Awesome Foundation - Projects

Minas Gerais (Inactive) – Garotas Amplificadas BH

2017-04-26T00:00:00Z

O Garotas Amplificadas BH consiste em oficina exclusiva para meninas adolescentes com aulas de instrumentos (baixo, guitarra, bateria e teclado), ensaio musical, espaços de expressão, reflexão de problemas de gênero e empoderamento de meninas através da música. Projeta-se uma atividade exclusiva para estudantes meninas com o fim de consolidar um espaço seguro onde a chave é estabelecer os laços de companheirismo e de solidariedade que desenvolvam ao máximo as potencialidades grupais e questionando o lugar da mulher na sociedade, sem competições. A escada da rocha é prototipicamente masculina e configuram-se estereótipos de gênero que interpelam sobre todas as jovens. Por isso, tomamos a música como facilitadora média para a reflexão sobre esses estereótipos, enganchar os horizontes de possibilidades das adolescentes e brindar ferramentas de empoderamento para aflorar a auto-estima. Objetivos: • Propulsar o protagonismo das estudantes; • Ferramentas de empoderamento; • Aflorar a auto-estima; • Reflexão sobre as construções de gênero; • Gerar os laços de pertencimento com a escola. As oficinas contemplam instrução de instrumentos, oficina de Stencil, oficina de defesa pessoal e da história da mulher na música/ empoderamento/ identidade e gênero. Somo um time de voluntárias formado por mulheres que acreditam que a música pode ser uma das chaves para a criação de laços de sororidade. Onde as meninas e as mulheres possam ser as protagonistas de suas próprias vidas.

Washington, DC – Literature & Laundry

2017-04-26T00:00:00Z

Literature & Laundry turns idle time into a fun time for kids "stuck" at a laundromat with nothing to do. Our unique literacy program gives away brand-new books to children at a DC laundromat and takes time to read with them. The impact is both intangible and measurable. Kids love getting new books and having an adult read with them or listen to them read. Parents love the positive attention we give to their kids. Other laundry patrons smile at the sight of the activity. And, the owner of the laundromat appreciates the wholesome atmosphere Literature & Laundry creates. Since 2013, we have enriched the lives of more than 100 young people, ages 3 – 17, and their families. Literature & Laundry is an original program of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church located in SE DC. Church members serve as volunteer "book buddies.” Volunteers must receive certification in Safeguarding God's Children, a child sexual abuse prevention training offered by the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Literature & Laundry has raised books through donation drives and a Barnes & Noble bookfair. The vast majority of the books we give away are new (never been used). We shy away from gently used books because there is a wide variance in what people perceive to be "gently-used." We simply don’t want the kids we serve to get yet another hand-me-down. Additionally, Literature & Laundry asks for donations of Newberry award-winning books to ensure that kids get top quality stories for enhancing their perceptive reading skills. All in al, Literature & Laundry inspires joy for all involved. Thank you for this opportunity to share our story and request support.

Tallahassee, FL (Inactive) – Sell It Tallahassee

2017-04-25T00:00:00Z

Sell It Tallahassee is an event series created by Qultur, a local nonprofit that works with local artists and businesses to increase public safety. There is one question that we have heard more than any other in our one year of work here in Tallahassee: How can we bridge the gap between art and entrepreneurship? The answer thus far has been to hold community meetings, or panel sessions with entrepreneurs and artists and speak to them at that level. There are a couple issues with this solution. First, artists do not attend panel discussions. Second, the majority of artists do not consider themselves entrepreneurs, so when entrepreneurs are lecturing about that realm, artists feel uncomfortable. The solution that Qultur has come up with is Sell It Tallahassee: a community microfunding initiative to fund local artists, and also help artists hone in on and practice entrepreneurial skills. People pay $5 to get in. The money raised at the door is put into a pot. For example, if 100 people come, the pot would be $500. Three artists take turns “pitching” their art to the crowd. They have to tell the crowd their story, where they’re from, what their art means to them, and so on. By doing this, they are truly honing in on their entrepreneurial, social, and storytelling skills. After the pitches there is time reserved for a Q&A with each artist. After the Q&A the crowd votes on ballots who had the best “pitch.” The ballots are counted and the winning artist earns all the money raised at the door. The first Sell It Tallahassee was on Friday, March 10th 2017. The winning artist, Elton Burgest earned $70 to put towards his own unique clothing line. What makes this event special is that the money raised is thoughtful. People attend because they care. It shows the artists that there are people in this community who are interested in them and their work. Sell It Tallahassee is bridging the gap between art and entrepreneurship, microfunding for local artists, and building community.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) – Girl Represent

2017-04-24T00:00:00Z

Girl Represent’s goal is to inspire middle school girls of color to become civically involved in their community and connect them with women of color already involved in politics. Women of color only constitute 7.1% of the 115th Congress and 5.4% of state legislatures. This lack of representation reinforces the message that there isn't room at the table for girls of color. Girl Represent aims to change that by helping girls identify ways they can make an impact in their community and pairing them with role models. The current Kickstarter campaign is to fund the development of a workbook full of exercises that will help girls: - Identify problems opportunities in their communities - Identify strengths that they bring to the table - Define what makes a good leader (and how they can be one) - Define tangible ways they can make a difference - Articulate what they learned To refine the workbook I want to take it on tour this summer and hold workshops in cities around the country. The workshops will bring girls and women of color in politics together to walk through the exercises. During half-day workshops, girls will be paired with women who are involved in local politics or civic leadership. Together they will share their experiences and come up with ideas around driving impact in their communities. The workshop will follow a structure like this: 20 Min Warm Up 10 Min Introductions 30 Min Partner Sessions (partnering girls and women) 30 Min Q&A w/ the women 20 Min Breakout Activity 30 Min Action Sessions 20 Min Presentations 20 Min Debrief The first workshop will be in Nashville, TN on June 3rd at the Oasis Center. I have partnered with some amazing local youth organizations to help with recruiting and promotion, but I want to bring workshops to as many cities as I can this summer.

Sydney – Playgroups in The Park

2017-04-23T00:00:00Z

Playgroups in The Park is the only free family fun day available for children under school age (0-5years old) in City of Sydney LGA particularly in Redfern, Waterloo, Darlington, Eveleigh and Alexandria area. It runs from 10:00AM to 1:30PM three times a year. It has been running for 17 years with various support from local services to fund it as we never secure a continuous support from any government or non-government funders. The purpose of this event is to provide a safe, community focus event for parents with young children for free on regular basis. The aim is to facilitate a space for local service providers (child care centres, early childhood health services, women and children services, local schools and community/neighbourhood centres) to meet with the local community members, particularly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities who reside in this area. We provide wide range of entertainments for children such as jumping castle, animal farm, puppet show, pony rides, music and movement activity, face painting and many others. The parents/carers will have the opportunity to enquire to the information stalls regarding their children or their needs. We provide light morning tea which includes fresh fruits, cheese buns, water and juices.

