Awesome Foundation - Projects

Singapore – Digital Library for Rural Schools in Myanmar

2025-09-02T00:00:00Z

We are building a free, cloud-based Library Management System to transform learning in rural schools and community libraries across Myanmar. Many rural schools face challenges: limited access to books, insufficient infrastructure, and difficulty tracking borrowing and returns. Teachers and librarians often spend hours manually managing inventories, and children have few opportunities to explore educational resources beyond their classrooms. Our platform provides an easy-to-use digital system that allows libraries to manage books, track borrowing, and generate reports efficiently. This ensures children and teachers have immediate access to reading materials, empowering both students and educators to make the most of available resources. The system is cloud-based, accessible from anywhere, eliminating the need for costly on-site servers. It allows multiple schools and libraries to operate under a single platform, making it scalable and sustainable. By digitizing library management, teachers can focus on teaching, and students can engage with reading more efficiently. The platform also supports multi-tenant libraries, enabling smaller schools to share resources while maintaining individual records securely. This project empowers underserved communities by providing equitable access to educational resources in regions where literacy is limited. Beyond digitizing book management, the system develops critical reading skills, encourages self-directed learning, and supports lifelong education. Strengthening educational infrastructure in rural areas contributes to better academic outcomes, higher literacy rates, and improved educational equity. Our vision is to scale across Asia, bringing digital library access to more rural schools and creating a network of digitally enabled educational spaces serving thousands of students and educators.

Gloucester, MA – The Holy Mackerel Mural

2025-09-01T00:00:00Z

Awesome Gloucester's new piece joins our beloved "Sacred Cod" mural in honoring the fish that have profoundly shaped Gloucester as America's oldest seaport. The mural will be proudly displayed on Americold’s prominent Rogers Street wall – truly one of our city's most visible and iconic locations! We are proud to be partnering with Americold on this public art project; they’ve been generous and truly community oriented at every step. Huge thanks are due to the Rotary Club of Gloucester and the Institution for Savings for their generous grant support. We're also incredibly grateful to all Awesome Gloucester trustees for their deep commitment to these projects. A special shout-out to Rick Doucette, Stefan Edick, Bonnie Fendrock, Shawn Henry, Julie La Fontaine, Sue Salem, and myself for making additional contributions.

Ottawa – FAB Festival 2025

2025-08-31T00:00:00Z

August’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Shireen Faza and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre’s [Incubator13] (https://incubator13.ca), to support the FAB Festival – a celebration of everyday creativity. FAB Festival is a free community-based event being held Saturday, November 22, at the former Rideau High School, inspired by the former Ottawa Mini Maker Faire. “There has been no comparable celebration of do-it-yourself creativity in Ottawa since 2018,” says Shireen, "when the last maker faire was organized by Artengine.” “Our community resource centre understands that celebrating everyday creativity represents an ideal activity for bringing people together from all walks of life to enjoy and be inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of fellow community members.” “A key consideration of the FAB Festival,” she notes, “will be providing under-represented members of the community an opportunity to showcase their creative talent and projects. This will help to develop a sense of belonging, for example, for recent immigrants and other community members who feel disenfranchised.” You can get your free ticket to the FAB Festival [here] (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fab-festival-2025-tickets-1552770110199). Shireen is Project Officer at Incubator13, and herself an immigrant to Canada.

New York City, NY – 100 Resumes in One Day

2025-08-31T00:00:00Z

We are happy to announce that our August grant has been awarded to **100 Resumes in One Day: Latino Power 5-Hour**, a free event happening in Queens this October during Hispanic Heritage Month. In just five hours, 100 Latino immigrant professionals will receive hands-on support to build a U.S.-ready résumé, guided by bilingual facilitators including a recruiter, AI résumé expert, and career coach. This event was born from the heart, powered by the belief that professional migrants deserve second chances and that skills can be transferred, re-valued, and celebrated. It was founded by Ximena Velez, a Colombian professional who arrived in New York ten years ago, unsure of where to begin. Today, she works in communications and leads Latinos United for Career Advancement, a platform that helps others to reconnect with their professional identities. In Ximena's own words: _"100 Resumes in One Day is more than a workshop — it’s a movement to remind Latino professionals that they don’t start from scratch, they start with experience. I believe immigrant professionals deserve the chance to contribute to their new home — not just to survive, but to live fully, through their vocations, careers, and callings."_ * Learn more at www.ximenacuenta.com & www.lucaorganization.org * Register for the event: https://luma.com/353tcn5f * Instagram: https://instagram.com/ximena_cuenta * Volunteer/support inquiries: latinosunitedcareer@gmail.com

Durham, NC – Urban Folklore: Stage to Page

2025-08-31T00:00:00Z

I started Urban Folklore as a way to provide a different kind of platform for poets. Artists are asked to perform, but aren't often given a chance to talk about their work, their process, and their inspirations. That is reserved for later in their career and in many cases tied to a level of success (i.e. masterclasses). We do not get to talk to independent and emerging artists while they are navigating their careers. We don't get to share pitfalls, successes, lessons learned, or breakthroughs. We don't get to find out about the process of crafting the poems put on stage or on the page. I wanted to change that and see if audiences would enjoy being able to not only hear and experience the work, but also hear about the work. Even more, they get to talk to the artist directly. I want to present a special edition with two poets who have established strong reputations for their work on stage and have also recently published books. These are two award winning artists who have had to manage very different environments with their art. The spoken word scene is different from the publishing world and there are many who would want to hear about that difference. I always say that we love art but don't love artists as much. We forget that there is a person behind the art and that person has a story to tell. This is an exercise in centering the artist and what it is about that person that allows for such beautiful art to be created. This event would take place at Northstar Church of the Arts in Durham, NC. I have a membership there that gives me access to the venue. I am looking to do this event in October.

Disability – Rescue, Train, and Transform: Hearing Service Dogs

2025-08-31T00:00:00Z

At Northwest Dog Rescue and Service Training Center, we believe second chances save lives, twice. We rescue dogs from shelters that would otherwise face euthanasia, and we train them to become highly skilled hearing service dogs for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Every dog we place is provided at no cost to the recipient. But our mission doesn’t stop with the dogs. We integrate people in addiction recovery into the care and training process, giving them job skills, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose. Many of our volunteers say the experience is life-saving, not just for the animals, but for themselves. We operate in a nonprofit-in-formation status with our EIN secured and bank account open. We’re already building partnerships with local shelters, the deaf community, and recovery centers in Washington and Idaho. Donna, my partner, is hearing impaired, and I (Jason) know firsthand the lifesaving power of a service dog. My dog Monkey was my anchor after losing my wife and father. Equip our first group of dogs with training gear, vests, and sound-response tools. Cover vet checks and vaccinations for incoming rescues. Print outreach materials to connect with deaf clients and recovery centers. This small investment will have an immediate, visible impact: more dogs saved, more people served, and more lives transformed. **What our grantee is saying:** “This grant is a vital step in helping us provide second chances for both dogs and people. With this funding, we can continue to rescue dogs, train them as hearing service animals, and support individuals in recovery. It means the world to us and those we serve.” **What our trustees are saying:** “I love how this project gives twice the impact to a person and to an animal, both of whom need safety, love, support. Thank you for saving twice the lives.”

