tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/pt/projects?page=1 2026-06-23T14:12:47Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/582419 2026-06-18T00:00:00Z 2026-06-23T14:12:47Z This is our second stab at getting some awesome money for our awesome project! Music in Compton Park is a homegrown music festival in the Sunnyside neighbourhood of Kingston (just south of Kingston Centre, between Princess and Brock) that has been running for the last 3 years. We have been able have the community come together and connect at this yearly event while enjoying live music, food, face painting, and crafts in our own local park. We want to maintain a welcoming and inclusive space where families, children, and residents of all ages and backgrounds can gather and spend time together as a community. We work to create opportunities for neighbours to share their own music and talents. In addition, we strive to strengthen the culture of our neighbourhood through diverse artists, musical styles and languages. This festival is entirely volunteer-run and made possible by the dedication, skills, and passion of community members. We want to continue to create a fun, accessible, and inclusive experience for everyone. Sharon Meehan Music Festival in Compton Park https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563983969079 OR on instagram at musicincomptonpark Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/577105 2026-06-18T00:00:00Z 2026-06-19T01:10:34Z In 2026, our nation marks a monumental milestone the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. For two and a half centuries, generations of brave individuals have shaped our history and defended the freedoms we cherish today. This year, we want to bring that history home, by honoring those who are not only part of America’s history but part of our community: our veterans. Local photographer Jason Grow has already helped preserve these stories through his powerful exhibits, “Those Who Served” and the World War II Veterans Project, which captured the faces and stories of veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War. These photos are not ones you will find in textbooks, these are ones closer than that, these are our family, friends, and neighbors. We want to build on his incredible work in a way that is both meaningful and visible to the entire community. Our vision is to showcase these portraits on a large LED screen truck traveling along the 2026 parade route, turning the parade into a moving tribute where thousands can witness the faces of those who served, reflect on their sacrifices, and celebrate their legacy in real time. The total cost for the LED truck, driver, and setup is $1,200. We are seeking $1,000 from Awesome Gloucester to help bring this project to life and ensure that this tribute reaches as many people as possible. This isn’t just a display, it's a moment of connection between past and present. A chance to honor our heroes not quietly, but boldly, in the heart of our community celebration. Cheryl-Lynne Goolsby 250th tribute to veterans in our community United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/539326 2026-06-16T00:00:00Z 2026-06-17T00:35:30Z Christmas in Rockport, Inc., is a non-profit that my wife Courtney and I created. The mission for the organization is expanding a coordinated, town-wide holiday initiative to position Rockport as a premier New England winter destination. Building on existing traditions, the project introduces curated programming—live music, seasonal food, family-friendly events, and immersive downtown experiences—paired with targeted regional marketing campaigns designed to attract visitors throughout the holiday season. By increasing winter visitation and engagement, the initiative supports local businesses, strengthens the regional economy, and reinforces Rockport’s identity as a vibrant, year-round coastal destination. Marshall Tulley Christmas In Rockport Project United States Rockport, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/rockport tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/549837 2026-06-15T00:00:00Z 2026-06-23T21:00:45Z "Little Free Bus Stop" will be a space by the bus stop that includes a bench, a snack pantry, and an activity library based on how much time you have until your bus arrives. Reading material, small crafts, puzzles, and more will be organized into categories such as 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes depending on how long it takes to engage in. Some things will be free for the taking. Some items might be kept in the library so others can use them. There may even be the opportunity to create a community craft that multiple people can interact with over time. So many of us worry about being unwanted and unwelcome these days. So many people spend time apologizing instead of just being. The goal is for bus goers to have the opportunity to sit, rest, and know they are embraced by their community. Kelsey Leach The Little Free Bus Stop http://N/A United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/470448 2026-06-15T00:00:00Z 2026-06-13T22:42:10Z A Self Love Arts and Crafts Club Vision Statement: When you create Art from the Heart it can prevent your brain from Falling apart. Mission Statement: Veterans come back home from service feeling disconnected to their community and outside world. The wounds of war are not always from combat and are not always visible. Mental health issues from service to your country come in a variety of forms. A person who has been impacted by a significant trauma can be plagued with fear, loss of self confidence, depression, anxiety and PTSD. This can make someone become