Moscow (Inactive) – "Сказки у камина" (связь поколений)

2017-04-22T00:00:00Z

Основная цель проекта – налаживание связей между поколениями невзирая на разницу в возрасте и расстояния – Каждому ребенку нужна настоящая бабушка, а каждый пожилой человек может дарить любовь малышам! Бабушки и дедушки приходят в детский сад почитать сказку, провести кулинарный мастер-класс по выпечке блинов или печений, поучаствовать в театральной постановке или уроке рисования. А малыши навещают бабушек и дедушек со своими концертами или спектаклями, для чаепитий или просто, что бы поиграть вместе. С одной стороны мы системно занимаемся организацией процесса дружбы и общения старичков и малышей, с другой стороны изучаем международный опыт, перерабатываем его и внедряем в России. Основных задач перед проектом поставлено несколько: 1) для пожилых людей 80+, проживающих в домах престарелых - это интересный досуг, это возможность общаться с малышами (не у всех есть собственные внуки и правнуки, а если они и есть, то могут редко навещать своих стариков), это возможность почувствовать свою социальную значимость, делая что-то с детьми и передавая им опыт, избавление от страха одиночества - ребята всегда радуются встречи с бабушками и дедушками. 2) для малышей - это возможность вырасти без страха перед старостью и без желания "спрятать" старость своих близких, как что-то не нужное и не угодное. Научившись обходиться со стариками, с людьми, страдающими от деменции, малыши, а позднее молодые и взрослые люди, смотрят в будущее проще - они знают, как это "стареть", они прошли этот опыт и впитали его разве что не с молоком матери. 3) средние поколения - это самые сложные участники проекта, так как именно им, родителям малышей и детям стариков в возрасте от 30 до 60, очень сложно принять старость в себе. Поэтому, открывая двери домов престарелых, мы показываем, что дети из детского сада и старики из дома престарелых - это путь не разных людей, а на протяжении жизни это один и тот же человек, чья жизнь может быть эмоционально наполнена или одинока и это в наших руках.

Detroit, MI (Inactive) – Hope House Detroit's & Teen Council's Cafe

2017-04-22T00:00:00Z

Hello! Hope House Detroit (HHD) is a small non-profit on the East side of Detroit, in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. What began as a couple buying a house to stay part-time in the community where they attended church has since turned into an amazing and safe place for the youth who live nearby. It started out small - a basketball hoop where mostly the teen guys came to play and hang out - and has grown into six programs being offered (serving kids from Elementary School through High School) and much more! One of our newest programs, spearheaded by my friend and co-leader, Riley, is a Teen Council (TC) which currently consists of three High School ladies who have exhibited consistent involvement and leadership skills in our community. We meet every other Friday to learn about, develop, and practice being leaders. These inspiring young people have done everything from assisting with the large, special events that take place at HHD throughout the summer, to researching and planning their own service projects. Now, as the founders of HHD have dreamed up their next project - a café-like space in the house where kids of all ages can hang out, read, and express themselves creatively - the young woman of Teen Council have been called upon to help design and plan the space, a super exciting opportunity! They have already visited a similar space for research purposes, have brainstormed ideas about the cafe's purpose and mission, as well as what the physical space will be itself. Now they are in the process of drafting a proposal for the project, which will be submitted to the founders and leaders of HHD for approval before the necessary construction work begins.

Moscow (Inactive) – В гостях у сказки

2017-04-22T00:00:00Z

В Республике Башкортостан близ города Благовещенск находится детский лагерь "Зарница". Долгое время он принадлежал нефтеперерабатывающим заводам, но они от него отказались. Хорошо, что нашлись люди, всей душой и сердцем переживающие за сохранение прекрасного уголка Детства. Не для кого не секрет, что организация летнего отдыха для детей - это не рентабельный, а социальный бизнес. Прибыли хватает только, что бы содержать жилые корпуса и хозяйственные постройки. Но детям нужны не только они. Детям нужна сказка. Мы совместно с детьми, разработали целую серию прекрасных сказочных островков на территории лагеря: "Лукоморье", "Дом для светлячков", "Скамья примирения", тропа здоровья. Для создания которых необходимы огромное желание, творческий подход и немного средств.

Kingston – Going to the zoo,zoo,zoo

2017-04-21T00:00:00Z

The Special Events Committee is a group of community members support by KCHC to provide affordable trips and events to community members. Many of our families would not be able to experience the beach or the Toronto Zoo without our efforts. Each year we strive to take 150 community members to Toronto Zoo. Each bus costs almost 1,000 dollars, many of our families save all year to take their children to the Zoo, the cost to the families is the reduced admission price. Imagine a family of 4 the cost is 90$ for 2 children and 2 adults, plus the cost of any food or memorabilia from the trip. Many of our families struggle to make it through the month. We always have 3 full school buses signed up to go. The testimonials from trips past are poignant and lovely. Mothers reporting that they are as excited as their child to see the zoo, young men and women who have never left Kingston in their lives and generational family members spending time together. The sense of community and excitement is joyful.

Baltimore, MD – Bus Stop Buddies

2017-04-21T00:00:00Z

This project will be a film highlighting youth that participate in Bus Stop Buddies, a mentorship program in central Baltimore's Greenmount West Neighborhood. Bus Stop Buddies is a program that has adults from within the community standing at the bus stop with students in an effort to provide a positive start to their day. Activities that go down at Bus Stop Buddies include daily games of tag, hot chocolate on cold days, check-ins from Mr. Joe who works at the corner store, and introspective conversations between youth and adult community members. The premise of this film is to show the youth and spotlight their personalities and unique perspectives of their community. The film will be screened at the Charles Theatre to a crowd consisting of family, friends and neighbors. At the film screening, youth from the film will have the opportunity participate in a Q&A panel about their experience making the film. It will be an opportunity to spotlight the youth. They are very much excited that they will be in a movie shown at a movie theater!

Boulder, CO (Inactive) – Go Big Or Go Home: A Big Print Weekend

2017-04-21T00:00:00Z

The Boulder Creative Collective and the Flatiron Press are hosting a large format print workshop at the BCC Warehouse. Most machines are too small or too expensive to print large images so the alternative is "renting a construction steamroller" to roll over an inked 4ft x 4ft or a 4ft x 8ft wood block. The machine is $550 to rent and materials more but we're hoping to get enough participants to pay for some of the cost. The super fun part is its also a spectator sport so kids and adults can come and watch the prints happen. We have reached out for local businesses to sell food and with it being a day event and just off the bike path, we feel we will have lots of viewers.

Sarnia (Inactive) – 25th Anniversary Lambton College Pow Wow

2017-04-20T00:00:00Z

2017 will be the 25th anniversary of the annual Pow Wow held at Lambton College coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Lambton College and the 150th anniversary of Canada. For 24 years Lambton College has celebrated an annual Pow Wow hosted by the Aboriginal Student Council and the Aboriginal Cultural/Learning Centre. Each year, the half day Pow Wow is scheduled for the first week in April attracting dancers, singers, and spectators from across Southern Ontario. The Pow Wow at Lambton College has been a way for Aboriginal students to celebrate their cultural heritage and to serve as an awareness and educational event for the entire student population as well as the local community. In celebration of the 25th anniversary, we are hoping to make this cultural event a major community experience that everyone is welcome to attend. The event will be a three-day event, April 7, 8, & 9, 2017 with the first day as an educational awareness day for local secondary students and the following days as a two day Pow Wow open to the general public. For the educational awareness piece, several workshops will take place providing our local secondary students and teachers the opportunity to learn about First Nation culture and heritage. The two day competition pow wow, will draw in dancers, drummers and singers from many different First Nation cultures and communities providing the community the opportunity to experience a full scale pow wow within the city limits. As a larger scaled event, we are seeking out your financial assistance as any support will be greatly appreciated. Although if this is not a possibility at this time, we thank you for your time and consideration.