Toronto – Concerts on Connolly

2025-08-31T00:00:00Z

Concerts on Connolly is a community concert series that takes place in Wadsworth Park in the Weston-Pelham community in Toronto. Every year since 2020, Concerts on Connolly has hosted between 3–4 free live musical performances in the summer, outdoors at Wadsworth Park. This year, Concerts on Connolly plans to host the first free winter concert as part of the series. The date for the concert is Sunday, January 25, from 5–8PM. The winter concert will be hosted at a local establishment within the community, transforming an indoor space into a cozy gathering spot for music and connection. We will recreate a version of what we do in the summer into a winter community celebration, with seasonal décor, warm lighting, and an inviting stage. The concert would start with a 1 hour drumming workshop for all ages, followed by two 45-minute sets featuring The Doghouse Orchestra, an eclectic Toronto-based ensemble that blends elements of gospel, jazz, funk, and country. Local vendors will be invited to take part, and activities for children will include face painting and a friendly polar bear mascot. The Awesome Foundation grant will fund both the drumming workshop and workshop a free hot beverage station, serving hot chocolate, cider, mulled wine, etc. Concerts on Connolly strives to ensure that everyone has equal access and the opportunity to participate, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued. We believe that quality programming and cultural activities should be cost-free for all, which is why we do not charge our audiences for programming. We use a pass-the-hat/PWYC system in addition to guaranteed performance fees, allowing audiences the option to directly support the artists and their work. This winter event will extend our mission into the colder months, offering neighbours a joyful reason to gather, connect, and celebrate culture together.

San Antonio, TX – River Alchemy Gardening Club

2025-08-31T00:00:00Z

We are a local multidisciplinary arts studio looking to start a gardening club directly off the newly established San Pedro Creek extension. We want to have a monthly meet up to learn, share and contribute to gardens built at the studio but also plan and activate seasonal river clean ups with aid from SARA and River AID SA. We are also receiving generous plant donations from local growers and nurseries. The Gardening Club will focus on local environmental efforts, native gardening, food production. This is an all ages gardening club and would not only help teach the basics of gardening but also beautify our neighborhood, and introduce more biodiversity. 12 garden club meetings, 4 major river clean up efforts and the chance to change our small area for the better through gardening, education and culture.

Gloucester, MA – Intergenerational Drag Bingo

2025-08-28T00:00:00Z

Our project is a joint venture with LGBTeens of Cape Ann and Rose Baker Senior Center and will be presented as such if we make it to the finalists. The LGBTeens of Cape Ann is putting on an awesome drag bingo event that will not only bring older folks to play bingo, but also younger folks to play bingo and watch drag! This event will have family-friendly drag performers, as performances are often limited to 18-21+ (a lot of youth who would like to see drag are unable to-limiting it to adults). For seniors there are challenges to seeing drag performances as well. There are often inaccessible venues that don't accommodate people in wheelchairs or walkers (many seniors need mobility aids to get around). Younger generations (tweens, teens, and adults) often are not in spaces where seniors are and vice versa. It's important to bridge this gap between seniors and the younger generations for a number of reasons. One, it reduces isolation for seniors and younger people. There's often a lot of isolation in this incredibly digital age and people can get lonely. Two, these two generations have a lot we can learn from each other. Tweens, teens, and young adults can teach seniors how to use technology (e.g. smartphones, tablets, social media) while seniors can teach younger generations about life advice, events that have happened in the past (e.g. protests, prior presidencies that mimic our own, what they did in school). Lastly, it builds a sense of empathy for both communities. Younger generations can become more patient and compassionate due to the struggles older folks may face, while older adults can learn more from a younger generation's perspective in an ever-changing world.

Chicago, IL – OP*ERRATIC

2025-08-27T00:00:00Z

Take six cups of opera singers, mix with three tablespoons each of recitative, aria, and chorus. Season with audience suggestions as desired. Allow to marinate for twelve weeks. Bake for seventy minutes and serve hot. Feeds forty. Op*erratic is a fully unscripted operatic improv spectacle, where the plot, music, and mayhem are created in real time. Armed with classical voices and a flair for the absurd, our cast transforms audience suggestions into spontaneous stories full of soaring arias, tragic misunderstandings, and unexpected finales. It’s one part opera, one part improv, and all parts hilarious. No script, no safety net — just high notes and higher stakes. And, of course, there is no place better to cultivate this innovative new operatic event than Chicago, the home of improv theater. Formated like an improv class, lead by Chicago Fringe Opera's Producing Artistic Director George Cederquist, 12-16 singers are trained in the skills of improv while also incorporating Cederquist's unique formula for doing the seemingly impossible - creating an opera on the fly. Multiple performances are scheduled at Borelli’s Pizzeria, which we are able to keep open to the public with only a donation collection. In addition to our performances at Borelli's, we will be featured at Chicago Live! on Navy Pier on September 21st in a free performance for the public. We hope to continue to develop Op*erratic as a teachable improv program for opera singers, helping young artists develop their stage craft and flexibility on stage in addition to the seemingly magical ability to improvise an opera in the moment on stage. Opera is AWESOME. Improv is AWESOME. Improv Opera in Chicago is SUPER DUPER AWESOME! The Awesome Foundation grant will cover the fee for our pianist, Brian Rasmussen. There are very few pianists in the world, let alone Chicago, who are AWESOME enough to improvise accompaniment for our singers in the style of Mozart. Securing the commitment of Mr. Rasmussen is hugely important to the success of Op*erratic.

Rockport, MA – Harvest/holiday skiffs

2025-08-27T00:00:00Z

Each year in October, the Rockport Garden Club places ten dinghies around town. They are filled with chrysanthemums, hay bales, squash, pumpkins and gourds - and provide harvest beauty for the town. After Thanksgiving we repurpose them as Holiday boats, placing a lobster trap, buoys, a Christmas tree with lights, and various greens and berries. They are much beloved by the town.

Rhode Island – Writer’s Block: Community Music Writing Series

2025-08-27T00:00:00Z

For August 2025, AFRI is supporting "Writer’s Block," a community songwriting and professional development series created by and for BIPOC musicians in Providence. The program includes weekly open writing sessions and three key workshops: Songwriting for Sync, Artist Branding, and Music Business 101. Writer’s Block reduces barriers by offering free, high-quality programming in an accessible venue (AS220). Participants receive payment for their contributions and leave with new work, new knowledge, and new connections. Their goal is "not only to help artists grow creatively and professionally, but to sustain and archive the cultural contributions of Rhode Island’s Black and Brown musicians."

State College, PA – Music & Art for Purpose

2025-08-27T00:00:00Z

Music & Art for Purpose is a new performance-based program dedicated to using the arts to build bridges, strengthen communities, and inspire meaningful dialogue. We know from experience that music, theater, and dance are among the most powerful tools for human connection. The arts transcend politics and personal differences; they speak directly to the heart, spark empathy, and motivate social change. With this program, we will collaborate with local and regional theater companies, musicians, and dancers to create original, socially relevant performances. Our ensemble-based approach will bring together seasoned artists and emerging young voices, inviting inter-generational participation at every step. Through workshops, rehearsals, and performances, participants will learn from one another, exchange perspectives, and experience the joy of creating something together. Each performance will be designed to be thought-provoking, dynamic, and accessible drawing audiences into conversations about community, compassion, and the shared human experience. Whether someone joins as a performer, musician, dancer, or audience member, they will leave not only entertained but inspired to learn more. The first project of Music & Art for a Purpose is a series dedicated to using the arts as a means of building and strengthening community. We began with our efforts at our Juneteenth celebration and even hosted a fun Night of Improv in early July. But now we are pleased to announce the official launch of this series as we introduce Mondays with Meaning.The second of two projects under this program are Frank Cloke & Friends, a jazz band performing and teaching at the same time. A chance for the audience of both community people and students to learn how jazz works and give students and community members a chance to join the house band on stage. We will meet the first Wednesday of each month at the CommUnity Zone.

