gain is a supplementary educational program designed to enhance education initiatives through hands-on fun and high yield learning activities. Offering a plethora of activities, Brain Gain can be utilized for homework help, small group tutoring, individualized education supplementation, college and career exploration, and a myriad of STEAM projects. Maintaining a no-cost program is crucial to the Elkhart County area. 40% of our members are from single parent households, 73% from asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households and 59% qualify for free/reduced school lunch. Restrictions placed upon families, whether financial, physical, etc., present challenges when academic enrichment is needed. We remain committed to providing academic programming to bolster the lives of all youth in Elkhart County for no additional cost. We provide a variety of different ways to get involved with club that promote inclusivity and comfortability. We recognize that providing multiple avenues to engage with peers and learn new skills can benefit a broader scope of youth. Additionally, each of these sectors can be completed simultaneously if the youth desires, or it can be mapped out one at a time. The schools that BGCEC serves do not provide comprehensive tutoring or academic support outside of school time. It is crucial that we can provide a wide range of opportunities for our community at no additional cost.

Total Project Budget: $368,889

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Indiana Kids, United Way, Community Block Development Grant

Project Duration: 8/1/26-7/31/27
Geographical Area Served: Elkhart, noble, Steuben Counties
Age Group To Be Served: K-12th Grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Emma
Contact Last Name: Breezley
Contact Title: Grant Research and Data Coordinator
Contact Phone: 5745345933
Contact Email: ebreezley@bgcelkhartcounty.org