San Jose, CA – Loving Day 2017: San Jose

2017-04-20T00:00:00Z

San Jose is considered the “most diverse metro” in the U.S., according to Forbes. Taking this into account, add-in the fact that over half of 1000 polled, 18-34 year-olds have dated outside of their racial group. The results will include an increase of interracial relationships, marriages, and ultimately, children, and families. It was a short 50-years ago, that anti-miscegenation laws were in place in 42 states. Twelve of these states overturned these laws before 1887; fourteen of these states overturned these laws between 1948 and 1967; and sixteen of these states overturned these laws on June 12, 1967 (Loving v. Virginia) when the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Lovings, legalizing interracial marriages in all fifty states. Even though Loving Day is not yet recognized federally, many cities and municipalities do officially recognize it. I'm hoping San Jose is added to the list, which includes Washington DC, Caroline County, Virginia, and El Cerrito, California. In June 2015, I attended El Cerrito's Loving Day celebration and was blown away that San Jose, a city of a million, had not held a Loving Day event, while El Cerrito, a city of under 25,000, was successful in holding such an important event. I am currently working with a small group of dedicated volunteers and the city of San Jose on the inaugural Loving Day 2017: San Jose celebration. Attendees of Loving Day 2017: San Jose will enjoy music & cultural dance performances, hear from community-leader guest speakers, and will be able to interface with educational & community resources over the course of four hours (11-3 pm) on Saturday, June 10th at Loving Day 2017: San Jose. We hope you, along with other San Jose community members, come out to enjoy learning about Mildred & Richard Loving, their story, and the historical significance of the 1967 US Supreme Court decision. Thank you for your consideration in awarding funds for the very first Loving Day 2017: San Jose celebration.

Newmarket – STEM MINDS & Girls Inc.: Girls in STEM

2017-04-20T00:00:00Z

As part of the ongoing partnership between STEM MINDS and Girls Incorporated of York Region, we are hoping to further our combined mission of getting more girls involved in STEM. STEM MINDS will provide quality STEM-based after school programming developed to meet the needs and interests of participants in Girls Inc. programs on an ongoing basis. Through the provision of such programs and activities, STEM MINDS and Girls Inc. will share their knowledge, skills, and resources to break down the barriers that girls face when entering the world of STEM, increase confidence and self-esteem in participants, and provide participants with a chance to develop important skills and competencies for success in the 21st century. Some opportunities for participants include: 1. 3D Design and Printing: Our 3D Design program gives participants an introduction to digital design. Participants will learn a whole new way of thinking in three dimensions and are sure to enjoy having their digital designs come to life with our 3D printing technology. 2. Digital Media: Convinced you’re going to be YouTube famous? Well, here’s the chance to learn the skills you’ll need. We offer a variety of options including digital film, digital photography, digital music and more that give participants the chance to explore their artistic side in a digital context. 3. Coding: Participants will get the opportunity to learn another language; the language of programming! Through a variety of game-based activities that promote problem-solving and creativity, participants will get to explore the world of coding and maybe even learn what they want to be when they grow up. The opportunities with coding are endless! 4. Robotics: Our LEGO EV3 Robotics program gives students an opportunity to learn about Robotics and Coding. Using the ever-popular LEGO EV3 Robot, students will experience a variety of challenges and learn to problem-solve and collaborate in the process.

Antigonish, NS (Inactive) – Awesome to share.

2017-04-20T00:00:00Z

My name is Tyler Maceachern. My mom is Kate MacEachern. I have an idea for awesome antigonish and to help people share their ideas and thoughts. Also as a great way to have people communicate and stop and listen or read. It's all about being positive. Sometimes having a good distraction is a great thing. My idea is to put chalkboards on the side of buildings. In permanent paint or whatever you write the question or the sentence. Like for example. "I love antigonish because:" And then underneath you have a bunch of lines. People can write why they love antigonish in chalk. Or things like. "If I had one wish it would be" it's a great way to have people communicate and also really nice to see the amazing things written. I saw this done in a very small community in BC two years ago and I'll always remember it. There are lots of ideas for questions. Because it's chalk it's super easy to clean up once a week. Also great for tourists because they can also contribute. Thank you for your time.

South Bend, IN – People Frame

2017-04-20T00:00:00Z

A people frame is an oversized open picture frame that is strategically located at a spot within the city (Near Riverlights?) which allows people to climb into the frame and take pictures with the scenic background. There are a couple in Napa, see attached photos. In addition, my idea is to coordinate with City of South Bend marketing to create or tie into a hashtag so the users can post their pictures inside the frame. By doing this we provide a place for visitors to create memories and also promote our city at the same time in an interactive fun way. The frames are steel or alumimum with a concrete base.

South Bend, IN – MAKE SOUTH BEND Community Expansion

2017-04-20T00:00:00Z

MAKE SOUTH BEND has been South Bend's neighborhood makerspace for two years. And this year, we want to expand our space to provide a better makerspace for the community. With the expanded space, we will host free monthly maker nights and hope to join forces with the MakerHive as well. This would allow community members to come in and create together, learn from each other, and use our tools and expertise for the evening. These nights will hopefully provide the catalyst our community needs to foster more entrepreneurial makers. In our current space, we are a little cramped, but we have the chance to expand into the storefront next to ours as well. This will give us a large open space to work in and allow us to have a tech lab built in as well.

South Bend, IN – South Bend Scholastic Chess Championship

2017-04-20T00:00:00Z

This project will bring together elementary and middle school students in a fun, competitive, and stimulating environment. The South Bend Scholastic Chess Championship will be a hallmark event of Michiana Chess Inc, held bi-annually. Students who may have only had the opportunity to play their classmates and family members will be able to test their mettle against cross-town opponents, and possibly bring home a trophy for their school. We are aiming to host 40-80 participants in an all-day, non-elimination team tournament, with each participant playing 5 games, and each team representing an area school. Lunch and snacks will be provided to all participants. Prizes will be given to the 1st place team and top 3 individuals. The date is scheduled tentatively for the first or second Saturday in May. If awarded the grant, we would hope to work with the Awesome Foundation board to find an ideal DTSB location. Our first tournament was made possible by private and corporate donors, who contributed over $2000 to our cause. This allowed us to purchase the boards, pieces, chess clocks, notation sheets, tournament pairing software, name tags, pencils, and prizes necessary, as well as rent a suitable space. Just last month, 29 students from South Bend's public and private schools, a Mishawaka private school, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County gathered at the Ray and Joan Kroc Center to crown a chess champion. The event was a huge success, and parents and children alike showed how excited they were for more opportunities to play chess. We hope to give that to them! *Michiana Chess Inc is a registered non-profit with the state of Indiana, and is currently applying for 501(c)(3) status.