Chicago, IL – Quilt Church Chicago

2025-08-26T00:00:00Z

Quilt Church is a recurring community hand-quilting project in which rotating cohorts of queer artists learn fundamental hand sewing techniques and complete a full quilt from start to finish. Each cohort spans the course of five months and ends with a quilt raffle, funds from which are donated to a local Chicago organization. Situated within feminist and queer histories of community craft practice and passage, Quilt Church aims to be a space for accessible craft education, skill sharing, collective research and queer community. The project is organized by Stevie Emrich in partnership with, and hosted by, Walls Turned Sideways. Walls Turned Sideways (WTS) is an art gallery, studio, & community space dedicated to artists and communities impacted by incarceration. Their mission is to build bridges that connect people in prison, their families, artists, and other community members using art, exhibitions, and political education with a focus on collective liberation, healing and abolition. Past and current collaborators of WTS include Quilt Church Chicago, Prison + Neighborhoods Art and Education Project (PNAP), Cannabis Equity Illinois, Chicago Torture Justice Center, and Coalition to Decarcerate Illinois. With this additional support from The Awesome Foundation, Quilt Church will be able to fund two cohorts running simultaneously: one for experienced quilters that focuses on more intricate pattern work and color theory, and a second group for beginners that dives more deeply into technique and traditional craft methodologies.

Conservation and Climate – 1Acre Project

2025-08-22T00:00:00Z

The 1Acre Project is a grassroots movement turning underused land—like lawns, parking lots, and empty lots—into vibrant, tech-connected community gardens that grow fresh food, create jobs, and build purpose. We launched in Nashville in late 2024 and have already secured five donated plots, built six compost/recycling stations, and gathered over 450 active volunteers. Our app—developed with local students—gamifies real-world impact: users earn points for gardening, composting, and helping the community, which they can redeem for rewards and experiences with local businesses. We’ve partnered with schools, soil companies, and are activating local influencers to raise awareness and funds. With every build, we track food grown, water used, and volunteer hours—and dedicate gardens to causes like food justice, mental health, or pollinator protection. Our mission is simple: feed people, reward purpose, and change the system one acre at a time.

Conservation and Climate – BEAM for the oceans!

2025-08-22T00:00:00Z

Project BEAM is Love The Oceans' youth-led coral reef restoration project in Jangamo Bay, Mozambique, tackling one of the biggest threats to our reef: overgrown algae. Populations of herbivorous fish like parrotfish and rabbitfish have been destroyed through overfishing but they're vital for keeping algae levels in check. Without these species, algae is smothering our corals and preventing new coral larvae from settling, which affects the entire food web and reduces fish catches for local fishers. Our data shows that algae cover on our reefs has more than doubled from 2018-2024 alone. To tackle this issue, instead of relying on expensive methods like coral transplantation, in BEAM we're using an innovative, low-cost “sea-weeding” method, in collaboration with scientists in Australia who have been successful with this method. We'll manually remove algae and give native corals the space they need to recover naturally - like weeding your garden but underwater. This will be the first trial of the technique outside Australia, bringing a globally relevant, scalable solution to a country with limited technical resources. It’s a hands-on, science-driven approach integrating restoration with local capacity building. We ran an initial fundraiser that successfully launched the project, but challenging diving conditions meant we need more dives than we expected to set up the coral plots. Without additional funding, we cannot complete this crucial first phase, and the project will stall before we can demonstrate impact. This grant will allow us to finish establishing the restoration plots and begin monitoring coral recovery. We’re training local youth in reef restoration and data collection, integrating our work into our community education programs, and showing how restoring reefs directly supports biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience. BEAM is a movement for ocean stewardship that could inspire coastal communities far beyond Mozambique.

St. Paul, MN – The Healing Pen & Mic: A Journaling & Podcast Proj

2025-08-20T00:00:00Z

We are proud to announce a second grant in August. 2025. Congratulations! The Healing Pen & Mic: A Journaling & Podcast Project for the Cancer Community supports cancer patients and survivors in the St. Paul area through a unique journaling workshop series and companion podcast. Our project offers a vital, no-cost space for individuals to process their cancer journeys, find emotional solace, and cultivate resilience through expressive writing. This four-hour workshop session, designed for 15-20 participants, provides participants with a beautiful journal, quality writing tools, and guided prompts to help them explore their experiences, fears, hopes, and newfound strengths. We'll foster a supportive environment where attendees can connect with peers and learn practical self-care techniques. Refreshments and a light lunch, featuring easily digestible and nutritious options, will be provided, ensuring comfort and care. Crucially, "The Healing Pen & Mic" extends its impact beyond the workshop walls. With voluntary and consensual participation, attendees can choose to share their experiences with journaling (not their private entries) in a podcast component. These recorded conversations will amplify diverse voices from the cancer community, fostering empathy, reducing isolation, and offering inspiration and validation to a wider audience. The podcast will be distributed through various podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more, reaching listeners within the St. Paul community and beyond.

Glasgow – Widening and Supporting Access to Ice-Hockey

2025-08-20T00:00:00Z

Because it makes one of Scotland’s most exciting sports accessible to students from all backgrounds — including those from low-income families — and helps build something much bigger. Ice hockey is a fast, physical, and thrilling sport — but also one of the most expensive to play. Many students are priced out of participation. This grant directly removes that barrier, funding five games and keeping the sport open to all. We play at Braehead Arena — a 5,200-seat professional venue — and we’re building toward a Varsity-style event inspired by Nottingham’s student fixture, but on a bigger scale. With Glasgow’s student population double Nottingham’s, we have the perfect platform to create a major student sporting tradition. This £500 helps us get there — by making the regular season affordable for players, fans, and the community, and putting student hockey on the map in Glasgow. 🎥 [Watch our Nationals highlight clip https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxEDPjZnxQIl_82NGntZaTbJWyy-iGKSXF 🎟️ [See Nottingham Varsity clip https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxDUSpBbB3XihsKyTr0XS0E4g_VPbPg_4L?si=GUTlr0p4uCzmJSL4

Glasgow – Streetcare Volunteers

2025-08-20T00:00:00Z

We are a dedicated charity helping those experiencing homelessness in Glasgow. Est. February 2023 to continue, independently, our previous work under Humanist Society Scotland for 15+ years as their Project – StreetCare. No one is employed by the charity and everyone’s time is volunteered. We pro-actively search the streets of Glasgow weekly, 52 weeks/year in search of those in need, who may not be able to, or feel comfortable accessing standard services. We aim to assist “those experiencing homelessness” and others on the pavement/in shelters. We do not judge or means test to access assistance. Assistance is as follows: 1. Hot drinks, soup, other foods and warm clothing . 2. A listening ear information on services and organisations providing assistance. 3. Promoting zero waste’by working with stores in Glasgow to ensure that use food that they have, due for disposalcan be used We distribute these goods to those on the street or in “homeless” shelters We have 2 main activities: T-Walk Every Wednesday night our volunteers meet in Glasgow City Centre. Teams and routes are organised to cover City Centre and Westend. Volunteers engage with customers, be this a listening ear / human interaction or food, clothing, refreshments etc. Below are some of the items regularly given. • Homemade Soup, sandwiches, juice, crisps and sweets • Surplus stock from Greggs, Pret, M&S, Lidl, Sainsburys etc. • Donated clothing • New socks and underwear, thermal gloves, hats, scarves,hand warmers, ponchos, foil blankets, backpacks • Toiletries - soap, shower gel, shampoo, feminine products, deodorant, toothbrushes Then we donate the remaining goods to homeless shelters . T-Drop This initiative collects food waste at closing and distributes this to “homeless”throughout the city. We make 15 different collections each week, The volume is entirely unpredictable.but a very conservative estimate has a retail value of more than £600,000 p.a. Redirecting all this food to people in need..

