Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Just Imagine KidZ
Legal Name (if Different): Just Imagine KidZ
Also Known As: Just Imagine KidZ/Nia Academy
Mailing Address: 260 Broadway
City: Richmond
State: CA
Postal Code: 94804
Main Phone: 5102093063
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.justimaginekidz.org
Employer ID Number: 83-3224550
Organization Tax Status: Multicultural Bookstore

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/24/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Growing Minds & Futures: Enrichment for Academic Success and Community Leadership
Project Description:

Growing Minds & Futures is a comprehensive, culturally responsive enrichment program designed to expand academic opportunity and real-world skill development for underserved youth in our community. Through in-school, afterschool, and weekend programming, students will engage in hands-on gardening education, music instruction (violin), chess strategy classes, and financial literacy workshops.

Our gardening component teaches students how to grow fresh produce while building knowledge in science, environmental stewardship, nutrition, and sustainability. Students participate in planting, maintaining, and harvesting gardens, reinforcing STEM concepts through experiential learning.

The music component provides structured violin instruction, helping students develop discipline, focus, confidence, and creative expression. Research consistently shows that music education strengthens cognitive development and academic performance.

Chess instruction strengthens critical thinking, patience, problem-solving, and strategic reasoning—skills that directly support math achievement and executive functioning.

Our financial literacy workshops introduce students to budgeting, saving, entrepreneurship basics, and responsible money management—equipping them with practical life skills often missing from traditional curriculum.

By integrating academics, arts, strategy, environmental education, and financial empowerment, this project addresses opportunity gaps while fostering leadership, confidence, and long-term success. Funding will support instructional staff, materials and supplies (garden beds, soil, instruments, chess sets), curriculum development, and student participation scholarships to ensure equitable access.

Growing Minds & Futures will directly impact students by increasing academic engagement, strengthening critical thinking skills, promoting healthy living, and preparing youth to become empowered, capable contributors to their community.

Total Project Budget: $100,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): City of Richmond ECIA (committed)

Project Duration: September 2026/June 2027
Geographical Area Served: Richmond and surrounding ciites
Age Group To Be Served: 6-12 year olds (Kindergarten throug 6th grade)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Tamara
Contact Last Name: Shiloh
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 510-209-3063
Contact Email: tamarashiloh@gmail.com