isolated and lose that sense of community. A community is so vital for humans to feel a sense of purpose and worthy of living. As a women veteran you signed the dotted line willing to risk it all to fight for the freedom of others and our country. In this group I ask you to fight for yourself to create from your heart just as hard as you fought for others for a change. You are worth it. We chose the Mermaid as our mascot. Mermaids represent the ability to change and evolve, reminding people to embrace inner transformation and adapt to new phases of life. They can serve as guides for those seeking to connect with their inner creativity and power. This group is a safe place for an individual to channel their inner mermaid to remember you are worth happiness and joy. While having a group of peers to support you through your creative journey. Each meeting we channel our inner creativity through different arts and crafts projects challenging us to try something new. Trying new projects is to evoke a sense of self confidence and joy. We choose a different local location for each meeting to challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and into your local community by supporting a local small business. Jamie Hartje The Artsy Women Veterans Collective http://none United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/552468 2026-06-14T00:00:00Z 2026-06-15T12:53:01Z AboutFaceDetroit has run an intensive anti litter campaign in East Village for 3 yrs. To date we have stewarded major thoroughfares throughout the neighborhood through weekly clean-ups, collaborative major clean-ups, anti-litter signage and eleven new trashcan installs w/ maintenance. Last year we activated a website: AdoptaBlock/ AboutFaceDetroit, so that the entire community would be able to join the effort in keeping us clean and shiny. The costs associated for this project are not major, yet they are significant for a small 501c3. We use yellow bags for litter and leave them on the curb for our maintenance crew to retrieve. The yellow bags are a bit more costly, but serve as reminders to the community of our dedicated mission, which then inspires them to not litter as well. Our maintenance team ensures the proper disposal of yellow bags and the emptying of the eleven garbage cans installed throughout East Village. Alice James Love, not Litter http://AboutFaceDetroit.com United States Detroit, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/detroit tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/580900 2026-06-11T00:00:00Z 2026-06-15T19:53:09Z We are one of the only transgender-led, COVID-conscious, anti-colonialist, grassroots exercise groups in Baltimore. We practice Irish stick fighting martial arts (bataireacht) to not only kick ass, but also make sure there is a radically inclusive space where we can build community by bonking each other with sticks. Literally blood, sweat, and tears. This safe space has been extra special as trans folks have been increasingly marginalized (by law!), the effects of long COVID continue to threaten the health of some of our members, infrastructure is hostile to people with disabilities, and there has been a backlash against a culture of consent. Being in a space that views these challenges not as burdens to overcome, but as flavors of life we should celebrate, is freeing. Over years, we were able to build this awesome community of queer-majority, COVID-conscious, ability-inclusive, martial artists in Baltimore City through our weekly in-person classes. Then, at the beginning of 2026, our coach made the tough decision to leave the awesomeness of Baltimore for the banality of Philly. We do not fault him for it, but we miss the charm he brought to the city. Keeping the spirit alive here in Baltimore has been a challenging, but welcomed quest. We have been having weekly study sessions but we hope to host a tournament to deepen our practice. We hope that you will help support us getting gear and safety equipment for our showdown this Summer! Loam Nelson on Behalf of Irish Stick Fighting Study Group Irish Stick Fighting (Bataireacht) Summer Showdown http://instagram.com/bmorebata United States Baltimore, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/baltimore tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/580833 2026-06-11T00:00:00Z 2026-06-11T14:35:03Z Each Saturday I meet with the youth and young adults in Ellwood Park. We clean the trash and remove the needles (the children do not touch the needles) from the park and the surrounding outer edges of the park. During the summer, we are going to build a garden and fishpond during the clean-up. To further engage the youth and young adults during the summer we want to keep the children engaged in positive activates to prevent and reduce crime while building and enhancing their future outlook. Dione Rodman Ellwood Park Youth Clean-Up Project United States Baltimore, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/baltimore tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/570444 2026-06-10T00:00:00Z 2026-06-23T01:12:07Z Congratulations to our June 2026 grantee. AwesomeStPaul will be helping Agriculture Teacher Megan Hall purchase plants, seedlings and equipment to stock the school’s recently-renovated greenhouse. According to Ms. Hall, “My teaching greenhouse need to be brought back to life! For 3 years, the greenhouse had a broken cooling system and multiple pest infestations. This spring, it was repaired and cleaned, but it's completely empty! Please help my horticulture and landscape design classes bring this greenhouse back to life!” Megan Hall Greenhouse Revival United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/545392 