Oahu, HI – Empowering Through Movement

2025-08-19T00:00:00Z

This proposal seeks funding to enhance the afterschool dance program at Ke'elikōlani Middle School, a Title I middle school serving a low-income community. Specifically, we request support for the purchase of essential equipment: full-length mirrors for the practice space and appropriate dance uniforms for the dance crew. These resources are crucial for fostering a professional, supportive, and engaging environment that empowers students through dance. Beyond the artistic development, this project aims to provide a safe and constructive outlet, build strong peer connections, instill valuable life skills, improve academic engagement, and positively impact the overall school community and its reputation. While our dance crew is a vibrant and enthusiastic group, they currently lack fundamental resources that are essential for effective dance training and performance. Without full-length mirrors, students struggle to observe and correct their technique, hindering their progress and confidence. The absence of proper uniforms impacts team cohesion, and diminishes the professional appearance of the crew, particularly during performances. In our community, many students face socio-economic challenges that can lead to disengagement, academic struggles, and exposure to negative influences. Providing accessible, high-quality extracurricular activities like dance is not just about art; it's about offering a vital pathway to positive development and future success. The investment in mirrors and uniforms will yield profound and far-reaching benefits for my students and the wider school community. The goal of dance at Ke'elikōlani Middle School is to build community, help students stay out of trouble and in school, build connections, create opportunities, help our school create a positive reputation and nourish learning values such as: discipline, teamwork, perseverance, grit, and respect.

Pittsburgh, PA – Summer’s Ending: The Back to School Mini Kiki Ball

2025-08-18T00:00:00Z

The Summer’s Ending Mini Kiki Ball is a chance to get outside and have some fun one last time before the school schedule kicks in. There will be food, drink, STI screening, and voter registration available for all attendees. This event is designed with the ballroom and KiKi ballroom community in mind, also expanding to all folks of queer experience–primarily of color–in Pittsburgh who may be in need of community, expression, and support. The event will also field already engaged students of queer experience from nearby universities–such as CMU, Pitt, Duquesne, and Chatham–to engage the city’s more transient queer population. The Pittsburgh Kiki Wave events promote programming that reduces harm, encourages community ties, spurs creative expression, and introduces civic engagement to the conversation for our queer communities so affected by our politicized identities. This programming comes in multiple forms including but not limited to balls, cultural-historical sessions and queer town halls.

Cass Clay – North Dakota LGBTQ+ Summit

2025-08-15T00:00:00Z

The ND LGBTQ+ Summit began as a conversation over coffee in 2017 with a simple question-how can LGBTQ+ folks across North Dakota connect in a meaningful way and build a strong community that could counter the isolation many across the state feel. The idea took flight in October '17. Each year since, the Summit has taken place in Bismarck/Mandan, with pandemic years held online. LGBTQ+ folks and allies from Beach to Grand Forks have gathered each fall to share community news, become advocates for causes and each other, and learn about what is happening nationally and in ND. The Summit has successfully partnered with a wide variety of of organizations to provide timely and impactful programming covering topics ranging from housing discrimination to aging, faith, finding joy and living an abundant life to Q+ history, successful community group organization to suicide prevention. In 2022 the Summit added a Professional Development Day. PDD is held on Friday prior to the Summit. PDD is geared to topics of particular interest to anyone who works with the LGBTQ+ community across the state. This reaches social workers, teachers, attorneys, healthcare professionals, clergy, counselors and more. October 3-5, 2025 brings the 8th annual Summit to Fargo! It is amazing to organizers that this important gathering has not only sustained, but gained momentum and attendance since 2017. This fall the gathering will be held in the NDSU Memorial Union. The ND LGBTQ+ Summit is run by dedicated volunteers across ND and is fiscally sponsored by North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. It operates as an autonomous organization under their fiscal umbrella, raising funds independent of NDHRC. As the Summit prepares to gather in a new city, and at a new venue, and with new funding challenges, we are reaching out to new partners. The planning team is currently finalizing programming for '25. Please visit the website and click archives to view information about the Summit's last 3 years.

Poughkeepsie, NY – Back to School Event - The Time Is Now - Welcome!

2025-08-15T00:00:00Z

My name is Felicia Schinella. I am a lifelong resident of Pok w/over 30 years of dedicated service as an educator in PCSD. My connection to this community runs deep, both personally & professionally. My passion has always been centered on supporting our young scholars, helping them realize their full potential. Last year, I had the privilege of serving as Interim Principal at PMS. This year, I have been appointed AP for our 9th grade students, the same group of scholars I first met 2 years ago as their 7th grade AP. When I first introduced myself to them, one student quietly told me it didn’t matter who I was because I would “leave them just like the last 3 AP's.” That moment stayed with me. It was a raw reflection of the instability they had endured and a personal challenge for me to prove that their trust and hope were worth rebuilding. This class has endured more than most. In the years following COVID, they have faced high turnover in school leadership, instability, & the stigma of being labeled one of the “most difficult” cohorts in recent memory, a label I refuse to let define them. I am committed to giving them a clean slate, a fresh start, a clear message; they are valued, supported, & capable of greatness. To set the tone for this new chapter, I envisioned something special, an orientation & “Welcome Back Fun Day” that goes beyond the traditional format. Alongside essential information for students & families, we will host a celebration on the PHS track with music, games, & a jumpy jungle gym. Food will be provided by former PCSD alumni who are local business owners, offering delicious options including hot dogs, hamburgers, beverages, unlimited snow cones, popcorn & more. We will welcome some local colleges & programs to connect w/families & inspire future possibilities. To add extra excitement, we will raffle off two $100 gift certificates,This event is more than a gathering it’s it’s a statement, our way of showing these scholars we care!

St. Paul, MN – Building Identity: Hmong and Karen Culture w/LEGO

2025-08-14T00:00:00Z

Congratulations to our August 2025 grantee. This project at Frost Lake Elementary School will engage students in exploring and affirming their cultural identities through storytelling and history, using LEGO pieces to build scenes that reflect the history and traditions of Hmong and Karen people. Through this hands-on approach, students will deepen their connection to their roots while developing a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.

Ann Arbor, MI – VISION - The Magazine

2025-08-13T00:00:00Z

The Vision Magazine is a vibrant, youth-led, print-first publication dedicated to documenting and celebrating the voices of Detroit’s emerging artists. Our mission is to amplify bold, grassroots creativity that too often goes unseen and undervalued. This includes genre-bending musicians, powerful poets, self-taught painters, and DIY culture-makers—many under 30—who navigate the art world without traditional support or platforms. Each quarter, we will publish 1,000 full-color copies filled with original art, in-depth interviews, poetry, opinion essays, photo narratives, and cultural commentary—all created by and for young Detroiters. But this magazine is much more than a collection of pages. It’s a launchpad for creative careers, a vital community-building tool, and a living public archive of local brilliance and resilience. To bring this vision to life, we host collaborative workshops that center co-creation, mentorship, and skill-sharing. These sessions help artists refine their storytelling, develop editorial and design skills, and build trust with one another—forming a dynamic creative community. Complementing the print edition, we integrate digital elements via QR codes that unlock curated playlists, audio stories, and behind-the-scenes footage, seamlessly blending analog charm with digital engagement. At its core, The Vision Magazine believes that stories are infrastructure. Our publication captures a creative renaissance already in motion, empowering young artists to see their worth, claim their voice, and actively shape the cultural legacy of Detroit. By providing space, resources, and support, we nurture a generation of artists who will not only transform their own futures but also the future of their city’s cultural landscape.

