tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/es/projects?page=2 2026-03-11T02:34:18Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/506483 2026-03-09T00:00:00Z 2026-03-11T02:34:18Z GardenWalk Cleveland is an annual, free, self-guided tour of Cleveland gardens and urban farms that has occurred annually since 2011. Last year (2025), over 300 gardeners across ten Cleveland neighborhoods participated inviting visitors to delight in their gardens. The GardenWalk takes place the second weekend of July, and will be held on July 11th and 12th this year. Gardeners who wish to showcase their gardens sign up through our website, or through contacting one of our neighborhood volunteers (garden-finders). GardenWalk Cleveland aims to strengthen communities, change perceptions of the city, and beautify neighborhoods. We do not curate the gardens that participate: our only requisite is the garden be in one of the neighborhoods designated for the year (which neighborhoods participate largely depends on availability of volunteers, interest, and concentration of gardens). We believe that all gardens, new and established, small and large, are a net positive and contribute to making Cleveland a better, healthier, more colorful place to live. Casey Hill GardenWalk Cleveland 2026 https://www.gardenwalkcleveland.org/ United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/508139 2026-03-09T00:00:00Z 2026-03-11T02:33:44Z Food Strong’s Care-A-Van is a neighborhood-based health and wellness initiative bringing free preventive healthcare, fresh food access, and resource navigation directly into underserved Cleveland neighborhoods. In Summer 2026, we will host three Care-A-Van events on the last Tuesday of June, July, and August at the Superior Avenue Community Farm in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood. This grant would fully support one of those events. Each Care-A-Van provides free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes risk, and cholesterol through our partnership with Care Alliance Health Center. Residents also receive care navigation, insurance enrollment assistance, and referrals to local providers. What makes this project impactful is the integration of healthcare with food access and community engagement. Events coincide with fresh produce distribution and include cooking demonstrations using that produce, farm tours, fitness activities, live music, and community resource tables. Families experience preventive care in a welcoming, stigma-free environment. This project directly benefits Cuyahoga County residents by reducing barriers to healthcare, increasing health literacy, and activating a neighborhood space for public wellness. Support for one event will directly serve 80 to 100 residents and create measurable impact in a community facing significant health disparities. Sara Continenza Food Strong's Care-a-Van Summer Wellness Series https://www.foodstrong.org/ United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/449103 2026-03-09T00:00:00Z 2026-03-11T02:34:59Z At 4843 Wendell Ave, we have transformed a former church into a community hub with Shelter The People Cleveland. While our neighborhood is full of talent, we are 'transportation trapped.' Many living-wage industrial jobs in Cleveland are 'off-route'—meaning a 5-mile trip can take 90 minutes by bus. Harmony Road is our solution. We take standard bicycle frames and install Yose Power e-bike conversion kits, turning them into 20mph 'prosperity engines.' This allows our neighbors to reach any job site in the city in under 20 minutes. I lead 'Community Build Days' in our sanctuary-turned-workshop. We don’t just hand out bikes; we teach residents the mechanics of their own mobility. We are reclaiming a sacred space to perform the sacred work of economic liberation. This project bridges the gap between 'having a place to live' and 'having a way to work.' We aren't just building bikes; we are building a tool-sharing culture where neighbors help neighbors tune their commute." Aya Kalimah Satya Ruane Harmony Road eBikes https://www.aplacetogocle.org/programs/ United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/510610 2026-03-04T00:00:00Z 2026-03-09T08:52:09Z Our ‘Quick Reads’ collection, comprising hi-lo (high interest – low vocabulary) books, plays a vital role in supporting students who may struggle with traditional texts, including those with learning difficulties, English as an additional language, or lower literacy levels. These age-appropriate and engaging books are essential for motivating reluctant readers, boosting confidence, and fostering a lifelong love of reading. In a recent comprehensive stock take exercise, we found that the average age of these resources is 18 years, resulting in limited appeal and relevance for today’s students. Updating the ‘Quick Reads’ collection is critical to maintaining an inclusive, welcoming space that truly supports all learners. By revitalising our ‘Quick Reads’ collection, this project directly addresses literacy barriers, promoting inclusion and equitable learning opportunities. The refreshed collection will serve as a sustainable resource, accessible for years to come and integral to ongoing literacy support programs across the school. It encourages independent reading and improves student outcomes well beyond the immediate funding period, ensuring lasting impact. Lisa Agostino Asquith High School Quick Reads Library Collection Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/482434 2026-03-04T00:00:00Z 2026-03-04T16:28:54Z Wreck Room functions as a third space centering alternative addiction recovery models and building relationships through game play. First as a couple of community events/happenings at AS220, then as an exhibition at OPEN, Wreck Room has now found a space for ongoing programming at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Bell St. Chapel on Broadway. The project provides a free and open space for the public to gather, play games, relax, engage with installation work and take reprieve from the capitalist trap of endless productivity. Before open hours, the group convenes for a recovery meeting or talk that reduces barriers for those interested or actively in recovery from addiction. While many regulars of Wreck Room do indeed belong to AA, it is the aim of this project to expand the appeal of healthier lifestyles beyond the boundaries of the 12-step program. This recovery meeting has also expanded to host artist talks and meditation speakers to appeal to the broader public in this portion as well as the open hours, game play aspect of the installation/third-space, which now includes a smattering of board games and knick-knacks to increase accessibility and spur connection. Wreck Room ultimately seeks to be in conversation with the broader art world as it builds upon personal experience activating and working within relational art exhibitions in the contemporary art context at institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum (This Progress, 2010), Whitney Museum (Root Sequence/Mother Tongue 2017), and Kaldor Public Arts (Absorption, 2019). We are now in the process of securing a studio at Hathaway St. in order to become more sustainable and create a storehouse of installation supplies as well as work on larger grant funding to eventually create a permanent community space for Wreck Room. In the meantime, we are hoping to continue programming at Bell St. to keep the project alive and provide a necessary resource for the community. Rafay Rashid Wreck Room United States Rhode Island https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/rhodeisland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/491378 2026-03-04T00:00:00Z 2026-03-23T08:23:15Z High Performance Sustainable and Recyclable Wooden Surfboard Offering surfers and mainstream surfboard manufacturers with an option to offer a sustainable surfboard created from natural materials that replicates and highlights their own selected design. A natural twin. Our product consists of materials that are non-toxic, recyclable and durable. Our surfboards will be constructed using the following materials; Plantation grown timber - Food grade water-based glues - Water-based sealers - Natural Fibres - No fibreglass or resin will be used. Our product will; - match existing mainstream surfboard performance levels. - meet an unmatched environmental criteria by using natural materials. - provide mainstream surfboard manufacturers with an option to offer a sustainable surfboard created from natural materials that replicates and highlights their own selected design. A natural twin. - surpass existing mainstream surfboard durability levels. - Reduce to amount of toxic waste going into landfill. Some sources suggest the US market alone produces about 400,000, while other global estimates go as high as 13-24 million.) - be considerably less hazardous to manufacturing workers and the environment than current processes in surfboard manufacturing. High Performance Sustainable and Recyclable Wooden Surfboard What problems are you solving? Our product addresses long standing environmental and health issues in the surfboard manufacturing industry and the global surfboard market. This is achieved by; - providing an extended product lifecycle and thus resolving the issue of the short term product life of existing mainstream surfboards. - offers surfers a sustainable choice apart from the current style of surfboard being predominantly used. - being considerably less hazardous to worker Brian Young Natural Twin - High Performance Timber Surfboards http://- Australia Newcastle https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/newcastle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/473426 2026-02-28T00:00:00Z 2026-04-13T05:19:33Z Our February grant has been awarded to the ​​**FutureDocs: Interactive Medical Workshop**, a free, hands-on workshop hosted in Washington Heights on Columbia University’s medical campus and led by volunteer medical students, undergraduates, and residents from underrepresented backgrounds. **The project gives underrepresented high school students early, immersive exposure to medicine; often for the first time. Past workshops have introduced rehabilitation medicine and its links to emergency medicine, sports medicine, surgery, and cancer care. Their next workshop will focus on pain medicine, addressing inequities in pain management in the context of the opioid crisis.