LA South Bay, CA (Inactive) – Generating a Generation of Givers in LA South Bay

2017-04-19T00:00:00Z

We believe that when people get involved in giving while they are young it establishes a pattern of giving that will follow them throughout their entire life. For most students, money isn’t often set aside to help others. As a result, world issues often revolve around what’s going on in their own lives instead of what’s going on around them. We believe that giving students the opportunity to learn about humanitarian issues and empowering them with a voice in how we should find and fund sustainable solutions is a giant step towards generating a generation of givers who espouse empathy, engage social issues globally, and are overall better neighbours to those around them. The Kutoa Classrooms platform addresses this head on by educating students and giving each one a vote, which in the end funds great projects that make a lasting difference to those in need. Kutoa provides educators with free curriculum that allows them to talk about sensitive humanitarian issues in age appropriate ways. From food security through the World Food Program to borderless medicine through Doctors Without Borders, Kutoa presents a different humanitarian theme each month and 3 project through our charitable partner that will address the need at hand. Each student is then given 1 vote for one of those 3 projects and the projects. Our platform is socially integrated so students can share what they are for with those they know and give them a chance to join in as well. The project with most votes at the end of the month is granted all of the funds collected that month. It’s that simple and it is that easy to engage a whole generation of future leaders. At present, Kutoa has classrooms in 4 countries (CAN/USA/AUS/NZ) and, as word gets out, is growing quickly at raising awareness, engaging youth and making a real impact through the projects we fund. Being web-based has allowed us a global reach while keeping our operating costs at a level way less than a bricks and mortar operation.

Ottawa – Torchlight Shakespeare: Fools in Your Park!

2017-04-19T00:00:00Z

April’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Alexandra Isenor and A Company of Fools to bring Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream to parks in the rural areas around Ottawa this summer. “Our goal,” explains Alexandra, “is to break down barriers between people and experiencing culture and art. One big barrier is distance and location. We overcome this by bringing our our work to our audiences, and this year we want to go to four new rural communities — Merrickville, Navan, Kemptville, and Carp — bringing our total to nine parks in such communities.” If you’d like to support this summer’s production, a fundraiser is taking place this Saturday, April 22nd — tickets are available at fools.ca. We’re told there will be trivia, “bardaoke,” dancing, a silent auction, food, games, prizes, and more. Alexandra is a local arts manager, director, actor, and creator, and the General Manager of A Company of Fools.

Oahu, HI – Lullaby Project

2017-04-19T00:00:00Z

The Lullaby Project began as a pilot project through Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2011. Musicians there facilitated lullaby writing with young pregnant teens at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx in an effort to help create a positive support system for these new moms and to facilitate a loving bond between mother and infant. The project has grown over the past six years to include not only teen moms, but parents and caregivers who find themselves facing challenging situations as they care for their children (e.g., those who are incarcerated, living in homeless shelters). Last year was Hawaiʻi's first Lullaby Project with Leeward Community College's Hawaiian Ensemble performing and recording with singer-songwriters from the community who volunteered to help moms and dads create original lullabies for their children. There is no cost to participate in the project and typically parents have little or no musical training -- simply a desire to create an original lullaby for their baby, or infant that is on the way. Last year's partnering organization was Catholic Charities Mary Jane Home, and they have joined us once again along with parents from Pūlama I Nā Keiki (Alu Like), Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, and the foster/adoptive community for this spring's Lullaby Project. The local sponsoring arts organizations are Leeward Community College (LCC) Theatre and UH-West Oʻahu (UHWO) Humanities Department, whose students will be involved as musicians, volunteers, and parent-participants. Musicians from the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra will also assist with accompanying some of the performances. Our workshop with songwriting teams took place at the beginning of February. Song arranging is planned through March. Rehearsals and the final performance will occur in April 2017.

Bend, OR (Inactive) – Cycling Without Age Bend

2017-04-19T00:00:00Z

Cycling Without Age is based in Copenhagen, Denmark and has chapters all around the world. CWA brings the experience of riding a bike to our aging community members through the use of a "trishaw," a three-wheeled bike that comfortably carries two riders up front while a volunteer pedals. This enables those who are unable to ride a bike to feel "the wind in their hair." the exhilaration and pure joy that riding a bike elicits. The Guiding Principles of CWA are: Generosity: Cycling Without Age is based on generosity and kindness. It starts with the obvious generous act of taking one or two elderly or less-abled people out on a bike ride. It’s a simple act that everyone can do. Slow Cycling: Slow cycling allows you to sense the environment, be present in the moment and it allows people you meet along the way to be curious and gain knowledge about Cycling Without Age because you make time to stop and talk. Storytelling: Elderly people have so many stories that will be forgotten if we don’t reach out and listen to them. We tell stories, we listen to stories on the bike and we also document the stories when we share them via word of mouth or on social media. Relationships: Cycling Without Age is about creating a multitude of new relationships: between generations, among the elderly, between pilots and passengers, nursing homes employees and family members. Relationships build trust, happiness and quality of life. Without Age: Life does not end when you turn 75. Life unfolds at all ages, young and old, and can be thrilling, fun, sad, beautiful and meaningful. Cycling Without Age is about letting people age in a positive context – fully aware of the opportunities that lie ahead when interacting in their local community. A great origination story and description of CWA is in the TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Ti4qUa-OU In the future, I'd like to incorporate the use of therapy dogs, especially for solo riders, for companionship and stress reduction.

Boston, MA (Inactive) – Boston #popscope: urban public astronomy

2017-04-19T00:00:00Z

When was the last time you looked at the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, or Jupiter’s moons? #popscope, short for “pop-up telescope,” brings free astronomy observing to the public. When the skies are clear, we “pop-up” in different neighborhoods to promote community-building through science. We aim to 1) encourage social interactions that challenge norms and spatial boundaries, 2) contribute to discourse about how public spaces are used and allocated, and 3) educate diverse communities about science and astronomy. #popscope was started in Ottawa, Canada in 2014 and now has a presence in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, and NYC. The #popscope network is entirely volunteer-run and operates on a very lean budget. #popscope is highly mobile: we aim to bring science to the people by visiting diverse neighborhoods that can vary by race and class. To make our gatherings as successful as possible, we work with community leaders to bring telescopes to neighborhoods in an inclusive, safe, sensitive manner. We use social media to announce the location and date of events, and we encourage guests to post photos and ask questions on #popscope’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Though Boston is home to world-class institutions of higher learning, popular science museums, and a strong amateur astronomy community, there is appetite for more public astronomy outreach. With just one telescope over the last three months, for example, our team has hosted a dozen pop-up astronomy events for over 300 Bostonians of all ages and backgrounds. We also partnered with the Boston Children’s Museum to host two successful daytime solar observation events event for children. With the support of an Awesome Boston grant, Boston #popscope can do even more: connect the dots among Boston’s residents, K-12 schools, universities, museums, and amateur astronomers and make Boston a “Hub” for exciting community-based astronomy!

Northampton, MA (Inactive) – New Century Theatre's Staged Reading Series

2017-04-17T00:00:00Z

This summer New Century Theatre, a Northampton based theatre company is performing in three new venues, two of which are in Northampton. In June NCT will present two staged readings of brand new plays that feature local authors Ellen Wittlinger and Eric Henry Sanders. Each play will receive a week of rehearsals and then present two performances to the public at First Churches in their sanctuary space. Both plays will feature locals actors and directors.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) – Neka Fieldwork Society

2017-04-17T00:00:00Z

The fishing villages of Southeast Alaska are separated by icy fjords, foggy bays, and forested mountains. Roads don't go anywhere. With my merry crew of intrepid makers, I'm preparing to expand on an experience we created in 2016. In a remote part of Chichagof Island we created a boat-in classical music concert. Now we're going to bring the concert experience on the road. But since there are no roads, we're doing it on the water. We have an historic 100' tugboat, and are preparing to tour villages and remote homesteads around Admiralty, and Baranof, and Chichagof Islands.