San Francisco, CA – Golden Boy Dreams

2025-08-12T00:00:00Z

Hello! I am a fire eating, bellydancing, acrobatic artist looking to uplift the SF community through live site-specific spectacles. Golden Boy Dreams will be a giant (roaming) public performance installation - a larger than life anniversary party dedicated to my arrival, and a love letter to the city visiting multiple POPOS (privately owned public spaces) throughout SF. Taking my audience on a walking tour of interactive performances, local architecture, and hidden history - I can't wait to engage locals and tourists alike with a collection of competitions and prizes, legendary live music, and more in my strange but true traveling gameshow format MC'd by my alter ego - La Chi Chi!

San Francisco, CA – MUSIC FOR MENTAL HEALTH

2025-08-12T00:00:00Z

Music for Mental Health is our way of throwing a lifeline in the form of a funky bassline. We bring live music, jam sessions, and interactive workshops into facilities that serve people with mental illness and disabilities—places that don’t usually get VIP access to creativity. Spoiler alert: they love it. We’re not here to fix anyone. We’re here to vibe—to make folks feel seen, heard, and part of something joyful. Whether someone’s rocking out on a shaker, humming along to a Beatles tune, or just tapping their foot while pretending not to enjoy it, they’re part of the band. Everyone gets to be part of the magic: the quiet ones, the wild ones, the ones who haven’t smiled in a week, and the ones who won’t stop singing once we leave. We’ve had participants go from total silence to belting out songs. We’ve had air guitar solos worthy of a Grammy. We’ve had people tell us, “I felt like a human again.” That’s why we do it. It’s not therapy, but it’s therapeutic. It’s not a concert, but it feels like one. It’s music that meets people where they’re at—no judgment, no pressure, just good sounds and real connection. In short: Music for Mental Health brings the beat back to people who need it most. And yes, we take requests—unless it’s “Free Bird.”

Yerevan – #Aragatsotnawesome Քարերի ներսում ապրող անցյալը

2025-08-12T00:00:00Z

🧩 ԾՐԱԳՐԻ ՆԿԱՐԱԳՐՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ «Քարերի ներսում ապրող անցյալը» ծրագիրն իր շուրջը համախմբում է Ապարանի բնակիչներին՝ ներառյալ փախստականներին, երեխաներին և տարեցներին՝ վերակենդանացնելու քաղաքի մոռացված պատմություններն ու հիշողությունները՝ պատերի վրա պատկերների և ձայների միջոցով։ Նաև Ապարանում գիշերը մութ և լքված պատերը վերածվելու են լուսարձակող պատերի՝ գիշերը փայլող նկարների միջոցով։ Օգտագործվելու են նաև ֆոսֆորային (glow-in-the-dark) ներկեր, որոնցով պատին նկարվելու են պատմական պահեր, ժողովրդական հերոսներ, հին լեգենդներ կամ համայնքի հիշողություններ։ Օրվա ընթացքում պատերը պարզապես գունավոր կամ չեզոք են, իսկ գիշերը սկսում են «շնչել»։ Ծրագիրը նպատակ ունի վերածել քաղաքի մի քանի մռայլ պատեր՝ համայնքի հիշողությունների կենդանի նկարագրության։ Յուրաքանչյուր պատ կներկայացնի մի պատմություն կամ հուշ՝ համայնքի անդամի կողմից պատմված, որը կներկայացվի գրաֆիկական ձևով, իսկ QR կոդով մարդիկ կկարողանան լսել ձայնագրությունը հենց պատմողի շուրթերից։ 🎯 ՆՊԱՏԱԿՆԵՐ • Տեսանելի, գունեղ կերպով վերակենդանացնել Ապարանի պատմությունը • Միավորել տարբեր ծագում ունեցող բնակիչներին՝ միասնական համայնքային լուսավոր գործի շուրջ • Տրամադրել ստեղծագործ հարթակ՝ թե՛ տեղացիների, թե՛ փախստականների համար • Ստեղծել տպավորիչ և կրթական «քաղաքային երթուղի»։ 👥 ԹԻՐԱԽԱՅԻՆ ԽՄԲԵՐ • Ապարանի բնակիչներ՝ հատկապես տարեցները (պատմությունների համար) • Փախստական ընտանիքներ և երեխաներ՝ ներգրավվածություն ու ներկայացվածություն ապահովելու համար • Տեղական դպրոցների աշակերտներ՝ որպես նկարիչներ կամ օգնականներ • Երիտասարդ կամավորներ՝ նկարելու, կազմակերպելու, ձայնագրելու և տարածելու համար։ 🧩 Քայլերի հերթականություն 1. Պատմությունների հավաքագրում • Համայնքային հանդիպումներ տարեցների և փախստականների հետ • Պատմությունների ձայնագրում ու գրավոր ձևակերպում 2. Պատերի ընտրություն և էսքիզների մշակում 3. Պատի հարթեցում և նախապատրաստում 4. Նկարչության օրեր 5. Ձայնային պատմությունների ստեղծում • Յուրաքանչյուր պատի մոտ QR կոդ, որը պարունակում է ձայնային պատմություն։ 6. Հատուկ բացման արարողություն և ցուցադրություն • Հատուկ միջոցառում՝ երեխաների,

Yerevan – Աշտարակում տեսարժան վայրեր ուղեկցող նշաններ

2025-08-12T00:00:00Z

Նախագիծը նպատակ ունի տեղադրել ցուցանակներ, կողմնորոշիչներ Աշտարակի հայտնի ու անհայտ տեսարժան վայրեր ուղղորդող։ Դրանք կգեղեցկացնեն քաղաքային միջավայրը, միտված կլինեն զարգացնել զբոսաշրջային ենթակառուցվածքները։ Կօգնեն տեղացի և օտարերկրյա այցելուներին հեշտությամբ կողմնորոշվել քաղաքում։ Լուսաբանել նաև քիչ հայտնի, բայց պատմամշակութային արժեք ունեցող վայրերը՝ արժևորելով Աշտարակի ամբողջ պատմական ժառանգությունը։ Կիրականացնենք Աշտարակի համայնքապետարանի հետ համատեղ ցուցանակների տեղաբաշխում, դիզայնի որոշում։

Yerevan – Ժայռամագլցման պատ

2025-08-12T00:00:00Z

Մենք մեր ճամբարում նախատեսում ենք կառուցել 6 մետր բարձրությամբ արհեստական ժայռապատ, որը կծառայի որպես մարզական, կրթական և բնագիտական փորձառության հարթակ՝ երեխաների ու երիտասարդների համար։ Այս պատը կդառնա մի տարածք, որտեղ ճամբարի մասնակիցները ոչ միայն կսովորեն հաղթահարել ֆիզիկական մարտահրավերներ, այլև կզարգացնեն համառություն, թիմային աշխատանք, վստահություն ու սեփական հնարավորությունների ճանաչում։