** In their own words: _Our workshop will provide students with an engaging talk from doctors in Anesthesia and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) fields, discussing their roles in pain medicine, why treating chronic pain matters, and pathways to becoming doctors in their fields. We’ll provide free lunch before starting the hands-on sessions. Students will then split into groups where they get to ask questions to our student and resident volunteers about their journeys to medicine. These same volunteers will teach students how to place IV lines and how to use a TENS unit, a device used for noninvasive pain relief. The session we expect to excite the students the most is using virtual reality (VR) for practicing Botox injections to minimize painful muscle contractions in patients with strokes, spine or brain injuries, and other neurological diseases._ _We are building the first-ever PM&R-centered pipeline to medicine for NYC youth, and we’re doing it in a way that’s fun, interactive, and unforgettable. We’re dedicated to sparking interest in medicine, and providing the guidance, connections, and resources necessary to turn what for some can seem like a distant dream into reality. Students walk out with new skills and real opportunities to shadow physicians, volunteer, participate in research, and gain mentors._ _We’re med students, residents, and undergrads from African and Caribbean backgrounds in underserved NY communities. **Our project makes our community more awesome by turning proximity into possibility.** Washington Heights and Harlem are home to one of the world’s leading medical centers. Too many local students grow up seeing medicine as something close but out of reach. Many of us on the team grew up in these same neighborhoods, and remember how rare, and powerful, it was to see a physician who looked like us. This project exists because we know firsthand how belief, access, and mentorship can change a life. We are uniquely positioned to bridge that gap for our community because we are living proof of success stories in the making, and we have the experience and network to make a difference._ _By bringing underrepresented high school students onto Columbia’s medical campus for a hands-on, welcoming experience, we close that psychological and access gap. Students don’t just hear about medicine. They touch it, try it, talk to physicians who share their backgrounds, and leave knowing where to go, who to ask, and what paths are possible. Our upcoming workshop, planned for mid-April, focuses on pain medicine, a timely issue as our community navigates chronic pain, mistrust in healthcare, and the impact of the opioid crisis. As equity efforts and funding opportunities are pulled back nationally, this project responds by investing directly in overlooked communities by providing targeted access, mentorship and opportunity._ _In the short term, the community builds trust, knowledge, and access in the realm of pain management; an issue that affects many families and is often misunderstood or mistrusted. In the long term, this builds a stronger local pipeline of future healthcare workers who reflect the community they serve, especially in medical fields that are chronically underrepresented. That matters because patients have better outcomes when they feel seen and understood by their doctors. This workshop gives access to what we wish we had more of growing up: hands-on exposure, role models and meaningful opportunities._ _**Our impact won’t be abstract: it will plant seeds for confidence, skills, and relationships in one afternoon that ripple forward into better health, better care, and a healthcare workforce that actually looks like New York City.**_ Community members can stay connected to our work and upcoming events by following our Instagram page [@columbiapmrseries](https://instagram.com/columbiapmrseries) The Columbia PM&R Series is organized by: * Layla Morgan * Adedeji Adeniyi * Brianna Edgar * Ebubechukwu Obiora * Ebenezer Amoateng Columbia PM&R Series FutureDocs: Interactive Medical Workshop https://www.instagram.com/columbiapmrseries/?hl=en United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/484317 2026-02-28T00:00:00Z 2026-04-03T18:52:26Z The latest Awesome Ottawa award goes to Granny Squares for Warmth to support their crocheting for our community. “Granny Squares for Warmth,” explains the group's Holly Beanlands, “is a group of Ottawa women using our love of crocheting to keep others warm. We work in a variety of sizes including baby blankets, lap blankets, cancer care blankets, throws, single-bed blankets, and shawls to donate to a range of recipients including maternity units, shelters, long-term care homes, seniors residences, cancer treatment centres, transitional housing, and organizations that help equip new Canadians.” “Our work has travelled as far north as maternity units in Nunavut, but most of our blankets and shawls stay local and help people at places like Perley Health for veterans, St Joe's Women's Centre for homeless women, Bethany Hope Centre for single parent families, a number of Canadian Legion branches, and the Ottawa Cancer Clinic.” “To a lonely senior, an anxious patient undergoing cancer treatment, someone experiencing their first winter in Canada or a young single parent struggling to cope with the stress and expense of baby,” continues Holly, “a handmade piece provides not only physical warmth but also a reminder that someone cares. We love to create and we love knowing that our creations help bring a little warmth and a smile to others.” “Our group was started by two Barrhaven women, Pat Owen and Suha Daher, during the COVID lockdowns,” says Holly. “The idea was to crochet granny squares that could be joined together in various ways and sizes to help people in our community and beyond in a variety of ways. Once lockdown ended, the word spread and our group, mainly retired women in Barrhaven, has now grown to dozens of members who meet once a month and create blankets between meetings.” The group will use the funds to purchase yarn. “Most of our crocheters are retirees,” says Holly. “They happily give of their time but sometimes the cost of yarn for a project can be a deterrent given that, since the pandemic, yarn prices have steadily risen. We want to keep our creative members supplied with yarn so they can keep producing blankets and shawls to donate and help others.” Holly Beanlands Granny Squares for Warmth https://www.facebook.com/groups/860483588026135 Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/482263 2026-02-28T00:00:00Z 2026-03-05T17:02:59Z Our project will enable the disability communities that have worked tirelessly for independence and civil rights to access their own history, and it will promote research and education about their history. We are seeking funds to preserve and further develop the Disability History Museum (DHM: https://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/index.html) an extraordinary online resource focused on the history of disability and disability rights. Founded in 2000, the DHM serves K-12 educators, students, researchers, and the public. 100,000 thousand unique visitors use it annually. Laurie Block, the director of Straight Ahead Pictures (SAP), the non-profit/501c3 organization that created the DHM, is retiring. To ensure that the DHM not only survives, but reaches its full potential, the Board of SAP has sought and found a partner with the capacity to manage and expand the DHM. The Viscardi Center (TVC) on Long Island (see https://viscardicenter.org), a non-profit institution that educates, employs, and empowers children, adults, and veterans with disabilities so that they can become economically secure and fulfilled members of society, has enthusiastically agreed to acquire the DHM. TVC will be opening an onsite bricks and mortar museum on the history of disability (https://museumofdisability.org/) on February 17. The museum houses over 8,000 artifacts. The acquisition of the DHM, a nationally focused digital museum site with library, education, and exhibition capacities, will provide Viscardi’s Museum of Disability History with the ability to reach national and international audiences far beyond its walls. Viscardi will maintain and expand the DHM and continue the development of the DHM’s curriculum materials for K-12 students “We are thrilled by this opportunity!” writes Chris Rosa, President of TVC. **What our grantee:** The grant from the Awesome Foundation will facilitate the transfer of the online Disability History Museum (DHM) to The Viscardi Center (TVC) on Long Island, which will not only sustain it, but seek to develop it to its full potential. As Chris Rosa, President of TVC, writes: “The addition of the digital resources of the DHM to our new museum will enable us to reach audiences far beyond the walls of our onsite museum. We are thrilled by this opportunity!” John Sears Online Disability History Museum https://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/index.html Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/483848 2026-02-28T00:00:00Z 2026-03-04T18:53:28Z Dancehall Dubs is a high-standard preservation project dedicated to safeguarding the visual history of Toronto’s 1990s and 2000s dancehall culture. As a professional photographer active since the early 90s, I am the sole custodian of an extensive archive, literally "bins on bins" of original 35mm negatives. These images document a vibrant era of Black Caribbean life, featuring iconic fashion crews like the Ouch Crew and legendary cultural hubs like Club Epiphany and Eglinton West venues that have since been displaced or erased. This grant is the catalyst for "Phase One." It will allow me to purchase the specific acid-free, archival-grade housing required to halt physical deterioration and begin a rigorous digitization process. By utilizing the professional-grade