Pittsburgh, PA – Allentown Then & Now

2017-04-17T00:00:00Z

The Allentown Then & Now project will give students at the ALEC(Allentown Learning and Engagement Center) an opportunity to develop visual literacy skills and form a deeper connection to the history and identity of their neighborhood through photography. Archived images from the Historic Pittsburgh Image Collections will be used as a reference for youth to capture modern day images of the historic archived scenes. Printed and framed modern “Now” images will be presented alongside the historical “Then” images as a photography showcase in a space in the Allentown community. These images will go on to be displayed in various businesses and organizations throughout the community with information cards detailing the context of the archived images as well as links to the Historic Pittsburgh Image Collection and its contributors. “Now” images will also be submitted to a Pittsburgh image archive (Historic Pittsburgh Image Collection or Heinz History Center) and be made available for non-commercial use by non-profit organizations, schools, as well as the general public. Youth photographers will receive credit for their contributions within the archive, as well as a framed print featuring a collage of their “Now” image and the “Then” image it references. This project is made possible through the Arts MODE programming of New Sun Rising. Project partners include ALEC, The Hilltop Alliance, The Archives Service Center at University of Pittsburgh, and Work Hard Pittsburgh.

San Francisco, CA – Cyclecide Moving Fund

2017-04-17T00:00:00Z

Cyclecide is being forced to exit a wondrous and longtime workspace. SF Awesome Foundation’s support of the related costs may help in keeping this important network of inventors, educators and lunatics semi-functioning. In the tumult of legal and bureaucratic scrutiny that art spaces have encountered since the Oakland Ghost Ship fire, much of the intense focus of projects past will, sadly, be dissipated into practical matters. We must make sure some semblance of the creative and collective efforts that once flourished will endure. We can’t depend on municipalities to make it happen. We need to do it ourselves as a community.

Miami, FL – Ansanm

2017-04-15T00:00:00Z

Ansanm, meaning together in Kreyol, is a cultural project that aims to bring the arts to Miami's diverse working class communities through community-based events centered around the greatest equalizer: food. The act of eating dinner with a group of people is usually a joyous occasion and allows for long conversations. My hope is that by inviting members and participants from institutions such as FANM, which focuses on the Haitian-American community, and ICA Miami, which focuses on contemporary art, to have a meal together and share their ideas for progressing the communities that they share. Each event would happen in spaces within underserved communities and would include an activation from an artists/arts organization and activists like O Miami or the Dream Defenders to jump start the conversations amongst guests. Additionally, we would purchase food from local markets and restaurants to encourage the shared economic opportunity that exists within our city. I believe that Miami’s cultural community has been so closed off to working class communities because as cultural producers we find ourselves focussed on people we work with closely. Accessible is not always as accessible as we think and this working model aims to find a more accessible model for inviting community participation.

Cass Clay – Crack the Code: Summer Technology Camp for Girls

2017-04-15T00:00:00Z

uCodeGirl is hosting Crack the Code: Summer Technology Day Camp for Girls (June 19-29, 2017) is intended to bring together a diverse group of teen girls residing in the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding counties attending public, private, including home school who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to come together. Together they experience cutting edge technology lessons from industry professionals, independent time to work on their individual projects, and opportunities to bond with new friends. Crack the Code summer event is focused on the three tenants of uCodeGirl: to inspire and build confidence, to equip with the knowledge and skills; and to connect to like-minded girls as well as STEM professionals for sustainable engagement, such as mentorship, networking, job shadowing. This eight days long summer immersion event for young girls will include programming through leadership training, and inspiring speeches by female role models, skill-building through entrepreneurial brainstorming and prototyping as well as coding web development, app development and programming robotics. This unique event is made possible through the collaboration of the STEM ecosystem of higher institutions of learning, such as North Dakota State University, Moorhead State University Minnesota and Concordia. Technology companies and STEM professionals as instructors dedicated to inspiring, connecting and equipping the next generation of leaders and innovators will also be involved.

New York City, NY – Devised Theatre Project

2017-04-14T00:00:00Z

The Devised Theatre Project is building a theatre and leadership-building program for young people currently living in the NYC shelter system. During the 12-week pilot, participants will collaboratively create an original piece of theatre, providing them with opportunities to practice creativity, build community, play, explore ideas, build confidence and cultivate leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment. The pilot is being run in collaboration with the CAMBA Flagstone Family Center in Brownsville Brooklyn and was launched in March 2017. Although centers such as CAMBA have funding for after school programming through city programs like School's Out, this funding does not cover weekend programming (Fri, Sat, Sun) and there's typically less for the kids to do during these times. The program's goal is to fill this gap with engaging programming that builds community, provides snacks, and allow participants to play and express themselves. Consistent programming like this provides these kids in transition a positive, stable place where they can build community, release stress, laugh, and express themselves creatively. In addition to providing participants with the opportunity to learn and engage in a theatre-arts practice; the workshop will build leadership skills in participants by providing opportunities to practice collaborative problem solving, negotiation, decision making, flexibility, and communication (presence, listening and responding, eye contact) throughout the process - all of which provide a foundation for success later in life.

Ann Arbor, MI – Parisa Ghaderi

2017-04-12T00:00:00Z

YES (YpsiExperimentalSpace) will be supporting a custom-built month long installation by recent U-M MFA graduate, Iranian born artist, Parisa Ghaderi. Parisa’s current work explores the humanitarian, historical, and emotional complexities inherent in the act of immigration. Parisa draws on her personal immigration experiences transforming this fundamental human odyssey into a visceral experience bridging the gap between immigration as concept and policy and immigration as a human condition. This creative installation aims to paint a portrait of immigration/emigration through the construction of a series of human-scaled “boxes” that reveal myriad cultural differences and connections through the presentation of a collection of focused sensory experiences. A teaser exhibit of Parisa’s work is currently on view at YES. (8 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti, 24/7) Parisa’s exhibition/installation is scheduled to be open to the public the entire month of June, 2017.

Chicago, IL – Prison Interview Series

2017-04-12T00:00:00Z

I was released from state prison in 2015. Before being locked up, I had never done any creative writing. I always told myself I would write (eventually) but I was too afraid to try—too afraid to fail. It took failing in a big way—finding myself a convicted felon, a loser—to make me realize I had nothing to lose. During the two years I spent incarcerated, I discovered how empowering and liberating the written word can be. I wrote every day, both in my journal and in letters to friends and family. I began to imagine a life that wasn’t necessarily destined for failure and ignominy. Writing gave me back my identity, my pride and sense of self. It allowed me to reclaim my personal narrative from a system that thought it could write my story for me. As someone who spent years being told his voice isn’t worthwhile or important, that his identity is stained, nothing could be more valuable. After my release, I engaged my local literary community in earnest. Part of this process involved starting an interview series for the Chicago arts magazine Sixty Inches from Center. So far, the series has interviewed only formerly incarcerated artists currently living in Chicago. My awesome project is to expand the scope of the series and begin conducting in-person interviews with artists who are still locked up, both in Chicago and throughout Illinois. (I've found that many inmates don't feel they can speak freely over the phone or by mail, both of which are heavily monitored by the DOC.) I want to help tell the personal stories of those still subjected to the Prison Industrial Complex, to share their artistic voices with the outside world. I hope that in doing so, I can generate a sense of empathy and inclusion for the millions of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in our city and across the country.