Orlando, FL – DTO Art Automat

2025-08-11T00:00:00Z

Thank you for your time - here is my AWESOME idea :) - Cherrah Pitch: DTO Art Automat Hello, Awesome Foundation! I’m Cherrah Johnson from Beaux Studios, and I'm thrilled to share an exciting opportunity to inject novelty, engagement, and direct revenue into our local arts scene: the DTO Art Automat. Our project centers around a vintage vending machine, generously owned by artist Geoff Gregory from FAVO. We envision transforming this unique machine into a dynamic, monthly art installation that not only delights the public but also provides a sustainable income stream for local artists. How It Works Each month, a select group of artists will receive 16 blank "mediums" – think small wooden blocks, clear sleeves, or various white paper boxes. The challenge and the magic lie in their creativity: artists will transform these ordinary objects into unique, collectible pieces of art. We'll build anticipation by having artists capture their creative process on video, which our dedicated interns will then use for a vibrant social media campaign. On the First Friday of each month, the DTO Art Automat will pop up at FAVO, fully stocked with these fresh, affordable art pieces, each selling for a fixed price of $20. Our goal is for each participating artist to earn $400 per month if all their pieces sell. Beyond the immediate sale, we'll coach artists to have prints and related merchandise available on their websites and in their studios, linking directly to their online presences from the DTO Art Automat's main landing page. This ensures ongoing visibility and potential sales beyond the machine itself. Expanding Our Reach We've secured an exciting partnership with Adjectives Market on Colonial, where the vending machine will reside throughout the month between First Friday events. This prime location will significantly broaden our reach, exposing these talented local artists to a wider audience and maximizing their potential for sales and recognition.

Santa Cruz, CA – Bikes4All

2025-08-09T00:00:00Z

We tackle the decline of vocational education by offering community-based bike repair programs where local mechanics mentor students—many of whom are low-income or underrepresented. Through our SPOKE program (Specialized Programming On Kinetic Education), students learn tangible mechanical skills by refurbishing donated bicycles. The process is simple but powerful: Fix – Students fix bikes with the help of trained mentors. Give – Those bikes are donated to underserved individuals and families. Get – We collect more bikes to continue the cycle. The result? Hundreds of students trained in a real-world setting, hundreds of bikes diverted from landfills and given new life, and entire communities strengthened through mobility and mentorship. We operate in Santa Cruz County, California, through high school partnerships and Saturday academies. Beyond skill-building, the program promotes sustainability, equity, and youth empowerment. Bikes4All isn’t just about bikes—it’s about building confidence, fostering purpose, and showing students that their hands can shape a better world.

Newcastle – Girls Who Roar - School Program

2025-08-06T00:00:00Z

Girls Who Roar is a 6-week online program for Teenage Girls, empowering them to embrace their uniqueness and be resilient and confident in themselves and their relationships. Our Mission is that Girls EVERYWHERE would hear a message that instils confidence and courage to have real and healthy relationships. Through the school's program, teenage Girls hear an inspiring message and experience a positive increase in their wellbeing, better decision making, clearer communication & stronger friendships. These all lead to increased engagement which impact not only them but their families, schools, and communities as a whole. The 6-week online program that walks teenage girls through valuing their uniqueness, their strengths and looks at what they personally value in themselves and those around them. We talk in depth about resilience, kindness, friendships, boundaries, healthy relationships, consent and so much more. Through our Girls Who Roar school program we can provide education on the benefits of raising

Sydney – 2nd Life Tech: Refurbishing Devices for Community

2025-08-06T00:00:00Z

Second Life Tech is a circular, community-first project that takes donated technology and gives it a new purpose. We collect laptops, desktops, tablets, and accessories that would otherwise go to landfill, then refurbish them to professional standards and redistribute them to people and organisations doing it tough. Our recipients include low-income families, schools with high FOEI scores, First Nations communities, women’s shelters, and newly arrived migrants or refugees. Many of these groups are digitally excluded — they don’t have access to devices for education, employment, or even basic communication. With this project, we’re not just handing out laptops. We securely erase data, repair and test every device, then match it with someone who truly needs it. We also provide basic setup and ongoing support where needed. Your funding will directly power the refurb process — parts, tools, logistics, and volunteer coordination — helping us breathe life back into hundreds of devices and get them into the hands of people who need them most. This is sustainable, practical, and deeply human work. One device can change a life — and with your help, we’ll change many.

Newburgh, NY – Newburgh Tools & Trees

2025-08-05T00:00:00Z

Newburgh Tools is an initiative to launch a community tool library in Newburgh. The project proposes the construction and operation of a tool lending facility and community resource hub on an underutilized urban lot, centrally located in the city’s historic core. The facility will be built by volunteer architects in partnership with other local organizations, and its design and performance will be documented as a prototype for low-cost, low-tech urban placemaking. When operational, the facility will gather and lend tools among Newburgh residents, serve as a practical resource and information base, and support other existing community service efforts. We’re gaining support and raising funds for a facility launch in Spring 2026, and starting this fall, we plan to use our host site, on Chambers between Broadway and First, as a platform for information and events. With minimal resources, we can do an initial mini-project on the prominent site to help us advertise and raise awareness for the project, demonstrate small-scale resilient design and community organization, and take meaningful action towards nourishing a neglected urban block, all at the same time. Over the next two months, we’ll clean our vacant lot of debris and overgrowth, rebuild the collapsing chain link fence and gate that front the property, and then organize and host a Tree & Tool Drive public event. The fence will be well constructed from natural materials, providing security and access for our site, and will carry informational signage promoting the project. The event will happen in October, coordinated and cross-advertised with the relaunch of the Newburgh Repair Café and Archtober 2025. In coordination with our neighbors, we’ll use a weekend to plant trees in existing unused sidewalk planting zones all up and down the surrounding block, and we’ll engage the larger community at the same time by hosting an all-day information session and soliciting tool donations for our future inventory.

On the Water – Riperion - river puppetry ritual

2025-08-04T00:00:00Z

Riperion is a new performance project that explores how water carries memory, culture, and consequence. Using hand-crafted water puppets, live music, and poetic narrative, the piece examines the dynamics between humans and water in the Gulf South—especially around the Mississippi River, wetlands, storms, and displacement. Riperion blends folk performance, ecological inquiry, and cultural storytelling to help us reflect on how we live with—and within—water. It’s a performance that asks: What does the river remember? What stories do we carry in our bodies like boats?

Gainesville, FL – Financial Survival Skills for Real Life

2025-08-01T00:00:00Z

We will launch a trauma-informed financial literacy and life skills program called “Financial Survival Skills for Real Life” at AMIkids Gainesville, a youth program that serves teens in a low-income, food-deserted areas. Many of these youth face barriers like poverty, unstable housing, and exposure to the juvenile justice system. This program will help them build confidence, job readiness, emotional resilience, and real-world money management skills. The 6-week course will help blend financial literacy with mental health support and career prep. Our goal is to empower youth to make informed financial choices, navigate adult responsibilities, and break cycles of generational poverty.

Baltimore, MD – Sick Freaks Magazine

2025-08-01T00:00:00Z

SICK FREAKS is a brand-new comic magazine dedicated to showcasing work by underrepresented creators in the Baltimore area. According to Forbes, the comic publishing industry has been facing some of the worst censorship since the 1950s and the era of the Comic Code Authority. This censorship disproportionately affects marginalized creators, especially those who discuss gender and race or criticize intolerance in their work. Historically speaking, during periods of censorship, comic artists survive by producing comic magazines. These magazines not only create an additional source of revenue for these creatives, but it gives them the space to tell stories that wouldn't be allowed to flourish by mainstream publishing. Some of the most revolutionary graphic novels of this century were developed through comic magazines. We would love to use SICK FREAKS to support the next generation of groundbreaking authors and artists and keep the vibrant comic community in Baltimore alive.