equipment at the Toronto Public Library’s Digital Innovation Hubs, I will create high-resolution "master" files of priority negatives. This project is "awesome" because it prevents the permanent erasure of Toronto’s musical identity. By establishing a professional preservation system now, I am ensuring that the stories of the community are recorded with the dignity and "Premium" quality they deserve, kept safe for future generations by the person who lived and captured them. Photos © Lesia B / Lesia B Photography Lesia B Dancehall Dubs Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/476589 2026-02-28T00:00:00Z 2026-03-04T18:45:08Z This year will be our 3rd Annual Buddy Walk, which is a walk to celebrate those with Down Syndrome and to bring awareness and support to the community. We normally have around 300 walkers - we have a DJ, food trucks, raffles as well as fun sensory and informational booths. We like to provide a fun time while also giving resources to our participants. We provide T-Shirts and a medal for all walkers. This year the walk will be held on 10/10/26 in the city of Beaumont, CA. Deborah Messick Down Right Blessed Foundation Buddy Walk 2026 http://drb.foundation United States Los Angeles, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/los-angeles tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/478884 2026-02-28T00:00:00Z 2026-03-14T12:46:06Z NQPN is an architectural model of NQPN ocean city using Korean hanji paper to model paper-based floating houses. This urban planning is based on traditional Persian half dome designs. Katalin Vuits Schaak NQPN Worldwide On the Water https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/onthewater tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/434554 2026-02-26T00:00:00Z 2026-02-27T02:38:20Z Songs of Recovery emerges from ongoing therapeutic arts and songwriting groups facilitated within the local recovery community in Gloucester, MA. Participants -many in early recovery - use music and creative expression as a pathway to healing, self-reflection, and reconnection with purpose. Through guided songwriting sessions, individuals collaboratively write original music that reflects their lived experiences: loss, survival, transformation, and hope. These songs are not only creative works but also powerful narratives of recovery and resilience. The project will support the professional recording of selected songs, ensuring participants feel seen, valued, and proud of their contributions. Funds will support studio time, engineering, light production, and a community-facing listening or performance event in Gloucester. This event will invite the broader community to engage with recovery stories in a humanizing and accessible way, helping to reduce stigma around substance use and mental health. Songs of Recovery strengthens community bonds by bridging the recovery community and the wider public through art. It affirms that recovery is not only about sobriety, but about reclaiming voice, creativity, and belonging. The project also supports long-term wellbeing by offering participants a tangible creative accomplishment and a sense of legacy beyond treatment. The Spotify link demonstrates songs that I have composed and recorded, the most recent one for the Cape Ann Climate Coalition entitled "Where the Trees Remember Me", Harrison Schoenfarber Songs of Recovery: Creative Currents - Gloucester https://open.spotify.com/track/3Q0svyMB1k8TCnMM2NftIK?si=e39188955b01492b United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/448437 2026-02-26T00:00:00Z 2026-02-26T05:55:22Z Լոռու մարզի Վահագնի գյուղը չունի մշակութային ակտիվ միջավայր և տարեցների համար նախատեսված որևէ կանոնավոր ծրագիր։ Նախագծի շրջանակում Վահագնի գյուղի «Քո կողքին» վերականգնողական կենտրոնում կկազմակերպվեն շաբաթական մեկ օր անցկացվող թատերական ժամեր տարեցների համար, որի ընթացքում նրանք կսովորեն բեմական խոսք, արտահայտիչ ընթերցում, շնչառական և շարժման վարժություններ, ինչպես նաև կմասնակցեն դերային խաղերի։ Ծրագրի արդյունքում կձևավորվի թատերական խումբ, որը կներկայացնի փոքրիկ բեմադրություններ՝ կենդանացնելով գյուղի մշակութային կյանքը, դարձնելով այն ավելի հետաքրքիր և ակտիվ։ Նախաձեռնությունը կնպաստի տարեցների սոցիալական ներառմանը, հոգեբանական բարեկեցությանը և համայնքային կյանքի աշխուժացմանը։ Նոնա Խաչատրյան Տարեցների թատրոն Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/487348 2026-02-25T00:00:00Z 2026-02-26T05:29:47Z At Kailua High School on Oʻahu, 60 students participate in our Peer Education and Positive Coping elective course—an experiential, student-led program that teaches life skills such as stress management, conflict resolution, communication, and peer mediation. Here’s the awesome part: Students don’t just learn these skills—they practice them. They mentor younger peers, mediate conflicts, and model healthy coping strategies across campus. In doing so, they build leadership skills while creating a more connected, peaceful school culture. Students earn elective credit through the course, which helps boost GPA and supports on-time graduation—especially for students who may be credit-deficient or disengaged. The program serves a diverse group of students, including those facing stress, anxiety, academic challenges, and social conflict. With support from the Oʻahu chapter of The Awesome Foundation, we can strengthen participation and expand access to transformative learning experiences. Why This Matters on Oʻahu High school students across Oʻahu face increasing levels of stress, academic pressure, and social conflict. Many lack structured opportunities to learn practical coping tools in a supportive, peer-centered environment. Our program directly addresses this need by: Teaching students evidence-based coping strategies Providing structured peer mediation training Offering leadership opportunities Supporting graduation through elective credit Creating positive, pro-social student culture When students learn to manage stress and resolve conflict constructively, the ripple effect impacts classrooms, families, and the broader community. Shelly Andrews Kailua High Peer Education Program https://www.kailuahighpeereducation.com/ United States Oahu, HI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/oahu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/464145 2026-02-24T00:00:00Z 2026-02-26T15:07:17Z Sukoon Sessions is a live performance series at Nabala Café modeled after NPR’s Tiny Desk—small, intimate, high-quality performances designed to uplift local Black and Brown artists in an intentional community setting. “Sukoon” means stillness in Arabic, and the series creates a space where art, culture, and presence come together in a grounded and accessible way. Each session features a carefully curated artist performing in a stripped-down, close-knit environment that centers storytelling, musicality, and connection. Unlike large venues, Sukoon Sessions are intentionally small, allowing audiences to engage deeply with artists and their work. Performances will be recorded and shared online, expanding visibility for participating artists while keeping the in-person experience intimate and meaningful. The project is open to the public and rooted in collaboration. We will partner with local cultural workers, organizers, and creative networks in Uptown and across Chicago to identify artists whose voices deserve amplification. Sukoon Sessions creates a platform for emerging and established Black and Brown artists to build audience, strengthen networks, and share narratives often underrepresented in mainstream spaces. In a neighborhood experiencing rapid change and displacement, Sukoon Sessions strengthens community through art. It offers a consistent, welcoming third space where creativity is honored, local talent is celebrated, and culture is experienced up close. Sukoon Sessions is ambitious in impact yet simple in format—intimate performances, powerful storytelling, and real connection. It’s about making space for artists to be seen and heard, and for community to gather with intention. Eyad Zeid Nabala Cafe's Sukoon Sessions https://www.nabalacafe.com/ United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/502821 2026-02-24T00:00:00Z 2026-03-01T14:44:42Z The Girl Scouts wrote a presentation all by themselves: • We all think that everybody deserves to have a birthday party. And even people that might not have the money to do so! • Our troop would like to put together birthday boxes to celebrate Juliette Low’s birthday, who created the Girl Scouts 113 years ago. • And we wanted to thank Juliette for creating an amazing and magical program to help kids and have fun! • We would like the donation to make 113 birthday boxes for Acord and Beverly Bootstraps. • Inside the box will be ingredients to bake a cake, frosting candles, sprinkles and a little card made by our troop. • We think that each box will cost about $10 to put together. • That is why we, as a Troop, hope to get the donation. • Thank You for your consideration! Karen Anger Girl Scouts Birthday Boxes for Acord/Bootstraps http://N/A United States Hamilton-Wenham, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/hamilton-wenham tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/472041 2026-02-24T00:00:00Z 2026-03-06T16:03:12Z This project is a hands-on, OT-informed memory care engagement pop-up…designed to support cognitive stimulation, emotional regulation, and social connection for older adults experiencing memory loss or cognitive change in the Ipswich community. In partnership with the Ipswich Council on Aging, the pop-up will provide guided, low-pressure memory care–appropriate activities that prioritize success, familiarity, and dignity. Activities will include reminiscence-based conversation prompts, visual matching and memory games, high-contrast materials, and calming sensory experiences designed for seated participation and a range of cognitive abilities. The goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where seniors can meaningfully engage without pressure, while also modeling practical memory care strategies caregivers can continue using beyond the event. The program is designed to be inclusive, adaptable, and appropriate for both