Gloucester, MA – VR Classroom

2017-04-11T00:00:00Z

Gloucester, MA – Anchor Program - Stress Reduction

2017-04-11T00:00:00Z

I am looking to purchase Fidget Cubes (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/antsylabs/fidget-cube-a-vinyl-desk-toy) for my Social/Emotional Special Education Classes to help the students improve their attention and focus during academic classes. These toys are intended to reduce stress and increase focus, which is exactly what my students need.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) – Sue Shelton White Public Art Committee

2017-04-10T00:00:00Z

Public art created by Jackson, TN, sculptor Wanda Stanfill to be unveiled on May 25, 2017, will honor this suffragist, attorney, and general counsel who implemented the Social Security Act. In 1905, White took a job as a stenographer and clerk for the Southern Engine and Boiler Works in Jackson. In 1907, she became Jackson’s court reporter and, later, private secretary to the Tennessee Supreme Court. In 1918, she served as chair of the National Woman’s Party in Tennessee and editor of NWP’s national paper, the Suffragist. In 1913, recording secretary, Jackson league of the Tennessee Equal Suffrage Association (TESA), an affiliate of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). 1917, chair of TESA's Eighth Congressional District. Participated in NWP's Washington demonstrations, burning an effigy of President Wilson in front of the White House on Feb. 9, 1919. Arrested and sentenced to five days in prison. From 1920-26, she worked as a clerk and legal secretary for TN Sen. Kenneth McKellar in Washington, D.C. In 1926, she returned to Jackson as the city's first female attorney and to work for her own law firm, Anderson and White. She was also active in the state's Democratic Party. She helped write Tennessee's first married women's property bill, an old age pension act, and a mother's pension act. She served as President of the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women, 1929-1931. The New Deal: In 1928, she befriended Eleanor Roosevelt and Molly Dewson, director of the Women's Division of the Democratic Party. Through 1933, White worked as executive secretary of the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee; executive assistant to the vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee. She became legal counsel helping implement the Social Security Act. Then she served as principal attorney and assistant to the general counsel of the Federal Security Agency before becoming ill with cancer in the early 1940s. She died in 1943.

Singapore – #ImEdible

2017-04-10T00:00:00Z

80% of Singaporeans will only buy beautiful food. At the same time, food waste increased 1.5 times in the last decade. We want to change this. ImEdible aims to show people that “ugly” food is the same as pretty food in both taste and nutritional value. Instagram will be our main channel of publicity. We’ll change the views of the public, then use a petition to persuade supermarkets to give ugly food a chance. We’ve already started on our project. We set up a booth demonstration at Victoria Junior College. 2 plates of oranges were cut up to look alike. We then asked students to taste if there’s any difference in the oranges from the two plates. Most participants said they tasted similar. At the end, we revealed to them the original appearance of the “ugly” and “pretty” oranges. Then, we asked them to sign a petition and fill in a survey. We collected 76 signatures. Before the booth, half of our respondents rarely or never bought ugly fruits. After our booth, all our respondents were willing to try ugly fruits out. Our demonstration booth: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0kCeNO2Q3kwUExnNzNZeXBXQUE We also worked with Vegetarian Society Singapore for their smoothie bike - students could cycle and make their own fruit juice. This brought home the message that while fruits may look different, their nutritional value is still the same. Fruits, no matter their appearance, make great juice. The bike in action: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0kCeNO2Q3kwUmtKa2FiUUZCRXM Next, we’ll work with fruit stall owners in schools. Fruit stores in schools sell a lot of fruit juice. For school canteen vendors, cost is important - the cheaper the better. To save ugly fruits and also help vendors cut costs, we’ll link them up with grocers to buy the much-cheaper ugly fruits for fruit juice. This way, it’s a win-win situation. We plan on expanding this to hawker centres, and eventually, we’ll convince supermarkets to sell ugly fruits, too. Let’s reduce food waste together!

Birmingham, AL (Inactive) – Dream Makerz

2017-04-10T00:00:00Z

In January 2016, Hiranda Brock, a master cosmetologist and licensed cosmetology instructor started Dream Makerz in order to provide young girls and women with motivation and empowerment to move forward and follow their dreams. She created the organization to inspire others to "look good, feel better, and do best." With her organization, Hiranda creates beautiful opportunities through professional salon experiences and through those experiences she inspires a mindset transformation, daring those she serves to discover and develop their own dreamz by tapping into their life purpose

Los Angeles, CA – Culinary Arts Kids Eat

2017-04-08T00:00:00Z

Culinary Arts Kids Eat (“CAKE”) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created in 2012 to enrich, engage and educate youth in South Central Los Angeles. The C A K E program, empowers youth with opportunities to develop professional culinary skills, offering hands on training in the restaurant and hospitality industry as well as developing important life skills through a dynamic wellness program. C A K E currently operates as an after-school program at Santee Educational Complex, one of the most under served communities in Los Angeles. The South Central neighborhood where our students live is considered a food desert, whereby fresh, healthy, affordable food is not available. Most students suffer from preventable diseases; diabetes and obesity. With the knowledge our students gain they now make healthy food choices. Youth enrolled in the After School w/ CAKE program will learn how to set up a hydroponic grow system and how to grow organic produce in the soil. They will be trained in professional culinary arts and create a healthy recipe. Students will design a brand and logo for their product and learn the art of entrepreneurship. They will sell their item at the Farmers Market and keep the profits. Our goal (2018) is to open a local co-op market café in the neighborhood where fresh, locally grown food may be sold along with “High Quality Rapid Cuisine” (fresh health already prepared meals). Students study health, wellness and nutrition. They learn about the brain, the heart and which foods will keep them in balance. They practice mindful meditation, stress management and yoga. These tools will help keep them grounded and able to cope with the many challenges that life might have. Sports are also played, encouraging our youth to stay active and recognizing that with not much green space in their community, it is difficult.

Annapolis, NS (Inactive) – AWEC Dance Marathon

2017-04-07T00:00:00Z

"This generation fighting for the next". That's how Gemma Tompkins won the hearts of the trustees of Annapolis to support her pitch for the IWK Children's Miracle Network dance marathon fundraiser being held at AWEC on May 4th. The dance marathon brings the community together, from adults to children, in raising money, supporting a good cause, having fun, and raising awareness. 100% of the funds raised stay local and support local kids. They invited the other local high schools to join them to make the event bigger and reach a larger audience. They are hoping to be able to make this an annual event with setting even bigger goals for raising money next year than the $10K they're aiming for this year. There will not only be a dance, but zumba, face painting, crafts with the IWK kids, food, bouncy castles, and much much more. Join them - May 4th.

Oakland, CA (Inactive) – Four Headed Records

2017-04-06T00:00:00Z

Being a musician is genuinely hard. Simply affording instruments is a barrier to creativity. Beyond that, the cost to record, manufacture and distribute an album is monetarily impossible for many musicians. For this reason, creativity becomes stifled, community suffers and self-expression is repressed. To solve this problem, we are developing a DIY, VHS Tape Label called Four Headed Records. It will be the only VHS Tape Label in existence and will be the first of its kind. Simply put, Four Headed Records will release albums on VHS Tapes instead of Cassette Tapes, CDs or Vinyl. But why VHS? There are many reasons! It hasn't been done before, the medium is inexpensive, it allows musicians to release music and video in one package and VHS tape quality is surprisingly awesome! Our project will be free and will benefit underserved musicians from Oakland. To get the community on-board, we will feature new artists each month. Each release will include two bands, one from Oakland, and one from any other part of the world. By connecting underserved musicians from different parts of the world, we inspire new creative bonds while simultaneously building a bridge between various underserved music communities. With each new release, Four Headed Records will gradually archive Oakland’s distinct musical voice. In this way, we will impact thousands of Oakland based musicians for generations to come. Our outreach plan includes: • Getting public service announcements on college radio and public access TV stations • Teaming up with local venues like Oakland Secret • Doing outreach at local concerts, open mics, local music communities, online forums and social media • And Partnering with local recording studios like Santo Studios to find artists With your help, Four Headed Records will transform the VHS medium into a lean mean community-building machine. We will preserve our musical past, while inspiring our musical future.

