Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: LUCHA Wrestling Club
Legal Name (if Different): Lucha Vida Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1401 Broadway, 7J
City: Astoria
State: NY
Postal Code: 11106
Main Phone: 347-855-3301
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://luchawrestlingclub.org
Employer ID Number: 46-3823729
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 11, 2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Expanding Access to Girls’ Wrestling and College Pathways in New York City
Project Description:

LUCHA Wrestling Club is New York City’s first and only all-girls freestyle wrestling program, serving middle and high school girls from the Bronx and across the city. LUCHA uses the sport of wrestling as a platform for leadership development, academic success, and pathways to higher education.
The requested support will help expand access to year-round wrestling training, academic guidance, and mentorship for girls from low-income communities who often face significant barriers to participating in organized sports. Many families cannot afford the costs associated with athletics—equipment, tournament fees, transportation, and coaching—which limits opportunities for girls to develop the confidence, discipline, and leadership skills that sports provide.
Through LUCHA, participants receive high-level wrestling coaching, academic expectations and support, nutrition education, leadership development, and exposure to college opportunities. The program also connects athletes with college wrestling programs and guidance on scholarships and the admissions process.
In its first full season, LUCHA grew from 22 wrestlers at its first practice to more than 75 regular participants. The team produced 14 state qualifiers, 5 state medalists, and 3 national qualifiers—demonstrating the extraordinary potential of girls when access barriers are removed.
Funding from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will help ensure that no athlete is turned away due to cost. Support will help cover coaching, equipment, facility space, and competition travel so that girls from underserved communities can participate fully in the program and pursue opportunities in athletics and higher education.

Total Project Budget: $150,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual donors, foundation grants, film screenings connected to Lucha: A Wrestling Tale, and community fundraising events.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: New York City, primarily the Bronx
Age Group To Be Served: Girls ages 11–18 (middle and high school students)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Joshua
Contact Last Name: Lee
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 347-855-3301
Contact Email: luchadevelopment@gmail.com