early-stage memory loss and individuals needing simplified engagement. Danielle Ford Memory Care Engagement Pop-Up for Ipswich Seniors https://www.sensorytogether.com/pages/sensory-together-for-dementia-care United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/ipswich tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/469233 2026-02-19T00:00:00Z 2026-02-24T14:25:25Z "K is for Kingston, K is for Katarokwi" is the tentative title of a children's ABC book highlighting what makes this place special and featuring the work of local artists. The book will highlight an authentic Kingston experience that goes beyond well-known landmarks. Each letter of the alphabet will stand for a particular Kingston physical location (ex. “W is for Wolfe Island”), concept (ex. “M is for Meeting Place,” referencing the meaning of “Katarokwi” as the meeting of the three waterways), event or activity (ex. “F is for Film”), local animal or plant (ex. C is for Crows) or other piece of Kingston insignia (ex. “H is for Hate has No Home Here”). These are examples only - a final list of words will be generated following a community engagement process. Each page will be illustrated by a local Kingston artist (approx 13 artists total; 2 illustrations per artist). Art will layer additional meaning and significance to each word (ex. “F is for Film” might include illustrations that evoke The Screening Room, KCFF, or ReelOut) The final list of artists will be generated once the word list is finalized; however, the following artists have confirmed interest pending confirmation of final details: Lee Stewart, Abby Nowakowski, Jill Glatt, Hill Werth, and Bree Rappaport. We hope to include the work of 13 artists total, with each artist illustrating 2 letters. The book will be designed by local designer Vincent Perez (Everlovin’ Press) and coordinated by me. A community engagement process will be used to brainstorm the words used to ensure that the project reflects a diversity of Kingston experiences. Pending final budget, we currently plan on printing as an 8 inch by 8 inch full-colour 32-page board book. The project has received $8500 in support from the City of Kingston Arts Fund. Given the high costs involved (due to the large number of artists) and limited market, I am working to secure support from other sources. Jane Kirby K is for Kingston, K is for Katarokwi Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/458751 2026-02-18T00:00:00Z 2026-03-18T22:53:34Z braveONE is an in-person mentorship program for children and teens living with Type 1 Diabetes. We match each child with a carefully screened adult mentor who also lives with T1D, so kids have someone in their corner who truly understands their daily reality. Our project focuses on building real connection through simple, joyful outings like getting ice cream, visiting a park, or creating art together. This grant would allow us to build and distribute Warrior Boxes to newly diagnosed families while hosting a community pick-up day where families can meet, connect, and learn about our free mentorship program. While the boxes provide comfort and encouragement, the bigger impact is expanding braveONE into new communities and helping families realize they are not alone and that long-term support exists beyond diagnosis. Brandi Pillow braveONE SA Warrior Boxes https://braveone.org/ United States San Antonio, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/sanantonio tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/446293 2026-02-16T00:00:00Z 2026-03-11T20:16:58Z At Pittsburgh Behavioral Services, we’re flipping the script on vocational training. We want to move beyond the four walls of the classroom and give our students the tools to build a life of independence and purpose. The Neighborly Hustle is a student-led "giving engine." The mission starts with our Care Kit Assembly Line: students will learn logistics, inventory management, and fine motor skills by curated high-quality toiletry bags for neighbors in need at the City Hope Center Pittsburgh. This isn’t just practice; it’s a real-world operation. This is Phase One of a "Full Circle" vocational path. Once our students master the kit assembly, we’re branching out into The Flour Power Bakery and our own community garden. We aren’t just preparing them for a job; we’re preparing them to be the leaders, makers, and givers of the Steel City. By assembling these kits, our students learn that they have the power to impact someone else’s life. It builds immense self-esteem to go from "someone who needs help" to "someone who provides help." We are tackling the "post-graduation cliff" by replacing anxiety with a resume and a sense of community belonging. It’s vocational training with a giant Pittsburgh heart. Emma Famili The Neighborly Hustle United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/485331 2026-02-16T00:00:00Z 2026-02-17T15:47:49Z Leaders By Choice (LBC), through our Tour De Force Teens program, is producing The Prom in Poughkeepsie, NY — a musical centered on activism, allyship, and radical acceptance. The show was intentionally chosen for its timely message: that everyone deserves to be celebrated, especially young people navigating identity and belonging. In alignment with the themes of the musical, we are proposing a community-centered event: a Queer Prom for adults in Poughkeepsie. This event will serve as a joyful, affirming space for LGBTQ+ adults and allies — including those who may not have felt safe or accepted attending their own prom. The evening will feature performances by local queer artists, a potential drag showcase, and partnerships with local LGBTQ+ and allied organizations. In addition to celebration, we will host a clothing swap and donation component to encourage accessibility, sustainability, and community care. This project is not designed as a fundraiser for LBC. Instead, it is an offering to the city — an opportunity to extend the message of The Prom beyond the stage and into lived community action. By pairing youth theatre with an intergenerational community event, we aim to foster connection, visibility, and belonging in Poughkeepsie. We’re not just putting on a show — we’re creating a space where Poughkeepsie can practice radical joy, visible love, and unapologetic belonging. Najah Muhammad LBC Presents: A Prom for Everyone http://www.leadersbychoicelbc.com United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/367803 2026-02-15T00:00:00Z 2026-02-18T17:10:24Z Wool felting is one of the oldest textile art forms in the world. When learning to felt with wool, one can connect to not just art but history, science, math and human geography. I want to bring this art form into schools. I want children to learn how to take raw wool and create something that connects them to our ancestors. Without wool felting, ancient man would not have survived the harsh winters of the northern hemisphere. By teaching youth how to felt with wool they are keeping a historical art form alive and connecting to a material that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Young people today need connections to our history by doing. Wool felting keeps fingers and minds focused. Our local schools are facing constant budget cuts to programs and unfortunately, the arts take a major hit when school budgets are tight. As a former high school teacher, I know how challenging it can be to create lesson plans that are cross curricular. When a child is able to see how a form of art can connect to history, science and math, the child is able to grow as a learner. Wool felting is a folk art that must be taught so that history can stay alive. The science of wool is fascinating and dare I say, magical?! Figuring out how agitation, heat and water can change raw wool into a malleable piece of fabric takes a science mind. Figuring out shrinkage rates takes math skills. Physical activity gets kids up and out of their seats for active learning time. Wool felting takes learning to the next level by allowing kids to design, create and produce an end product that is usable. My hope, by coming into our liocal schools I am able to not just teach but to alleviate some of the stress of being a teacher. If I can help our local art teachers by bringing in an ancient art form, learning standards can be met without the teacher having to attend yet another workshop and advocate of district dollars. Kelsy Jenkins Keeping Folk Art Alive! United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/448185 2026-02-15T00:00:00Z 2026-02-16T00:36:54Z Park Hall is a historic community gathering space in Ben Lomond that has quietly served the San Lorenzo Valley for generations. It is home to Mountain Community Theater (MCT), Little People’s Repertory Theatre (LPRT), and countless local productions by first-time and amateur playwrights, dance troupes, and performers of all ages. On any given year, Park Hall hosts everything from pee-wee ballet recitals and youth theater, to social dance nights and the occasional Friday night line-dancing party, to Grandpa Fred’s 80th birthday, softball league season-end celebrations, community meetings, history talks, and wildfire safety briefings. It is a true multi-use space — creative, practical, celebratory, and deeply woven into local life. Park Hall survived the CZU fires, but not without revealing evolving safety needs. As wildfire risk continues to impact Santa Cruz County, this grant will help fund the installation of a fire sprinkler system to protect this irreplaceable community resource and the people who use it. This project is about preservation, access, and resilience — ensuring that Park Hall can continue to safely serve artists, families, elders, and community groups for years to come. A safer Park Hall means continued access to the arts, local gatherings, and shared experiences that strengthen community ties. Surreyya Hada-Strong Protecting Park Hall: A Community Space for SLV http://parkhall.benlomond.org United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/489621 2026-02-14T00:00:00Z 2026-02-14T15:41:47Z Awesome Gloucester is gifting $2,000 to the FV Lily Jean Fund, which supports the families of the crew lost in the sinking