Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: GAHFU
Mailing Address: 2127 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA 90806
City: Long Beach
State: California
Postal Code: 90806
Main Phone: 3238986841
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.gahfu.org
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status: 501 C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 4, 2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Youth Garifuna Cultural Learning & Arts Education Initiative
Project Description:

The Youth Garifuna Cultural Learning & Arts Education Initiative is a one‑year project designed to expand access to culturally grounded arts and educational experiences for children and young adults ages 5–21 across Southern California. Through hands‑on learning, cultural exploration, and creative expression, the initiative equips youth with the tools they need to build confidence, strengthen identity, and reach their full potential.
The project provides youth with meaningful opportunities to learn about Garifuna history, language, music, dance, storytelling, and traditional arts. These activities are delivered through a combination of cultural workshops, youth engagement sessions, and school‑based programming. A central component of the initiative is GAHFU’s Traveling Garifuna Museum, a mobile cultural exhibit that brings authentic artifacts, instruments, and educational displays directly into K–12 schools, colleges, universities, and youth programs. This approach ensures that youth—regardless of background—gain access to high‑quality cultural education that is rarely available in mainstream settings.
Throughout the 12‑month project, GAHFU will deliver 6–8 youth‑centered cultural workshops, conduct 10 or more Traveling Museum presentations, and facilitate arts‑based learning sessions focused on drumming, dance, language, and traditional crafts. The initiative also includes the development of age-appropriate curriculum materials for teachers and youth program leaders, as well as the documentation and preservation of cultural materials that support youth learning.
By engaging youth in culturally relevant arts and education, the project promotes self‑awareness, cultural pride, academic engagement, and emotional well‑being. It also strengthens intergenerational learning by connecting young people with cultural knowledge bearers and community educators. This initiative lays essential groundwork for youth participation in the upcoming Garifuna Cultural Expo 2027, ensuring that young people play a central role in preserving and celebrating Garifuna heritage.

Total Project Budget: Youth Cultural Workshops (Facilitators, Materials, Supplies) $3,500 Artifact Documentation & Preservation — $2,500 Curriculum Development & Educational Resources — $2,000 Youth Arts, Music & Language Engagement Activities — $1,500 Traveling Garifuna Museum Enhancements — $500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed Resources: GAHFU General Operating Support , Traveling Garifuna Museum Resources, Community Volunteers & Cultural Educators, Community Volunteers & Cultural Educators Potential Sources: Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation, Local Arts & Cultural Foundations, Corporate Community Giving Programs, Individual Donors & Community Supporters, and Educational Institution Honorariums

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: The Youth Garifuna Cultural Learning & Arts Education Initiative serves children, young adults, families, and educators across Southern California, with primary engagement in: • Los Angeles County (including Long Beach, South Los Angeles, Inglewood, Compton, Carson, and surrounding communities) • Orange County (youth programs, schools, and colleges) • Riverside and San Bernardino Counties (select school and community presentations) Programming is delivered in K–12 schools, colleges, universities, community centers, and youth-serving organizations throughout these regions. The Traveling Garifuna Museum allows the project to reach youth in multiple cities and educational settings, ensuring broad access to cultural learning opportunities.
Age Group To Be Served: The initiative serves children and young adults ages 5–21, including: • Elementary school students (ages 5–11) • Middle school youth (ages 11–14) • High school students (ages 14–18) • Young adults (ages 18–21) enrolled in colleges, universities, and youth programs This age range aligns directly with the foundation’s mission to support youth development through arts, education, health, and welfare, ensuring that young people at every developmental stage gain access to meaningful cultural learning and creative expression.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs
Contact First Name: Cheryl
Contact Last Name: Noralez
Contact Title: President & Founder
Contact Phone: 3238986841
Contact Email: garifunaheritagefounadtion@yahoo.com or clnorfig@yahoo.com