2026-06-10T00:00:00Z 2026-06-12T18:13:24Z We have a graduation trip and graduation ceremoney coming up Farnoosh Grade 8 graduation Canada Newmarket https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newmarket-ontario tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/581729 2026-06-09T00:00:00Z 2026-06-09T23:57:41Z Thank you for considering support for opportunities like our Josh Talks. Josh Canfield is a 22-year-old autistic individual with Down syndrome who was once considered nonverbal. Through determination, intensive motor development training, and consistent practice, Josh has learned to communicate openly by typing on a keyboard, allowing him to share his thoughts, experiences, and perspective on living under a diagnosis. Josh's journey demonstrates that when individuals are provided with appropriate motor development supports, communication, purpose, and productivity can emerge in ways that many never thought possible. His goal is to help others understand that a diagnosis does not define a person's intelligence, potential, or ability to contribute meaningfully to their community. The Motor Development Foundation has helped fund programs and services that are often not covered by county or state resources. These opportunities have been life-changing for Josh and have played a critical role in helping him gain access to reliable communication. Without these supports, Josh would not have the voice he has today. Through Josh Talks, Josh shares his story to raise awareness, inspire hope, and educate the community about the importance of presuming competence and providing access to communication. These events also help raise funds for scholarships and innovative programs that support individuals with complex communication and motor challenges. Josh resides in Cuyahoga County, as do many of the children, teens, and adults who benefit from the Motor Development Foundation's programs. Grant funding would help us expand these opportunities, increase community awareness, and provide more families in Cuyahoga County with access to life-changing communication and motor development supports. Katy Custer Josh Talk 4 http://Modevfoundation.com United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/567601 2026-06-09T00:00:00Z 2026-06-09T23:19:52Z The JOBS Program is a workforce development and life stabilization initiative designed to help participants overcome barriers to employment, education, and long-term self-sufficiency. The program serves individuals facing challenges such as homelessness, justice involvement, housing instability, educational barriers, unemployment, and limited access to economic opportunities. Hosted at the Field Library in Peekskill, the program creates a welcoming and community-centered environment where participants can rebuild confidence, develop professional skills, and prepare for meaningful employment and career advancement. The JOBS Program combines workforce readiness training with personal development support. Participants receive assistance with resume building, interview preparation, digital literacy, communication skills, financial literacy, career exploration, and job readiness. The program also connects participants to supportive resources that help address barriers that often prevent long-term success. What makes this project unique is its focus on restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope. Many participants have experienced setbacks that left them disconnected from stable employment pathways. The JOBS Program helps bridge that gap by providing practical tools, mentorship, encouragement, and access to resources within a safe and supportive setting. The program is intentionally designed to meet participants where they are and help them move toward sustainable independence. By partnering with community organizations and utilizing trusted community spaces like the library, the initiative increases accessibility for individuals who may not otherwise engage in workforce systems. Alicia Simmons JOBS Program http://www.homelessremedies.org United States Peekskill, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/peekskill tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/555459 2026-06-09T00:00:00Z 2026-06-13T00:02:54Z Hello awesome people! Have you ever seen a beaver in a newstand selling beaver news and spreading the good word of river conservation? Me either! The people of San Francisco have been deprived for too long and it's about dam time that we bring them what they deserve. I have been granted the privilege of occupying a newstand kiosk for 6 months in efforts to help bring more art to downtown SF. My duty is to provide good cheer, absurdity, information, and logs. A task that I hold near and dear to my chest. I beavlieve that the world needs more whimsy and play, especially at busy FiDi intersections. Bring back the Beave! In the streets and in the rivers. If the macro is a reflection of the micro, perhaps the best way to promote the reintroduction of beavers into rivers is through absurd ways of sharing information. My master plan is to: (1) lure them in with human castoreum (aka jokes); (2) capture attention using absurdities (aka beaver conspiracies); (3) hit 'em with the facts (aka introduce the history of beavers and their importance in preserving balanced river ecology); (4) change the world for the better using good cheer and beaver jokes. Insta @whoisbeaverella Some Lady Beaver News Live http://somelady.art United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/579449 2026-06-09T00:00:00Z 2026-06-09T23:59:00Z The East Cleveland Community Choir is a free weekly singing group launching in June at