of the FV Lily Jean. The fund is organized by the Gloucester Fisheries Community Preservation Fund and overseen at Cape Ann Savings Bank. Salvatore Zerilli FV Lily Jean Fund United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/466587 2026-02-11T00:00:00Z 2026-03-02T15:27:29Z Ann Arbor Joy Rides is a local chapter of Cycling Without Age (CWA) and operates as a project under the nonprofit Walk Bike Washtenaw. CWA is a worldwide organization that gives the elderly and people with limited mobility the experience of riding a bike in the form of volunteer-piloted trishaw rides. CWA combats loneliness and isolation by getting folks out in nature and into their communities all while building meaningful connections. Rides give passengers, caregivers, and pilots the chance to share stories, thus building intergenerational knowledge, trust, and connection. Joy Rides will be a hyper-local project with a focus on rides in Ann Arbor along safe, established routes. Safe biking routes such as the Border to Border Trail are perfect for the slow paced rides that this project will provide. Our small team has talked in depth with three different USA CWA chapters and they have shared their resources, waivers, insurance information, and organizing tips with us. We are partnering with senior living centers along our safe established routes to give rides, along with rides from central city locations such as Gallup park or the farmers market. CWA has the added benefit of being a low cost and low greenhouse gas, and consumption way to broaden horizons for the elderly and increase land use for all. Our goal is to eventually provide 150-200 rides minimum per year from spring through fall, with the ability to grow as we add volunteers to our team and Trishaws to our fleet. Expecting the Trishaw to be delivered in April 2026, training pilots in May, and giving our first ride by June 2026. We will have riders complete a simple survey at the end of rides with a rating scale to track positive results of rides along with ways we can improve our program. We will keep track of rides given, mileage, and positive outcomes of rides for volunteers and riders. Ann Arbor Joy Rides is a tangible way to create community and increase joy for all. Megan Muzzell Ann Arbor Joy Ridess http://www.a2joyrides.org United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/456768 2026-02-11T00:00:00Z 2026-02-12T04:11:10Z Sure! This is a new burlesque troupe featuring mothers — all the performers are moms, the show is made for moms, and each burlesque number is a satirical commentary on issues that real-life moms can relate to. Some examples of the numbers/themes: A mom stripping down from a business suit into a “mom outfit” (like yoga clothes), then again into lingerie, symbolizing the second shift of the working mom. In another number a mom furiously works on stage to both perform the striptease while also finishing up domestic tasks, to the sound of “I’m a Woman” by Peggy Lee, all while her husband (played by a drag king) sits on a toilet scrolling his phone, highlighting the domestic inequities present for so many modern Mothers. And there are sooo many other ideas! We are a group of currently four moms and we have a lot of fantastic and real AF concepts— we want the show to be true to the roots of burlesque, a blue collar art form that was designed as a playful satire on the themes of modern life. We think this is the perfect moment in time to create a show that is validating, subversive, political and powerful, all constructed for the female gaze. The goal of this show, called Bonne Maman Burlesque (“good mom” in French), is to bring women together in community that we so desperately need, and to make them feel seen and understood in all of the banality, the rage, and the absurdity of the modern mom experience. It’s also an opportunity to help other women reconnect to their sexuality as they watch other women with real mom curves celebrating their bodies onstage unapologetically. Our goal is to produce the show and perform the same show at several different venues throughout the Bay Area. Anna Ritner Bonne Maman Burlesque United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/450846 2026-02-10T00:00:00Z 2026-03-10T03:03:33Z My name is Molly Nguyen, and I have been booking DIY hardcore punk/indie/metal shows in Seattle since last year. I primarily book DIY all-ages music shows at unconventional spaces such as a Vietnamese coffee shop and a Korean fried chicken restaurant. There is a scarce amount of all-ages venues in the Seattle area. My goal with this project is to explore new all-ages venues, support local Seattle businesses, and bridge the gap between the DIY music scene and local community businesses. Here is a YouTube video of a hardcore punk show I booked and hosted last year inside of a Vietnamese coffee shop/creative space called Hello Em/Little Saigon Creative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqv-YP1bKqs&t=1s Molly Nguyen Preserving and Growing DIY Music Scene in Seattle United States Seattle, WA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/seattle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/464054 2026-02-10T00:00:00Z 2026-02-11T17:17:44Z Our parks are lacking engagement. I want to bring awareness to our shared places and allow folks to take back the public commons. This isn't such an issue in San Francisco where parks are lively and well occupied but in Santa Rosa, where homes are spread out and likely have backyards, there isn't much to bringing folks together for no other reason than being in the same shared space without commerce. I am not doing this project through our nonprofit because I want this to feel spontaneous and random. This project is in tandem with a couple other artists to encourage people to visit their green spaces. We have some covert picnic promotions, silent book club gatherings, and free sketchbook club activities. This will be ongoing throughout the year as weather permits. Yes, we all know that mimes fell out of favor and were ridiculed as obnoxious by the testosterone bros of the Yuppie era. Luckily those folks are probably too old to swing a punch and there are whole generations of people yet to be annoyed. Please let us do that for them, ya know, for fun. I don't have a website set up for this and probably won't do one so I've linked the website for an organization I work with doing large community engagement projects. I haven't done this project yet so I don't have any photos, and shockingly I was unable to find a mime to take a picture of. So I've included the tennis team from the 1966 movie Blow Up. Spring Maxfield A Mime For Every Park https://srurbanarts.org United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/459401 2026-02-10T00:00:00Z 2026-03-20T10:00:43Z In Utrecht vallen mensen nog te vaak tussen wal en schip. Niet omdat hun problemen zo groot zijn, maar omdat ze net niet passen binnen bestaande regelingen. Een rekening die niet vergoed wordt, een korte periode zonder inkomen, medische of praktische kosten die nergens onder vallen. Juist deze kleine, urgente hulpvragen kunnen grote gevolgen hebben wanneer ze blijven liggen. Utrecht geeft! is opgezet om precies daar het verschil te maken. Het is een regionaal platform dat snelle, concrete en mensgerichte hulp mogelijk maakt voor inwoners van Utrecht die vastlopen in het systeem en nergens anders terechtkunnen. Niet via lange trajecten of ingewikkelde procedures, maar via korte lijnen, maatwerk en vertrouwen. Hulp wordt altijd aangevraagd door professionals die betrokken zijn bij de situatie, zodat zorgvuldigheid, begeleiding en nazorg gewaarborgd blijven. Wat Utrecht geeft! onderscheidt, is de combinatie van snelheid en betrokkenheid. Donaties worden direct en doelgericht ingezet voor concrete hulp, zoals medische kosten, leefgeld, kinderopvang of noodzakelijke voorzieningen. Donateurs zien precies waarvoor hun bijdrage wordt gebruikt, wat de betrokkenheid vergroot en het geven laagdrempelig maakt. Met Utrecht geeft! investeren we niet alleen in individuele oplossingen, maar ook in een stad waarin mensen naar elkaar omzien. Een stad waarin tijdelijke tegenslag niet leidt tot blijvende achterstand. Met steun van Utrecht Geeft kan dit platform verder groeien en bij. Utrecht Geeft is gebaseerd op het idee van Michelle van Tongerloo in Rotterdam! Zij heeft Lekker Geven opgericht. Frederique Utrecht Geeft! Netherlands Utrecht https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/utrecht tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/439802 2026-02-10T00:00:00Z 2026-02-11T17:17:58Z Existential Wednesday is a small, playful public writing experiment that happens only on Wednesdays. On these Wednesdays, people are invited to pause and respond to simple existential prompts like: “What question are you avoiding?” “What feels meaningless lately?” “What still surprises you?” Responses are anonymous and informal. They might be written on scraps of paper, cards, or mini notebooks. Some responses may be exchanged between strangers, read aloud by someone else, or quietly displayed for a short time. The project is intentionally loose and experimental. It may take place in parks, cafés, sidewalks, or pop-up gatherings, and it may change shape each week based on how people engage. The goal isn’t answers or improvement, but shared reflection and momentary connection through curiosity and honesty. Existential Wednesday treats big questions lightly. It creates a low-pressure, slightly mischievous space where people can engage with meaning, doubt, and curiosity without needing to explain themselves or fix anything. By limiting the project to Wednesdays and keeping it informal, it turns existential thinking into a communal ritual rather than a private spiral. The project is deliberately small, strange, and unfinished. It uses writing as play, not productivity, and invites connection through shared uncertainty. With $1,000, I can test an unusual, human way of bringing people together around questions we usually keep to ourselves. Lauren Zapata Existential Wednesday United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/476817 2026-02-08T00:00:00Z 