Piqua, OH (Inactive) – Piqua Love Locks

2017-04-05T00:00:00Z

I would like to build a “love lock” structure as an outdoor interactive art installation in Piqua. The most famous example of a love lock structure is the bridge in Paris where lovers would place a padlock on the bridge and throw away the key as a symbol of their love. Many people write or carve their names into the locks. I would like to build a freestanding love lock structure where the people of Piqua can place their own love locks to show their love for each other or to honor those they have lost. I can build the structure and base, including a built in key trap where keys can be "thrown away" within the structure. I would need to work with the city about where the structure could be placed and getting any necessary permission for the project. (Maybe at lock 9—love locks at lock 9? But anywhere would be fine.) I want it to be a part of our city-- someplace people come to see. It would be fun to do some kind of unveiling or ribbon-cutting ceremony with a symbolic placing of the first lock on the structure by a couple from the community.

Piqua, OH (Inactive) – Farm to Table Dinner

2017-04-05T00:00:00Z

The idea is to provide a Farm to Table Dinner experience for our community members to enjoy. What does this mean? It means supporting our local growers by using their produce in a dinner menu that has been created for that particular evening. Where would this Farm to Table dinner take place? The location of the dinner has not been decided upon at the time of this application. However, there are several locations in mind, they are listed below: • Piqua’s very own community garden at Pitsenbarger Park. With this location community members may experience a place that they may have never known about until now. • Downtown Piqua, in front of the Fort Piqua Library, after the Farmer’s Market on a Thursday evening. • Johnston’s Farm • Or a place to be determined What would this dinner look like? There would be a row of tables and chairs uniquely decorated that would spread down the center of the chosen location for seating of 60 to 70 people, with white lights strung around the area. The food would be served buffet style with volunteers overseeing the serving table. We will work with the Piqua Health Dept. to know what the regulations are in regards to the food prep. and serving. The menu would include: • Several different kinds of salads • Local vegetables • Meat: possibly pork or beef from local farmer • Desserts that include fresh fruits • Several choices of beverages *all dishes mentioned made with fresh, local ingredients Who is helping support this idea? Mainstreet Piqua (Farmer’s Market), the City of Piqua, local growers and individual community members of Piqua. Who is able to attend the Farm to Table Dinner? And is there a cost? This dinner would be open to anyone who would like to attend. The cost would be a $15.00 donation per ticket. With the idea being, the donations would be seed money for next year’s farm to table dinner.

Paris (Inactive) – Un regard pour toi

2017-04-04T00:00:00Z

Face à l'habillement, les déficients visuels sont soit dépendants de leur entourage, soit livrés à eux-mêmes. Soigner son apparence est un vecteur essentiel d'insertion sociale et professionnelle pour des non-voyants dans la société. « Un regard pour toi » intervient pour rendre les déficients visuels autonomes dans leurs achats vestimentaires, en trouvant des moyens pour décrire le vêtement, l'allure, les codes vestimentaires. Nous venons de mettre au point un système de marquage qui permettra de broder sur les vêtements du braille ou des symboles grâce auxquels les déficients visuels pourront assortir leurs vêtements en toute autonomie. When it comes to dressing, visually impaired people are either dependent on others, or left to themselves. Taking care of your appearance is essential for your social and professional integration. “Un regard pour toi” helps visually impaired people to become autonomous in their shopping, by finding ways to describe the clothes, the style, the fashion codes. We recently developed a tagging system of Braille and symbols that are embroidered on clothes, and thanks to which visually impaired people can choose and match their clothes in complete autonomy.

Atlanta, GA (Inactive) – First Generation Hope Scholarship

2017-04-03T00:00:00Z

First Generation Hope Scholarship is an annual project hosted by Elite Sisterhood, Inc, that provides the graduating seniors with book scholarships for college. Founded in 2016, the initiative has been supported through individual donors and fundraising activities. In the spring of 2016, Atlanta based designer Tracy Nicole hosted 'Shop For a Purpose" a pop up shop that dedicated a portion of each sale to the First Generation Hope Scholarship Fund. Last year, 75 % of the participants of the senior members in Elite Sisterhood, Inc. were first generation college attendees. 33% of the members were first generation high school graduates. As we strive to promote education among our young ladies, we offer the scholarships as a level of support to inspire and encourage them to remain steadfast in their academic journeys. Furthermore, the First Generation Hope Scholarship fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages the young ladies to continue to achieve their dreams. According to the New York Times, "70% of college students who drop out attribute it to finances." Our goal is to provide a foundation for the young ladies to receive a jumpstart with a positive experience in college. In May 2017, we will have 7 of our 10 Elite Sisterhood, Inc. members who will be first generation college attendees. It is vital that our organization supports these young ambitious leaders. The Awesome Foundation Grant will enable us to provide book scholarships for these deserving scholars.

Liverpool – Around The World in 80 Films!

2017-04-03T00:00:00Z

In 2018 I'm aiming to travel the world and produce 80 short films. I'd like the first of these films to be made in my home City of Liverpool. Along my route I want produce interesting and engaging short video projects with creative and unique organisations. I will be visiting 5 continents and dozens of countries, painting a picture of some of the incredible events, people, places and organisations that occupy this wonderful planet we all share. I would like my first project to be a short film about some of the amazing projects YOU have funded, in exchange for your £500 donation. This would then be the first of my 80 films.

Stockholm (Inactive) – Tech Missionary

2017-04-03T00:00:00Z

Tech missionary has found that the fastest way to empower young people is to get hands-on with technology. Through creative technology young people can explore and grow and learn leadership and confidence skills from working together in a team. Oh, and did we mention its also a hell of a lot of fun? Tech missionary runs creative maths courses for 14 year olds in the Stockholm suburbs. Awesome Foundation Stockholm will fund a 3-week course in Fittja for 20 students with diverse cultural backgrounds with the aim of making a difference through technology. The course includes tailor-made visits to the coolest companies and researchers in Stockholm to inspire and expand their horizons. “I think this is one of the most important issues for the future - that more people understand that their ideas matter and that they can change the world.”

Washington, DC – Elementary School Vertical Gardening

2017-04-02T00:00:00Z

We currently work with three DC elementary schools, one of which is in a food dessert in SE DC. We teach the students how to use minimal space to maximize a harvest by using vertical gardening systems and hydroponics. We teach children every aspect of urban gardening, from composting, the importance of bees and worms, seeds, zoning and crop planning for harvest and retail. Our unique vertical system illustrates to the children and their families that even a small space - a balcony or window - can provide healthy, cost-effective, locally grown produce. We also encourage projects such as creative ways to recycle commonly used school items, such as milk cartons. And, we offer a CSA program pick-up at all three schools that include fresh DC -grown produce (some from the school garden), recipes and samples of finished products that they can make from the produce, such as hot sauce. We also have locations that students can travel to and learn more about urban farming, such as the rooftop garden at Nationals Stadium and Barracks Grow, a formerly unused space that is now a community hub.