Loiter, a community arts and cultural space in East Cleveland. The choir brings together seniors from across East Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods to sing, share stories, build friendships and reduce social isolation. A feature on Loiter's website is soon to follow. Many participants are older residents who have deep connections to the city's history but face barriers to participating in cultural activities, including transportation costs, mobility challenges and limited access to welcoming social spaces. The choir creates a regular opportunity for connection, creativity and joy in a neighborhood where opportunities specifically designed for seniors are limited. Alongside singing, sessions include time for conversation, refreshments and the sharing of personal memories connected to songs, places and community life. The project helps preserve local stories while strengthening relationships between residents. The Awesome Foundation grant would help ensure that participation remains free and accessible. By supporting transportation assistance, shared meals and basic session resources, the grant would directly increase attendance and make it easier for seniors to participate consistently. The choir is hosted by Loiter, an East Cleveland-based cultural organization committed to community building, creative participation and neighborhood stewardship. The project aims to create a sustainable, welcoming space where older residents can build community through music and shared experience. In a city often defined by narratives of decline, the choir offers something simple but powerful: a place to gather, sing, laugh, remember and belong. Ben Smith East Cleveland Community Choir https://loiter.us/ United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/514364 2026-06-09T00:00:00Z 2026-06-09T23:58:17Z With the input of the mental health professionals who work at my old elementary school (Onaway Elementary in Shaker Heights, OH), I would like to purchase mental health-themed books for a parent/caregiver lending library for parents of children struggling with mental health issues and or social emotional problems. Yvette Pohlman Mental Health Child Caregiver Lending Library United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/567106 2026-06-09T00:00:00Z 2026-06-09T23:19:16Z I am the social worker at Peekskill High School. Over the past five years I have run an after school cooking club with ten to twelve participants a year. many of the students I work with as a social worker suffer from poverty, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and other mental health conditions, and each year the club is a low-stress place where they can come, be a part of a group, learn meaningful skills, and have fun. We've made the four roman pasta dishes, quesabirria, chocolate chip cookies, fried chicken, a clone of Shake Shack's burger, and countless other dishes. Usually the kids walk home with ingredients to prepare the dishes at home. The group has proven to be as crucial an element of my work with the kids as my counseling sessions. At the end of each year, I try to organize a tip to a top-tier NYC restaurant. I am a food writer on the side, and through my contacts I have been able to organize trips two out of the five years, free of charge. This, of course, is challenging to pull off consistently, however. School funding to my program was cut at the end of last year. I was able to secure enough private gifts to pay for groceries for this year, but I'm currently working to arrange funding for next year. Michael Diago Cooking Club https://bittmanproject.com/tales-of-an-accidental-cooking-club/ United States Peekskill, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/peekskill tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/565389 2026-06-09T00:00:00Z 2026-06-09T12:03:01Z My friend, Michael, and I started EcoMiles a few months ago. Every Sunday at 7:30 AM, we gather a community at East Coast Park (C2 carpark), roll up our sleeves, and Plog! Plogging is an exercise combined with trash-picking. Both Michael and I are on our school's Varsity Cross Country team, and we absolutely love the fitness community--while we're also passionate about improving Singapore's green space, which isn't as perfect as people may imagine. In the past 9 sessions, we've collected 145 kg+ of trash — and that's just from going out 1km and back! We decided to use the term "Plogging" and call ourselves "Ploggers" because we want to combine both the fitness community and environmental community to thrive together. So far, we've brought together dozens of high school students, our parents, adults, and even middle schoolers, and we hope to continue to build our community to all ages! https://www.ecomiless.com/ Sam Chang EcoMiles http://ecomiless.com Singapore Singapore https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/singapore tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/547735 2026-06-08T00:00:00Z 2026-06-17T18:05:32Z Howdy! For decades, country and western fans have been begging for an all-drag-queen, -king, and -thing band. The Ratskin Family Band is an answer to these prayers. This all-drag country band performs country standards, reimagined pop hits and original country songs with queer themes. Join Amanda Prior (banjo), Kitty Creature (fiddle), Terry Dickoff (bass), Zephline (acoustic guitar), Pinny Merle (pedal steel), and Tago Mago (percussion) for a hootenanny queer country fusion band the likes of which cannot be experienced anywhere else on the planet. We’ve been performing since April 2024 and have built a beautiful live act here in Toronto that continues to grow with each show. Our