2026-02-12T08:26:37Z There’s a quote in Spanish that says, “Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo”, which translates roughly to “Only the people can save the people.” It’s a powerful call to action—a reminder that in times of crisis and systemic failure, ordinary people must rely on one another and on collective action to protect their friends, neighbors, colleagues, and classmates. Doing so effectively requires organization, training, and collaboration. The Newburgh Community Preparedness Project is a grassroots effort, spearheaded by Newburgh Resists (Indivisible chapter), to turn that belief into action: building the skills, networks, and solidarity our community needs to keep our community safe in the face of escalating - and increasingly violent and illegal - immigration enforcement. We will do this through a series of community-based training workshops tailored to the population affected. Based on outreach and feedback from the community, coupled with the violence and community lessons learned out of Minnesota, we are prioritizing the following workshops in February, March, and April. - Peaceful protest methods + safety marshal/descalation training. This training will prepare our community for safe protest for No Kings + future protests, as well as prepare/empower our safety team of 30 (+) members. - Hands Off/ Community Preparedness Workshop - designed for Newburgh residents. Know your rights (KYR) training, Rapid Response/Community Preparedness best practices, Overview of current Newburgh Rapid Response opportunities . - School preparedness workshop - designed for teachers, school counselors/psychologists/social workers. Know your rights (KYR) training School preparedness best practices , Workshop / break out sessions to explore school based plans . We're currently in conversations with the school district about this offering. - Immigration Law for Legal Practioners. Legal training for attorneys, court advocates, and other legal practitioners. Kathryn. Galbraith The Newburgh Community Defense Project United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/471703 2026-02-08T00:00:00Z 2026-02-12T08:25:44Z I have lived in Newburgh for 3 years now and have grown to love the town and its people, but am heartbroken by the small piles of trash in my neighborhood. I heard someone say in a documentary about Newburgh, "If the government doesn't care, why should the people care?" I cannot relate to this mentality. I care about my neighborhood regardless of what anyone else thinks. So much grandeur sullied by waste. I take long walks and pick up a few things here and there, mostly thinking that this is just bigger than me. But then I remind myself that anything is better than nothing! I wonder, if I do this everyday, maybe someone else who has the same concern, and thinks it is bigger than them will know they are not alone. Occaisionally when I am on my walks, I get to meet a neighbor, or better yet, help them out with something like carrying a peice of furniture or maybe just some nice conversation. Some residents are concerned about rich people moving in and making things harder for them. I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination - just a working artist who enjoys a humble existence and using my time in pursuit of the things about which I truly care I often wonder, 'is every person a walking advertisement for their beliefs?'What message am I spreading? Marlene Kryza Ward One Trash Pickup https://kryzamelot.com/ United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/406230 2026-02-04T00:00:00Z 2026-02-05T10:49:16Z This year, communities across Scotland continued to face the harsh realities of the cost-of-living crisis, persistent inflation, rising food and energy prices, and increasing pressure on household budgets have deepened food insecurity and widen inequality. Pantries were forced to adapt very quickly, as their landscape around surplus food was highly reduced. Our response to this as a collective voice for pantries, was the development of Prepmate Meal Kits. Prepmate meal kits offer ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards for preparing nutritious main meals and soups. Alongside distributing these kits, we will offer a six-week community cooking class for eight participants to further develop culinary skills and foster community engagement around healthy eating. Rebecca Manirankunda Prepmate Meal Kits https://scottishpantrynetwork.org.uk/ United Kingdom Glasgow https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/glasgow tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/431387 2026-02-04T00:00:00Z 2026-02-05T00:00:15Z My name is Gaston, I have been organising Sydney Bike Rave for the last seven months. We are a new event in Sydney looking to get the community out on their bikes and build confidence in riders via a fun event of music and bike riding! I host a ride once a month (sometimes more) around Sydney. We have four medium sized speakers which cargo bikes carry and link up the sound. These speakers play music all together and are great to get people out on their bikes! Rides have been a great success with around 70-140 riders attending, with a growing number of riders every event! City of Sydney council have contacted me that they support the event and I have a group of volunteers who help me carry gear and organise each ride. I do not take or make any money from this event I just love to get people out there on their bikes and enjoy some live music. Gaston Armand Sydney Bike Rave Speaker Upgrade and Spare Bikes https://www.facebook.com/share/14NzHeaFh9d/?mibextid=wwXIfr Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/473293 2026-02-04T00:00:00Z 2026-02-05T00:07:08Z "From Borinquen to Baltimore: Puerto Rican Players of the Baltimore Elite Giants" is a community-centered exhibition hosted at Tola’s Room, a Puerto Rican home museum in Baltimore, and part of the BmoreBoricuas archiving initiative. The exhibition tells the largely overlooked story of Puerto Rican baseball players who played for the Baltimore Elite Giants in the Negro Leagues and explores how their lives, labor, and talent connected Puerto Rico to Black Baltimore during the era of segregation. Through photographs, archival materials, storytelling, and multimedia elements, the exhibition highlights baseball as a vehicle for migration, resilience, and cultural exchange. These players were not only athletes—they were migrants navigating racial hierarchies, cultural ambassadors building relationships across communities, and contributors to Baltimore’s rich sports and social history long before integration and the arrival of Major League Baseball in the city. Housed in an intimate, home-based museum, the exhibition invites visitors to experience history in a personal way—connecting neighborhood stories, Puerto Rican identity, and Negro League history. "From Borinquen to Baltimore" celebrates shared struggle, solidarity, and joy, and makes visible a chapter of Baltimore history that deserves to be seen, discussed, and remembered. In conjunction with the exhibition, a Community Archiving Day will invite Baltimore residents to share photographs, documents, and stories connected to baseball, migration, and community life in Baltimore. The event will preserve personal histories related to the baseball, Baltimore, and the Puerto Rican experience, ensuring community memories become part of Baltimore’s historical record. Yaritza Velez Puerto Ricans of the Baltimore Elite Giants https://www.tolasroom.com/bmore-boricuas-project United States Baltimore, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/baltimore tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/475769 2026-02-04T00:00:00Z 2026-02-04T23:56:50Z I have provided clothing, bedding and toiletries to the rough sleepers of Woolloomooloo every Sunday for the last nine years. I also assist Diva charities monthly at Lexington Place. They do the food, I provide the clothes for the community. Over the years, I realised these men (and often women) were being released to rough sleep with literally nothing. Now, I pack Wellness Bags, and provide them directly to Long Bay jail for the men who are being released to rough sleep. A bag includes a few changes of clothes, socks, undies, toiletries, a yoga mat, towel, sleeping bag, pillow, beanie and footwear. I remain sustainable by collecting and washing donations and collecting jackets from the City 2 Surf start line. I have been told today that my donated storage space is no longer available. This will make our city more awesome by giving the most vulnerable people of Sydney some dignity so they slide into society with decent clothing. Penny Kehoe Wellness Bags http://www.homelessnotnameless.com.au Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/461675 2026-02-04T00:00:00Z 2026-03-23T08:23:49Z 21st Century Beauford are weekly all age gigs at the Beauford Hotel in Mayfield where you have to be born post-2000 to play, the whole aim is to have spot where kids/teens can have a place to have their first couple gigs as most places don't allow people under the age of 18 to play. We've had young local bands like Cornea, Out of Focus, Arietta, Industry Plant, Revenant, Stomp, just to name a few 21st Century Beauford has been going weekly for almost 12 months now and I don't have any plans in stopping the shows! Tedmund Polglase 21st Century Beauford https://www.instagram.com/21stcentury_beauford/?hl=en Australia Newcastle https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/newcastle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/458470 2026-02-04T00:00:00Z 2026-02-04T17:42:46Z AwesomeStPaul is pleased to announce our February 2026 grantee. This project will supply students in online schools within SPPS with headphones or earbuds to enhance their learning opportunities in the home environment, particularly those who cannot afford them, as multiple siblings often learn in the same space. Zachary Pierson SPPS Online School: Being Heard Online https://online.spps.org/ United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/366848 2026-02-04T00:00:00Z 2026-02-06T20:33:01Z PCYC Cessnock delivers offsite school