San Jose, CA – Spartan Keyes Spring Egg Hunt and Pet Parade

2017-03-31T00:00:00Z

CommUniverCity is teaming up with Spartan Keyes community to host a Spring celebration at a Spartan Keyes neighborhood park. Our goal is to gather the members of the community together and present an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other. We are planning a two-hour event with a children's egg hunt, holiday crafts, costume pet parade, and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny, himself.

Oosterhout, Noord-Brabant (Inactive) – BOMBAST

2017-03-31T00:00:00Z

BOMBAST Dé oernar die door een vloek onder Oosterhout is gegroeid en van daaruit deze bourgondische stad voedt met al het goeds. Hij is hét DNA van alles wat er in deze stad groeit, bloeit en leeft en eeuwige vechter tegen zuurpruimerij en chagrijn. Zo luidt de korte omschrijving van BOMBAST. Bombast is meer! Het is een totaalconcept. Naast een nieuw ontdekte sage welke dit jaar in boekvorm uit zal komen is het een concept met vele uitwerkingen. De stichting zelf gaat aan de slag met: - Het boek - Het kinderboek - Een aantal landmarks - Een stadstour middels een augmented reality app welke de kunstwerken door BOMBAST zelf virtueel met elkaar gaat verbinden. Het project is niet alleen van de stichting, BOMBAST is aan Oosterhout geschonken. Een aantal Oosterhouters zijn al aan de slag gegaan. Zo is er inmiddels: - BOMBAST bier - BOMBASTJES (kleine Oosterhoutse Kaneelstokjes) - BOMBASTOOFSCHOTEL (een gerecht wat op iedere menukaart past) - BOMBAST brood - BOMBAST burger Daarnaast zijn er een 25 tal initiatieven ingediend waar men mee aan de slag wil. Op een speciale terugkomdag gaan we deze verzamelen, combineren en verder brengen. Wie officieel via de stichting zijn idee verder brengt, maakt kans op ons BOMBAST predicaat. Wie dit ontvangt krijgt steun vanuit onze stichting o.a. in promotie en organisatie. Alle gelden welke Stichting BOMBAST int komen ten goede aan de Stichting en haar doelen!

Libraries (Inactive) – 100 Years...100 Selfies!

2017-03-31T00:00:00Z

We are pleased to announce our very first grant recipient: 100 years…100 selfies. The Warehouse Project & Gallery {TWP&G} is located in Summit, Illinois and is a brave space for all young people looking for creative and artistic ways to create positive social and neighborhood change. This initiative encourages youth to take artistic risks, explore issues they are passionate about, engage in challenging conversations, and offer creative and artistic solutions to issues in their community. Founded in April of 2013, TWP&G aims to provide all youth in the community with a voice and an opportunity to be heard while encouraging them to use artistic avenues to explore and create art in all forms that inspire change. In collaboration with the Summit Public Library, TWP&G youth will profile 100 residents from the Summit community to celebrate the library’s upcoming centennial. The exhibit, 100 years…100 selfies, consisting of interviews and photographs, will be displayed in library throughout the year. This project will honor the tremendous contributions the library has made to the community over the last 100 years and allow the members of TWP&G to utilize their artistic talents to document and narrate the community’s appreciation for its public library. By documenting the 100 years…100 selfies project, TWP&G will create a template for other communities to replicate in showing support for their public libraries. What our grantee has to say: “TWPG is forever grateful to the Summit Public Library for its commitment to the community and for allowing us a physical space to hold programming when we were in our infancy. This project is our way of giving back for the many things they have given us and the community at large.” -Meredith Schilsky, President & Chief Creative Director at The Warehouse Project & Gallery What our trustees have to say: “I was impressed by the way this project brought together community collaboration and engagement with creativity, social history and library advocacy activities. This sounds like a wonderful way to rally the community around the library. The physical exhibition sounds like an excellent opportunity to bring your community together.” The approach to celebrating the centennial for the library is a great idea and I am sure many library patrons will enjoy the exhibition.” “This application is timely for the events they wish to promote. It is well thought out and includes elements of research, conducting oral histories, photography and design.” “Really lovely way to recognize the library and its patrons for their commitment to this institution.” You can learn more about the Summit Public Library here Learn more about The Warehouse Project & Gallery by watching this video

San Antonio, TX – Vertical Dance Wall

2017-03-31T00:00:00Z

I can completely change your perspective on dance by shifting the floor we stand on to a wall. Through this project, not only can I change your perspective on viewing dance, you and the San Antonio community can experience it yourself! Vertical dance is a physical art form that suspends dancers on a wall with ropes and harnesses to seemingly defy gravity by dancing on vertical surfaces. This type of performance provokes awe, wonder, and inspiration through its innate beauty. Audience members and participants will experience flight and movement through an entirely different visual and gravitational pull. Vertical dance is also an effective full body work out that strengthens the core, upper and lower body, and builds endurance. I want to bring vertical dance to San Antonio and make it accessible to everyone here. My company, Aerial Horizon, is San Antonio’s only professional aerial performance company and school. Since 2009, Aerial Horizon has created a thriving aerial community where none existed before. We are currently building one of the only custom aerial studios in the nation that is putting San Antonio on the map as an aerial arts hub. We have the necessary equipment to continue offering classes on aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, rope, sling, and more, but we’re looking for funding to create a new vertical dance program with ropes and harnesses. Many students find harness work more accessible than other aerial classes because it doesn’t require climbing fabric or doing pull ups on your first day of class. After putting on a harness and clipping into a rope, you’re ready to go! The feeling of flying is immediate. Students and professionals alike squeal with glee and joy is a part of every class. Our classes are designed for all body types, ages, genders–-everyone is welcome! Conquering the aerial arts makes you feel like you can overcome anything. You’ll leave every aerial harness class feeling empowered, strong, and free after flying through the air!

North Minneapolis, MN – North Community Theater Presents Shrek The Musical

2017-03-31T00:00:00Z

North Community Theater is a new effort to bring accessible, intergenerational theater experiences to the Northside. Community theaters have a robust presence around the metro, providing groups of all ages and experience a fun way to be part of something, be it on stage, backstage, in the pit or in the audience. With the support of North HS (letting us rehearse and perform in the Auditorium, covering the costs of rights and script rentals), and the energy of an ever widening circle of support, we have gotten off the ground. Shrek is more than halfway through the rehearsal process and has attracted North HS students and staff, neighbors and their kids, theater lovers, volunteers to work on sets and now musicians to play in the pit orchestra. Partnerships have naturally emerged, the North HS Dance Ensemble and students from Brightwater Montessori will each be featured in a dance number i in the show. Sanctuary Convenant Church is hosting a community meal before the Sunday matinee, Hopewell Music School, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Morris Park Players, Edison HS and many more have donated space, costumes, set pieces etc. all signaling a desire to this project succeed and continue. The amount of enthusiasm and joy in the room is moving. Seeing teens mentor younger kids, Moms forge new friendships, alumni and others with ties to the community work hard and learn things together, reinforces that our process will leave just as lasting an imprint on the cast as we hope the performance will leave on the audience. In fact, it is amazing to us that we have not spent more than a few hundred dollars so far to produce a show that will see close to 50 on stage, with more in the orchestra and backstage and even more who have dropped by a scenic work day to pitch in. Tickets for the 4 performances will be pay what you can, in order to make it accessible to all.