upcoming EP, Back to the Cuntry (featuring newly released single "All You Fascists Bound to Lose") is set to drop in the fall and is an electrifying energetic encapsulation of our live shows, in a tight 35 minute studio performance. While the EP has already been recorded, the Awesome Foundation grant will support the band in paying other Toronto artists/costume designers/cinematographers etc to help us strengthen the visual world that accompanies our music: music videos, concert photography and promotional photoshoots so we can elevate, remain DIY and pay our team handsomely. As a drag country band, you have to see us in action to get the full picture! This project brings queer stories (real and imagined) to the forefront of a genre that has always been camp, but rarely loving to 2SLGBTQ folks. We aim to reunite queer people raised on country music with a warm hug and an album that loves them back. We also seek to create a space for people who may have never felt safe to engage with country music, the chance to challenge their assumptions, and broaden their musical horizons. Dexter Sloan The Ratskin Family Band - Back to the Cuntry https://theratskinfamilyband.bandcamp.com/ Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/566016 2026-06-07T00:00:00Z 2026-06-08T14:36:51Z What better way to celebrate clean water than joining neighbors in a unique journey of art-making, ending with a community procession through the City of Newburgh! Whether participating in creative workshops or joining the day of our procession - it is a time to commemorate the waters flowing into and through our great city! Community Art-Making & Celebratory "WaterWorks!" Procession: A series of workshops where community members will create art pieces that reflect the community, its environment and the experiences with contamination and vision for a clean future. The initiative will conclude with a community art procession, celebrating resilience and demanding environmental accountability. Through this program we hope to raise awareness, empower action, and create community connections. Jennifer Rawlison Art-Making & Celebratory "WaterWorks!" Procession https://www.facebook.com/share/1EQC8HcELL/ United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/581990 2026-06-07T00:00:00Z 2026-06-08T14:36:21Z The Old Town Cemetery Wildflower Walkway is a high-visibility beautification project along the Old Town Cemetery railing on Liberty Street and South Street in the City of Newburgh. It will transform an underutilized strip along the cemetery railing into a seasonal wildflower walkway that brings color, life, and care to one of Newburgh’s most historic public spaces. The project has four goals. First, it will encourage residents and visitors to walk north along Liberty Street beyond South Street, toward under-pedestrianized blocks that include local businesses such as Blacc Vanilla and Happy Deli 2. A continuous wildflower edge can make the walk feel safer, more inviting, and more connected. Second, it will draw attention to Old Town Cemetery, one of Newburgh’s important historic assets. The cemetery is rich with local lore, early American history, and distinctive architecture, yet many pedestrians pass by without fully noticing it. The planting will act as a visual invitation to see the cemetery as a place of history, beauty, and civic pride. Third, the walkway will support pollinators and urban biodiversity by providing food and habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects. Fourth, the project will bring together neighbors, youth volunteers, preservation advocates, local businesses, and community groups around a visible, achievable public improvement. In addition to the wildflower meadow, nearby businesses on the west side of the block, including the laundromat and two delis, will receive large terracotta planters with boxwood, ivy, and seasonal marigolds. A sign will be installed on the cemetery railing, and a new trash can will be placed near Liberty Street and Gidney Avenue to support cleanliness. Volunteers will remove litter, lightly prepare the soil, hand-broadcast a Northeast-adapted wildflower seed mix, and install the planters. Cian Hamill Old Town Cemetery Wildflower Walkway United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/541271 2026-06-07T00:00:00Z 2026-06-08T01:21:33Z The Liberation Paddle Out (LPO) is a free, community gathering that opens the door for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to experience the ocean in Santa Cruz in a welcoming and supportive environment. Hosted by Black Surf Santa Cruz, the event provides surf instruction, ocean and water safety education, and free access to wetsuits and surfboards so that cost or equipment are never barriers to participation. Santa Cruz is home to some of the most beautiful public beaches in the world, yet many communities have not historically felt included in surf culture or coastal recreation. For many participants, barriers such as financial constraints, lack of equipment, limited swimming experience, transportation challenges, and experiences of exclusion or discrimination have made the ocean feel out of reach. Liberation Paddle Out is designed to change that. Through mentorship from experienced volunteer surfers and water people, participants receive hands-on guidance, encouragement, and ocean safety education in a space intentionally rooted in belonging and community care. The event creates an atmosphere where people can build confidence in the water while connecting with others who share similar experiences. By helping people feel comfortable and confident in coastal spaces, Liberation Paddle Out expands who gets to