Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Legal Name (if Different): The Museum of Art & History at the McPherson Center
Also Known As: The MAH
Mailing Address: 705 Front Street
City: Santa Cruz
State: CA
Postal Code: 95060
Main Phone: 831-429-1964
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.santacruzmah.org
Employer ID Number: 94-2718861
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/06/2026
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Santa Cruz South County Arts Outreach
Project Description:

In the FY26/27 academic year, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History will provide free bilingual museum field trips, transportation, and lunch to students in South County Santa Cruz. Often students’ first museum visit, access to the MAH encourages curiosity and critical thinking by exposing children to history and art in immersive ways. The MAH’s exhibitions encourage students to ask questions, problem-solve, engage in imaginative thinking, and make connections across various subject matter. It also supports the development of emotional intelligence. The MAH’s exhibitions help children recognize and interpret emotions, develop empathy by seeing different perspectives, and express their own feelings through art. Students often feel a sense of belonging when visiting the MAH: they see themselves represented, feel pride in their heritage, and understand others’ perspectives. Learning about artists spark dreams and ambitions in youth, builds hope and motivation, and help children imagine their future role in the world. In short, the MAH nourishes the whole child – mind, body, and spirit.
We know that children learn best through active engagement. The MAH’s exhibits allow children to experiment, role-play, and strengthen problem-solving skills and confidence. If requested, we also offer trauma-informed programming in the form of guided discussions and reflection spaces to help young visitors process difficult historical topics safely. We support neurodivergent children by offering sensory-friendly tours with reduced noised, dimmed lighting, and trained staff.
Lastly, free admission to the museum reduces financial stress of underserved communities. Multilingual signage in all exhibitions and culturally-responsive programming helps children feel safe and supported. By offering free lunches with the tours, the MAH helps address food insecurity and access to resources. By serving as a trusted community hub, the MAH ultimately helps reduce isolationism and promote social connections.

Total Project Budget: 46626

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Nicholson Family Foundation – $5,000 (committed); City of Santa Cruz – $20,000 (pending); County Office of Education – $5,000 (pending); remaining offset by museum admissions

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
Age Group To Be Served: 4-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Ginger
Contact Last Name: Porcella
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 831-429-1964 x7018
Contact Email: ginger@santacruzmah.org