Gloucester, MA – Gloucester Wind Phone Project

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

Grief is a universal experience, and people need places and spaces to hold and express their grief. The original Wind Phone was the inspiration and creation of Itaru Sasaki. After the tsunami in 2011, he installed a phone near Otsuchi, Japan to help the people grieve their catastrophic losses. Since then, hundreds of wind phones have been established around the globe (see mywindphone.com). This project intends to install a wind phone in Gloucester to provide people in our community with a place and a means to connect to and express their grief. Wind phones are inactive, “old-fashioned” phones in a booth or shelter to allow a quiet, serene, private place to "call loved ones in spirit, to say the things that didn't get said while the person was alive". We wish to create a dedicated place where individuals can find comfort and healing. Ideally, our plan is locate the phone in Stage Fort Park over looking the harbor in the peaceful area adjacent to the garden at the curve of the promenade. Our goal is to install the phone to coordinate with National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, 2025.

Ottawa – Secondhand Stories Open House

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

July’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Liz Wheeler to support the [Secondhand Stories] (https://www.secondhandstories.ca) chicken sanctuary’s second annual open house. “As one of the only sanctuaries in Canada devoted exclusively to chickens,” explains Liz, “we offer care and advocacy for a species often overlooked in animal welfare conversations.” “Last year,” she continues, “our open house welcomed more than 250 guests, and this year we’re expanding with new youth-focused, culturally inclusive programming. Kids and teens will enjoy hands-on activities like a chicken origami workshop, an Indigenous-led dreamcatcher workshop, and children’s story time with the chickens.” “We're aiming to inspire empathy and introduce humane education through craft, storytelling, and direct interaction with rescued chickens,” she says. The open house takes place Saturday, August 30, near Perth, with [tickets] (https://www.secondhandstories.ca/openhouse) still available. Liz is a long-time animal advocate, mental health activist, and self-described passionate believer that kindness and compassion begin when children connect with animals.

Austin, TX – Open Road for All

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

Getting your first driver's license is a coming-of-age ritual that represents a new level of independence, freedom, and opportunity. It's also a process that requires a coordinated amount of financial, logistical, and human support, which many young adults in Austin — including those who are aging out of foster care, experiencing homelessness, or living in poverty — simply don't have. Open Road for All aims to bridge this gap. A $1000 grant from the Austin Awesome Foundation will fund the state-mandated driver's education class, critical hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice, and a driver's test for one Austin-area young adult.

New York City, NY – Breathe - Colombia Medical Center Mural

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

Our July grant has been awarded to artist Marya Triandafellos and her project _"Breathe,"_ a 15' wide mural that will be installed on a currently blank wall in the lobby of the Columbia University Medical Center's cancer wing. It will be the first thing patients see when they enter a space where they spend up to one half hour waiting on each visit. In her own words: _"The hospital has no budget for art, yet these are patients facing some of the most vulnerable and emotionally charged moments of their lives. I created Breathe to transform this transitional space into a moment of color, peace, and gentle energy: something that can lift spirits without the need for words. Working with the hospital, I developed a survey to learn what patients and staff would prefer for the space. Through my interest in Neuroarts, I researched that images of nature are especially effective in healthcare settings. Using AI, I created a sweeping, idealized view of the Hudson River designed for a moment of calm for patients and to help staff feel uplifted. Installation is expected by late 2025."_

Liverpool (Non-active) – A Sensory Garden for Children with Cerebral Palsy

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

At Stick ‘n’ Step, every step is a victory, and every child is a superhero in the making! We're not just a charity, we’re a family, a team, and a launchpad for children with cerebral palsy to reach new heights. Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects muscle control, coordination, and posture. For the children we support, this often means struggling with everyday tasks most take for granted. Many face difficulty walking, speaking clearly, feeding themselves, or using their hands to hold a pencil or get dressed. Some live with chronic pain, muscle stiffness, or involuntary movements, making even the smallest action a huge effort. Others face social isolation or low self-esteem because they can’t join in as easily with their peers. Now imagine a place where those challenges are met with strength, smiles, and unwavering support. That’s what happens every day at Stick ‘n’ Step. Through free Conductive Education sessions, we work with over 120 children and young people across the Northwest of England. Our mission is not just to support movement, but to build confidence, independence, and a sense of possibility. Led by expert practitioners, our sessions help children develop physical abilities, communication, and essential life skills. They learn to dress themselves, walk with pride, play with friends, and go to school feeling included and capable. And their families grow stronger with them, gaining encouragement, community, and hope. We are now seeking support to create a sensory garden at our Wallasey centre, on the Wirral. This vibrant, interactive outdoor space will allow children to explore nature, plant flowers, and experience the joy of gardening. Activities in the garden will support motor skills, coordination, and emotional wellbeing, while the sights, smells, and textures offer calming sensory input. It’s more than a garden - it’s a safe space for learning, growth, and connection. With your help, we can make it blossom.

Disability – American Foot Drop Association

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

American Foot Drop Association (AFDA) is a national nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and building resources for people living with Foot Drop, a mobility-limiting condition that affects thousands but is often misunderstood or overlooked. Founded by people with lived experience, AFDA brings truth, tools, and visibility to a hidden disability. Through bold storytelling, community support, and practical information, we help people move through life with more dignity, confidence, and connection. From emotional support to daily adaptations, our work fills the gap between clinical care and real life. Our flagship project, Braced Not Broken: A Beginners Guide to Foot Drop has already reached dozens of individuals and families across the U.S., with zero paid staff. We offer resources like: - Real-talk guidance from someone living with foot drop, not a medical brochure - Practical tools like adaptive tips and hacks, what to ask and symptom trackers - Emotional support that speaks to grief, frustration, and resilience - Peer-powered insight built with input from others walking the same path - Dignity-centered design that treats readers as whole, capable, and powerful - Connection to community through AFDA, support groups, and ongoing education We are currently seeking grant support to expand our reach and increase accessibility by printing and distributing physical guides to: - Orthotic & prosthetic clinics (like Hanger, Bionics, and local providers) - Physical therapy centers (especially those working with post-stroke or neuro rehab) - Neurology departments - Disability-focused organizations (like Centers for Independent Living or United Spinal) - Hospital discharge planners handling mobility-related handouts This effort will also support building partnerships, referral systems, and community connections with providers, medical teams, and disability orgs . AFDA empowers people not just to survive drop foot but to live fully with it. Because we are not broken. We’re just walking a different path. **What our grantee is saying:** I’m honored and deeply grateful to receive the Awesome Disability award as a founder of the American Foot Drop Association. We can finally print and share the guide we wish someone handed us when we were first diagnosed with foot drop. With this support, we’ll be able to send guides directly to physical therapy clinics, orthotic providers, and neurology offices to reach people right at the start of their journey. As the guide says: “You’re not broken. You’re not less than. You’re still capable, still worthy, and still complete.” Kasey Gilmore, founder AFDA

San Antonio, TX – San Antonio's Traveling Duo-U-Haul Art Exhibition

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

Back in November of 2024, I was an undergraduate student in my final year of college at Texas State University. Being a fine arts major, part of our thesis portfolio class required us to set up a fully student-led art exhibition with our classmates, in which we had to figure out the venue space, funding, curation, installment, and more. Our team decided to proceed with San Marcos' first U-Haul art show, Leave The Bones, in which we funded and rented out two large U-Hauls for a night of art fun hosted at Sean Patrick's Irish Pub. It was wildly successful, and the payoff and planning were well worth it. Some of our original members of our team found the experience so unforgettable that we want to try to pursue this and make it a legitimate event to look forward to in the future, one that can happen semi-regularly, starting with our personal hometowns. Not only that, but we want to make it into a self-sustainable event, eventually being able to gain enough traction to where we can function with help from our own community, and open up to submissions from the public, local artists by us, not just limited to our original team of artists. Our duo- U-Haul art show will follow the same blueprint as our current Leave The Bones show did-- we will find a venue (ideally a downtown local restaraunt or pub with a lot space), and settle on the curation for each truck. Trucks will ideally be operating during the night of first friday, and perhaps the rest of the weekend nights as well. This is a free to visit exhibition open to any and all ages. We have catering and a separate booth where the artists from the trucks can sell prints and stickers. Artists can also sell their pieces in a red-dot fashion if they want to. A very limited amount of profits will be used to fund the next show, and with a small pool going, hopefully enough to continue sustaining itself as a bi-montly or so event.