experience the ocean and helps cultivate a new generation of diverse ocean stewards in Santa Cruz County. Esabella Bonner BSSC's 6th Annual Liberation Paddle Out https://www.blacksurfsantacruz.org/programs United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/570448 2026-06-05T00:00:00Z 2026-06-05T14:24:40Z When I was seven, my grandmother folded a paper crane from an old grocery flyer in our Houston backyard. She told me cranes used to fly over the rice fields of her village in China, that they mate for life, and were disappearing. That was how I learned about Mother Earth. One fold at a time. Years later, my friend Mia leaned over during an EnviSci Club meeting and whispered, "I just need three more NHS hours." Around us, classmates scrolled during a slideshow on deforestation. Per the Aspen Institute (2025), only 12% of American teens feel informed about climate solutions. There, I saw, to fuel climate passion, I must be creative. So I built Origami for Environmental Conservation. Through workshops, tutorials, and a global chapter network, we pair every fold with environmental science: endangered species, pollution, deforestation, water systems. In a Houston session, students folded paper boats from old newspapers while learning how 80% of ocean plastic enters through rivers (UNEP, 2024). The fold and the lesson are the same motion. Our network has run workshops in Rockaway NY, Hamilton NJ, Houston TX, and 50+ countries, led by a team of 16. In March 2025, I testified before all 15 Texas SBOE reps in Austin, including my district rep Will Hickman, and our work was cited in the 2025 TXSBOE Resolution. Recognitions: WAFF Global Teen Leader through Three Dot Dash, Gloria Barron Prize, 40K+ on Insta @origami.forgood, and ISEF Grand/Special Awards for foldable water-toxin sensor research developed alongside our curriculum. The next step: a free, downloadable K-12 curriculum teachers in Florida, Georgia, and other states without mandated climate education can run as workshops, lessons, or clubs. The first 50 printed kits ship to pilot classrooms in Fall 2026, with origami paper, species cards, and lesson plans tied to each fold. After Mia folded her first sea turtle, she texted: "I didn't know plastic killed this many. Can we do another next week?" Vivian Huilin Liu Origami for Good: Environmental Conservation Art https://www.origamiforgood.org/environment Worldwide Conservation and Climate https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/conservationandclimate tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/553476 2026-06-05T00:00:00Z 2026-06-13T04:57:56Z The Migrant Women Professional Women Network started as one woman trying to create the space she wished she had. When Kim arrived in Australia as an international student, she had the qualifications and drive — but not the network. Like many migrant women, she struggled to navigate the job market and the unwritten rules of workplaces. So she started a small gathering for migrant women to connect, share, and support each other. That small gathering has grown into the Migrant Women Professional Network. Since 2023, MWPN has run monthly events and connected over 600 women from more than 40 countries. At these events, women build confidence, form friendships, open up opportunities through connections — and some land jobs. What makes this “awesome” is that it already works. It’s grassroots, volunteer-led, and until now, largely run by one person — with no funding. But to keep going and reach more women, it needs to grow beyond one person. That’s why the Awesome Foundation Adelaide funded this project. We wanted to help this amazing group of women to build structure, share the load, and expand their impact. Valerie Deneen Growing the Migrant Women Professional Network https://migrantwomenprofessionalnetwork.com Australia Adelaide https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/adelaide tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/546877 2026-06-05T00:00:00Z 2026-06-05T23:54:23Z Wire snare poaching is decimating wildlife in Zimbabwe's National Parks. Animals that escape snares drag them through the bush; wire slowly cuts through flesh, causing septic wounds and slow death. Rangers cannot locate these injured animals in dense mopane woodland where visibility is limited and traditional visual surveys are ineffective. Current thermal drone methods detect the animal itself requiring line-of-sight or open terrain. In dense bush, this fails. This project responds to that challenge with a novel conservation technology approach: using thermal imaging to detect the heat signature of snare injuries, not just the animal itself. On March 10, 2026, Monash University researchers published groundbreaking findings in Marine Pollution Bulletin: thermal drones can detect entangled Cape fur seals by the inflammatory heat signature of their wounds, achieving 81% detection rates from 50+ meters altitude. Wounded tissue emits a distinct thermal pattern visible even when the animal itself is obscured. This project will test that idea in a real conservation setting in Zimbabwe, where the need is urgent and the operational context is difficult. Jesca Gamu Manyika Thermal Guardians: Detecting Snare Injuries Worldwide Conservation and Climate https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/conservationandclimate tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/562090 2026-06-05T00:00:00Z 2026-06-13T04:52:43Z The Village Players is a music group of four seniors. We operate from a Retirement Village at Largs Bay, SA . Although they perform shows at the Village, they are the resident Music group at Minda Inc and performed there for