Grant Request Educare Lincoln
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Educare Lincoln
Legal Name (if Different): Educare Lincoln
Also Known As: Educare Lincoln
Mailing Address: 3435 N 14th St.
City: Lincoln
State: NE
Postal Code: 68521
Main Phone: 402-458-3171
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.educarelincoln.org
Employer ID Number: 46-0568146
Organization Tax Status: Non-Profit
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: 3/11/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000
Project Title: Outdoor Learning
Project Description:
Educare Lincoln is developing a purpose-built outdoor learning environment at its new South Street expansion site to extend high-quality early education beyond the classroom and support the healthy development of young children and families. The outdoor learning space will function as an extension of the classroom, providing children with daily opportunities to explore, learn, and build critical developmental skills through nature-based play and discovery.
Designed for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, the space will include age-appropriate play structures, natural learning elements, gardens, sensory areas, and open spaces that encourage movement, curiosity, and social interaction. Outdoor learning strengthens children’s physical health, supports emotional regulation, and enhances early cognitive development through hands-on exploration of the natural world.
The space will also support Educare Lincoln’s two-generation model by creating opportunities for family engagement and community connection. Families will participate in outdoor learning activities that reinforce healthy lifestyles, environmental awareness, and positive parent–child interactions.
Educare Lincoln is partnering with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies to help inform best practices in early childhood outdoor learning and evaluate outcomes. Research consistently shows that nature-based learning environments improve attention, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being in young children.
By investing in this outdoor learning space, funders will help ensure that children experiencing under-resourced circumstances have access to enriching, developmentally appropriate environments that promote health, learning, and lifelong curiosity. This space will serve hundreds of children and families each year while strengthening Educare Lincoln’s ability to provide innovative, research-informed early childhood education for the Lincoln community.
Total Project Budget: 100,000
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Community Health Endowment (Potential) $50,000, Olson Foundation (Potential) $50,000
Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Lincoln Nebraska
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Katie
Contact Last Name: Chatters
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 4024583171
Contact Email: katie.chatters@class.lps.org