Toronto – The Youth Canvas Exhibition

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

The Youth Arts Gallery is a vibrant, community-driven project showcasing artwork by children ages 7-10 years old. It is designed to spark confidence, creativity, and civic engagement. This project is inclusive and uplifts young voices while bringing together art, community and education. The objective is to help children become confident presenters of their own work and see its real-world value. Each youth will enter a series of paintings (maximum 5) and will have an opportunity throughout the event to speak on their visuals to an audience of not only friends and family, but also patrons who frequent the location. Families and locals have an opportunity to gather to celebrate local creativity and there will be future opportunities to present this event as a culminating activity for youth who express an interest in visual art. This gallery provides children the experience of displaying art to public audiences, empowering them as visual contributors to Toronto's cultural ecosystem and their pieces will also be for sale, which will teach them about being producers rather than consumers. This is important especially for youth in underserved communities who may not learn about opportunities to visualize art as a sustainable avenue even though their talent says otherwise. The motivation to put an event like this together, is to broaden the children's perspective on their abilities, creativity, and art economics. The space has already been donated by Harlem Restaurant in Toronto, ON, and this will draw diverse families and community members which builds intergeneration and cross-cultural appreciation. Grassroots art programming is essential to Toronto's tapestry of cultural diversity and identity. Harlem Restaurant is renowned for supporting arts and provides a culturally significant setting, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. The donation of the space promotes communal arts education while aligning with their creative mission. Photo credit: Harlem Restaurant

San Antonio, TX – Cycles For Change

2025-07-31T00:00:00Z

Cycles for Change (C4C) is a youth-led nonprofit that combats period poverty by distributing free menstrual products, raising awareness, and dismantling the stigma around menstruation through education and advocacy. What started as a small community drive has grown into a movement. We've launched a blog and podcast featuring real stories, and built a growing ambassador program of passionate teens. Our work has been recognized in San Antonio news, and we’re currently lobbying for menstrual equity policies in Texas schools. But we’re not stopping there. With support from the Awesome Foundation, we plan to scale up our impact by expanding internationally, hosting period positivity workshops in underserved schools, and expanding our ambassador network across Texas. Our goal is to make menstrual products as accessible as toilet paper and to empower every young person to advocate for dignity and equity. We believe a more inclusive, stigma-free world starts with honest conversation and action.

Rhode Island – Writers' Block Party: Resistance!

2025-07-30T00:00:00Z

This July, we're supporting LitArts RI's project, "Writers' Block Party: Resistance!" On Sat, Oct 18, they'll host a Writers’ Block Party designed to inspire Rhode Islanders to engage with the issues that matter most as citizen writers. Participants will be invited to explore the connection between writing and activism through hour-long micro-workshops on op-eds, oral and written testimony, flash and hybrid forms, and sign-making. Between sessions, participants can take time to network and brainstorm, write postcards to elected officials, enjoy a potluck lunch, and participate in a guided community discussion on next steps and submissions.

Yerevan – Vandzor Rock booth

2025-07-29T00:00:00Z

We want to build a small, closed booth in the center of Vanadzor that functions as a mini-museum and listening space dedicated to Vanadzorian and Armenian rock music. Inside the booth, visitors will find headphones, a music streamer, stories and photos from the city’s rock history, and a small seat where they can sit, listen, and explore. The experience will be quiet and immersive — like stepping into a time capsule of Vanadzor’s musical soul. The booth will feature curated tracks from local bands, archival materials, and personal stories. It’s not just a playlist — it’s a journey through a forgotten cultural revolution. Vanadzor was once a center of Armenian rock, and this booth brings that past back to life in a new, fun, and meaningful way. We want people — especially youth — to discover something they didn’t know existed, to feel inspired, and to reconnect with their city in a new way. This is more than music; it’s memory, identity, and pride packed into a small, creative public space. We believe that reviving Vanadzor’s rock legacy can energize today’s cultural life too.

Oahu, HI – Exploring the Art of Ukiyo-e (Japanese Woodblock P

2025-07-23T00:00:00Z

Our students, from Noelani Elementary in Hawaii, are involved in a Sister School/Homestay Exchange program with a school in Sakai, Ibaraki, Japan and we are learning about the culture and history of Japan as we prepare for a trip to Japan in the Fall. The integration of art along with the study of the Japanese culture will deepen their learning experiences, especially with Ukiyo-e hands-on art kits. The art kits are recreations of famous prints, and they are easy to use for students to experience the multi-layer printing process. We will be making a visit to the Tokyo National Museum that has actual ukiyo-e woodblock prints on display that the students will explore as we go through the museum. Being able to create their own works of art would be an amazing connection. As a community service, we also have a community booth at our craft fair to present our trip experiences and these are kits would be a great interactive experience as well. The students man the booth to share their learning experiences, pictures and a cultural craft (previous experience was origami folding).

Gainesville, FL – Nurture Fest

2025-07-23T00:00:00Z

The inaugural Nurture Fest is an event grounded by intersecting values of community-building, collaboration, and paying it forward. Initially conceived as a small celebration of two recording grant recipients, Nurture Fest has grown in scope to become a carefully curated community event of (non-exclusive) women-centered arts and artists. Nurture Fest is slated to take place at Heartwood Soundstage on Sunday, October 12th, 2025. The music lineup already includes Gainesville musicians such as Lexi Braun (Palimony), Chelsea Carnes (Wax Wings, Rancho La Chua, etc.), Maggie Clifford, and some up-and-coming regional talent, including recording grant recipients Sarah Hinds (Gainesville) and Savannah Rubio (St Augustine).

Chicago, IL – Honor Boxes: Flowers While They’re Here

2025-07-22T00:00:00Z

Honor Boxes is a community-based, multigenerational art and storytelling initiative where participants create custom floral arrangements and handcrafted “Honor Boxes” to recognize everyday heroes in their lives. Whether it’s a neighbor, teacher, bus driver, nurse, or grandmother—this project encourages people to pause, reflect, and say thank you in real time. At our mobile pop-up flower station, community members will design their own floral arrangements and decorate personalized boxes, each with a handwritten note or story about the person they’re honoring. The goal is simple but powerful: shift the narrative that flowers are only for funerals and instead celebrate people while they’re still here to smell them. Inspired by our Fridays Flowers initiative—which quietly acknowledges individuals making a difference—Honor Boxes is a creative evolution. It invites deeper community engagement through hands-on participation, storytelling, and public appreciation. The event will culminate in a sharing circle or public acknowledgment ceremony where participants present their Honor Boxes or deliver them directly. What makes it awesome? It centers gratitude and connection in a world that often rushes past both It brings people together across generations It’s simple, beautiful, and emotional—flowers + art + words It’s public, visible, and participatory It’s a gentle but firm resistance to the idea that appreciation must wait for loss