sport programs to local primary schools across the Hunter, travelling up to an hour to reach schools that would otherwise miss out. Many of these schools are in regional and disadvantaged communities where access to quality sport programs is limited. Our program provides structured, engaging activities led by qualified PCYC coaches, building physical fitness, teamwork, confidence, and positive connections with Police and community role models. In 2025 alone, we worked with schools including Milbrodale, Nulkaba, Cessnock West, St Paul’s Rutherford, and Broke Public, running weekly sessions for 4–7 weeks per term. Previous years saw us support over 10 additional schools, but due to limited staffing, vehicles, and outdated equipment we have had to turn many down. The demand is strong, schools value our program as affordable, reliable, and community-focused, while families appreciate that children are given opportunities they otherwise would not have. New equipment will allow us to rebuild the program, expand reach, and ensure every child has access to quality sporting experiences. By taking sport directly to schools, we remove barriers of cost, transport, and distance, ensuring no child misses out. This project is awesome because it creates joy, builds healthier habits, fosters inclusion, and strengthens community spirit, delivered right where it’s needed most. Renae Brennan Offsite School Sports Australia Lower Hunter https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/lowerhunter tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/433358 2026-02-03T00:00:00Z 2026-02-03T23:20:05Z This project expands an existing school snack program that currently provides nutritious, stigma-free food to students in two high schools and two elementary schools in Newmarket. Since September 2025, the program has delivered weekly snacks such as yogurt, granola bars, apples, bananas, and string cheese to at least 550 students each week, supporting youth who experience food insecurity due to poverty. Hunger can significantly affect students’ ability to focus, learn, and feel supported during the school day and many come to school feeling happy to obtain nutrition from school snack bins. With support from the Awesome Foundation, this project will expand the program to additional schools in Newmarket, increasing access to consistent, healthy snacks for more youth. Funding will be used directly for food purchases and distribution, allowing for immediate, measurable impact while advancing the goal of Zero Hunger at a local level in Newmarket . This project advances the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by increasing food security and access to nutritious snacks for youth experiencing poverty in Newmarket schools. Nisa Chaudhry Expanding School Snacks: Fueling More Youth https://stampoutstigma.ca/ Canada Newmarket https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/newmarket-ontario tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/431675 2026-02-02T00:00:00Z 2026-02-27T16:12:25Z I moved to NC from Milwaukee, WI in June 2020. I knew no-one when I arrived but as the world reopened, I felt welcomed by the Durham community. I loved the culture, art scene, history, and new friends I made and moved to Durham in 2023 feeling called here. Having previously done a variety of projects focusing on artists, I wanted to do it again in a new format- a podcast showcasing local creatives and the love they have for this city. The Durham Artist Archive is an oral history podcast and archival project I launched in 2024 to document the evolution of Durham, North Carolina through the voices of its artists. Through in-person conversations, I capture how their creative practice intersects with Durham history, their personal memories, and their dreams for the future. These conversations have included visual artists, poets, musicians, dancers, and more who are either based in Durham or deeply rooted in its creative ecosystem. Some of my favorite episodes of the almost thirty posted have featured drag queen and scientist Stormie Daie, photographer C Bay Milin, and painter Candy Carver. The mission of the Durham Artist Archive is threefold: 1. To document the state of art and culture in Durham in real time, 2. To uplift and connect the local creative community, 3. And to preserve these narratives as a publicly accessible resource for future listeners, researchers, and residents interested in Durham’s cultural history and artistic legacy. The reception to the podcast has been amazing. Since its inception, I've had 5k+ listens and an average of 150 plays per episode. I've also had the opportunity to record live sessions at North Star Church and the Griot and Grey Owl festival this past fall. As the podcast grows, I'd like more support to sustain it and this grant would be a major aid. Alyssa Cuffie Onuoha The Durham Artist Archive https://durhamartistarchive.substack.com United States Durham, NC https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/durham tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/443728 2026-02-01T00:00:00Z 2026-03-24T15:25:47Z The benefits of spending time in nature are countless and well researched. Increased mood, reduced anxiety, boosted immune system, better sleep, and increased levels of exercise are all associated with access to green spaces. Apart from the mental and physical health benefits, getting outside is one of the best ways to explore your community, connect with others, and even find creative inspiration. Here in Central PA, we are lucky to be connected to such abundant parks and other green spaces, both within our urban landscapes and among the beautiful forests and fields that surround us. Unfortunately, not everyone has been able to realize these connections. Cost of gear, transportation, education about the outdoors, general comfort level, and so many more factors can all be barriers to access, especially among people of color, low-income families, and other marginalized groups. With the 3Dots Awesome Grant, I’d like to bring a new resource to our community that will help lessen those barriers for folks who are ready to discover all the benefits that our parks, forests, and fields have to offer. Schlow Library already offers a selection of activity kits at no cost to members with a library card. My proposal is to assemble a selection of Nature Exploration Backpacks that Schlow can add to their offerings to give children and adults alike the tools to venture into our local green spaces and connect with the outdoors in new and exciting ways. Each backpack will focus on a different theme to guide folks’ curiosity. The themes we’ve chosen are: birdwatching; insects and bugs; tracks, scats, and signs; plants, flowers, and trees; and nature journaling. Each backpack will include a variety of field guides, educational materials for both adults and children, tools for hands-on learning, and a resource guide of local parks and tips for enjoying the outdoors. Duration of the rentals and other programmatic details will be determined by Schlow. Dom Feola Nature Exploration Backpacks at Schlow Library https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YP2NPPjC_D1Kqb2IsTxTb1bqV8ABqawk8LB2uDa1gG0/edit?gid=771001276#gid=771001276 United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/480315 2026-01-31T00:00:00Z 2026-03-03T03:05:32Z Imagine a traveling puppet theater climbing a 4x4 trail to the high Andes of Colombia, right where water is born. We bring educational magic to rural children living in the Páramo ecosystem—the misty moorlands that act as natural sponges providing water to millions in the cities below. Often, these children are unaware of the global importance of their own backyard. Through a puppet show starring "Fray the Frailejón" (a puppet based on the native water-capturing plant), we teach the water cycle in a way that is fun, interactive, and unforgettable. But they don't just watch; they create! We will use the grant to fund a 4-weekend tour to isolated rural schools. After the show, we host a workshop where every child builds their own "Water Drop" puppet using recycled materials. They take their puppet home as a symbol of their pledge to become official "Guardians" of the local springs and rivers. It is environmental science, but wrapped in laughter and art. Dulce María Uzcátegui Ochoa Puppets for the Páramo https://www.instagram.com/titeresmedia.oficial/ Worldwide On the Water https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/onthewater tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/450714 2026-01-31T00:00:00Z 2026-03-03T01:55:45Z January’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Lukeisha Andrews to support the Black in Nature Forest School. “Our programming,” says Lukeisha, “supports Black children getting outside year-round, in all weather! We believe that Black children and youth deserve to feel a deep sense of belonging outdoors, and aim to provide an inclusive, accessible, safe, and brave space where all Black children can connect with nature. As a not-for-profit organization, most of our participants attend programming at no cost.” “Not only is Black In Nature a community space for children and youth,” she continues, “we are a landing place for parents and other Black community members. At many of our programs, Black community members and newcomers experience outdoor activities in Canada for the first time through participation and volunteering.” “This past year,” says Lukeisha, “we have hosted a diverse set of annual programs, consistently engaging over 30 families. Winter outdoor activities consisted of snowshoeing and cross country skiing. At our annual March Break Camp, we explored animal tracking, tapped maple trees, and cooked meals together. At our Summer Overnight Camp, we learned how to set up tents and cook outdoors, we shared stories by the fire, participated in water safety and canoeing sessions, and bonded deeply as a community. At our Summer Day Camp, we explored forest ecology, plants, and insects, created art with natural minerals, created music together in the rain, and practiced mindfulness and grounding routines on the Land.” The Awesome Ottawa award will be used to reserve Macskimming Outdoor Education Centre for Black in Nature’s March Break Day Camp. “Here,” says Lukeisha, “we will host up to 15 Black families. We will explore the Land together through snowshoe hikes, ecological exploration, storytelling, song, and play.” Besides being the founder of [Black in Nature] (https://blackinnature.ca/), Lukeisha is a facilitator with Child and Nature Alliance Canada. She describes herself as “a life long (un)learner, a peaceful disrupter, and passionate about creating brave spaces for all children to be fully immersed in nature and on the Land.” Lukeisha Andrews Black In Nature Forest School https://blackinnature.ca Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/448042 2026-01-31T00:00:00Z 2026-02-14T17:03:07Z Stash is a certified miniature therapy horse and has a permit with Animal Services, Toronto to visit hospitals, healthcare facilities, libraries and schools. Some visits are with younger children, other visits are with seniors. Many visits focus on patients who are palliative or complex care who cannot exit their care home easily. Stash goes on visits approximately 1-2x monthly. Animal assisted therapy provides a different type of healthcare that is under-utilized in Canada and supporting these initiatives makes everyone's like more awesome. Stash is unique in that he is the only horse that performs this service in Toronto, most other therapy animals are registered canines and several felines. As a horse, he presents a unique experience for many seniors to reminisce about their lives outside of the care institutions. It also provides a positive experience to assist in diversifying experiences for cognitive exercise. Rhiya Armogan and Aarya Armogan Animal Assisted Therapy: Miniature Horse https://www.stashtherapyhorse.com Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/454005 2026-01-31T00:00:00Z 2026-02-02T21:46:15Z Mothers Supporting Mothers: It Takes a Village Baby Shower is a community-centered celebration for new and expecting mothers who would not otherwise be able to afford a baby shower. Hosted by Fathers and Mothers Who Care (FMWC), this event provides essential baby and maternal supplies while creating a joyful space for mothers to connect, feel celebrated, and build community. Participants will receive baby clothing, diaper bags, diapers, wipes, and fully stocked hospital bags for mothers. The event will include food, games, and prizes to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Just as important, mothers will have the opportunity to bond with one another and connect with local resources, including healthcare providers, WIC, early childhood education programs, parenting classes, and mental health services. This project is about more than material support — it’s about reminding mothers they are not alone. By bringing women together during a pivotal moment in their lives, we reduce isolation, foster peer support, and help build a village that extends beyond the event itself. With a small grant, we can create a meaningful, dignified, and joyful experience that strengthens families and uplifts our community. Junisa Dailey Mothers Supporting Mothers: It Takes a Village http://www.fmwc.org United States Los Angeles, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/los-angeles tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/414451 2026-01-31T00:00:00Z 2026-02-02T17:02:21Z From April - May 2026, *Trans Art Fest* will present two months of community powered art programming: 11 all-trans art exhibitions and over 20 events and counting across NYC. It is the first year of the festival, a grassroots initiative entirely volunteer run by trans artists, organizers, and allies. At this critical moment of dual visibility and attack, Trans Art Fest works to celebrate trans art and to support, connect, and empower trans artists, strengthening community both within and beyond the art world. The AwesomeNYC grant will go toward supporting two of the events in the Fest: Sketchy Queers - a figure drawing workshop by and for the LGBTQ community, and Basketdolls - In Transition - a one day outdoors exhibition and basketball game. * Stay up to date with art shows, Open Calls, events, and ways to donate at www.transartfest.com * Follow them on Instagram [@transartfest](https://instagram.com/transartfest) Carter Shocket Trans Art Fest https://www.transartfest.com United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/477048 2026-01-31T00:00:00Z 2026-02-04T17:16:50Z The Minnesota Warmline provides peer support and a connection with others via phone, text and online chat. The Warmline service is anonymous, confidential and free of charge. For many people, the Warmline is an important tool that helps them avoid mental health crisis and use of crisis services, 911 and hospital emergency departments. Calls are answered by peer support staff who have first-hand experience living with a mental health condition and are available to listen, provide support, and connect people with resources. And if a person is in need of more help, we can directly connect them to the nearest crisis services. This has been an unbelievably challenging time here in Minnesota. ICE agents have become increasingly aggressive and combative, and racial profiling and disregard for legal immigration status are being frequently reported as well. Intimidation, use of force and chemical irritants are being frequently utilized on peaceful protesters and those trying to document their actions to show our nation and the world what is really happening on our streets. Throughout this time, our team at Mental Health Minnesota show up every day to provide care and support for our community even as they face their own stress, fears and grief. The number of calls, texts and chats have also continued to increase in number and intensity in recent weeks. **What our grantee is saying:** "This has been an unbelievably challenging time here in Minnesota. in recent weeks, and demand for the peer support provided by Mental Health Minnesota's Warmline. Right now, the need for the free and anonymous support and resources we provide is especially important, and we truly appreciate the support." Shannah Mulvihill Minnesota Warmline: Providing Peer Support https://mentalhealthmn.org/what-we-do/peer-support/minnesota-warmline/ Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/391712 2026-01-30T00:00:00Z 2026-01-30T05:02:29Z Hey All, I’m a 16 year old Gloucester resident, and am really into black and white film photography. I am also a commercial fisherman and am interested in doing a portrait series of fisherman and developing the film myself. I love murals and I love photos so I thought what better way to make Gloucester more beautiful than something like this! These would be developed myself and then the money would be used to get larger scale (and durable material) that could be displayed somewhere downtown. Asher Sauder Sea Portraits United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/434214 2026-01-29T00:00:00Z 2026-01-29T18:55:22Z Թանգարանը, լինելով Կոմիտաս Վարդապետի արվեստի ուսումնասիրման և հանրահռչակման կարևոր կենտրոն, ներկայումս հնարավորություն չունի թանգարանի տարածքում այցելուների համար ապահովելու առկա թվայնացված ձայնագրությունների որակյալ և հասանելի ձայնադարան։ Նմանատիպ փորձ իրականացվել է ժամանակավոր ցուցադրության շրջանակում մի քանի տարի առաջ։ Այն բավական հաջողված էր, և այցելուները մեծ հետաքրքրություն էին ցուցաբերում։ Սակայն ձայնադարանի երկարատև գործունեությունը հնարավոր չեղավ ապահովել տեխնիկական խնդիրների պատճառով։ Ձայնադարանից օգտվելը կազմակերպված էր ինքնասպասարկման ձևաչափով, ինչի հետևանքով կարճ ժամանակում վնասվեցին օգտագործվող ականջակալները և ձայնապնակների նվագարկիչների ասեղները, և դրանց հետագա կիրառումը դարձավ անհնար։ Այդ փորձից հետո նախատեսվեց ձայնապնակների երգերի և երաժշտության թվայնացված ձայնագրություններ ունենալ և դրանց կիրառումը դարձնել ավելի ժամանակակից։ Ներկայիս ծրագրի շրջանակում նախատեսվում է մեդիա նվագարկիչի միջոցով ստեղծել թվայնացված ձայնագրությունների ձայնադարան։ Ձայնադարանը կտեղադրվի թանգարանում՝ Կոմիտասի բնակարանի VR ցուցադրության հարևանությամբ։ Տարածքը թանգարանի միջոցներով կկահավորվի ձայնապնակներով, գույքով և համապատասխան գեղարվեստական լուծումներով։ Ձայնադարանը հնարավորություն կտա մինչև 8 այցելուի միաժամանակ ունկնդրելու Վարդապետի հոգևոր և ժողովրդական երգերը։ Ձայնադարանից օգտվելը տեխնիկապես կապահովվի ցուցասրահների համապատասխան աշխատակիցների աջակցությամբ։ Այս ձայնադարանը թանգարանը կդարձնի առավել գրավիչ, կապահովի առկա ձայնագրությունների արդյունավետ կիրառումը և կնպաստի նոր ձայնագրությունների թվայնացման հանդեպ հետաքրքրության աճին։ Նախագիծը նաև կլուծի նախկինում փորձարկված, սակայն տեխնիկական պատճառներով չշարունակված ձայնադարանի խնդիրը՝ առաջարկելով ավելի կայուն, վերահսկվող և երկարաժամկետ լուծում։ Արդյունքում թանգարանը կդառնա ավելի գրավիչ, ինտերակտիվ և մրցունակ մշակութային միջավայր, իսկ առկա և ապագա ձայնագրությունները կստանան նոր կյանք և կիրառություն։ Պատասխանատու՝ Քնարիկ Ղազարյան ԿԹԻ թանգարանային ցուցադրությունների կազմակերպման բաժնի վարիչ «Կոմիտասի թանգարան-ինստիտուտ» ՊՈԱԿ Կոմիտասի ձայնադարան https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzZ0f3UiUzg Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/369244 2026-01-28T00:00:00Z 2026-04-12T01:01:29Z GROW HUB is a nonprofit retail and wholesale plant nursery that provides vocational horticulture and job training for adults with disabilities. Our work supports participants’ physical and emotional well-being through gardening, art therapy with UF Arts in Medicine, and community-building activities such as monthly staff lunches, volunteer events, and garden-based workshops. Our outdoor gathering areas are central to this mission. While we currently host events and meals outdoors, several of our picnic tables and umbrellas have deteriorated over time. We are seeking funding to replace the worn-out structures and add more seating and shade, ensuring our space remains comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone who visits or works at GROW HUB. Cherice Smithers Improving Outdoor Gathering Spaces for GROW HUB http://grow-hub.org United States Gainesville, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/es/chapters/gainesville