several years as The Village Players. Minda is the largest organisation in our state supporting people with a intellectual disability. The Village Players bring a lot of joy to these folk and their carers with performances throughout the year. A few months ago, the performers were caught in a storm and some audio equipment was damaged by the rain. To save these generous volunteers self-funding microphones, or cutting back on quality, we provided $1000 to purchase high quality gear. The show must — and now will — go on! Peter J Briggs Amplifying The Village Players Australia Adelaide https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/adelaide tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/558758 2026-06-03T00:00:00Z 2026-06-03T21:16:28Z On 20th June, community organisers Paz Roman and Larissa Dulat will host a Refugee Week Cultural Day at the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville. This community-led celebration honours the strength, culture, and contributions of refugee communities across Sydney. We are reapplying for this funding as our efforts to secure alternative financial support have been unsuccessful. Key logistics are fully locked in: venue secured, First Nations smoking ceremony representative confirmed, and a full cohort of 24 stallholders from refugee and First Nations communities ready to participate. We are in the process of securing artists for cultural performances or live music. Program Highlights Cultural Stalls & Art: Showcasing traditions and works from diverse refugee and First Nations backgrounds. Performances & Food: Live music and traditional cuisines. Children's corner: arts and crafts facilitated by volunteer teachers. Social Impact: Organisers will host a stall with all funds raised donated to the Blak Caucus and Refugee Advice and Casework Services. Accessibility: Stall holders from refugee and First Nations communities participate at no cost to ensure zero barriers to entry. This event is a celebration of resilience and belonging. With the hall secured and key representatives confirmed, your support will directly enable this vital community connection. Larissa Dulat Refugee Week 2026 Market Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/550113 2026-06-03T00:00:00Z 2026-06-10T06:07:30Z Oh My Folklore is a creative platform dedicated to preserving and reawakening the rich tapestry of local folklore within Newcastle and its surrounding areas. Our project seeks to revive a fading cultural practice: the sharing of local myths, legends, and oral histories that have long shaped community identity, collective memory, and a sense of place. For generations, storytelling (whether rooted in truth, mystery, or collective imagination) has connected people to their landscapes, as well as to each other. Oh My Folklore aims to reignite this cultural spark by uncovering and reinterpreting stories spanning from early colonial settlement in Newcastle and its surrounds through to contemporary local lore. By drawing on archival material, community contributions, and intergenerational oral storytelling, the channel will serve as a living repository of Newcastle’s cultural narratives. Through cinematic short-form videos and longer documentary-style pieces, these stories will be brought to life in a format that resonates with modern social media oriented audiences. Each work will be intentionally open-ended, encouraging audience participation, discussion, and the ongoing evolution of local storytelling traditions. In doing so, the project not only preserves history but actively invites the community to contribute to it. The impact of Oh My Folklore will highlight storytelling, but also inspire locals to rediscover hidden histories, not-so-known local places, and shared 'legends'. The project will foster deeper community connection and cultural pride. It also has the potential to support regional tourism by highlighting lesser-known sites and narratives that make Newcastle unique. Ultimately, Oh My Folklore will act as both a local archive and storytelling catalyst. We aim to honour the past while empowering a new generation to engage with, reinterpret, and continue the stories that have shaped Newcastle and Hunter communities. Emily Connell Oh My Folklore https://www.instagram.com/ohmyfolklore_/ Australia Newcastle https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newcastle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/523847 2026-06-03T00:00:00Z 2026-06-03T11:57:26Z I am hoping to run a small group program, for a 4–6-week period, for adolescent girls who have experienced sexual assault. The group program would focus on connection, resilience, healing and empowerment. The group aims to reduce isolation and promote recovery. Whilst the direction and content of the group will be generated by participants, ideas that will be proposed to them include self-care and pampering, building resilience, creating an awareness or support resource for other young women. There is considerable research as to the therapeutic benefits of group programs in recovery from violence and abuse. I do not believe there is a group of this kind currently running in our LGA. Erin Baxter Reconnect and Empower Group Program Australia Lower Hunter https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/lowerhunter tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/515924 2026-06-02T00:00:00Z 2026-06-02T16:43:43Z Xaria Does It! is a new documentary television show presented by Austin PBS. Each episode follows comedian and Austinite, Xaria J'Stone Coleman, as she learns from experts in art and culture around ATX—culminating with a live event where she'll show off what she's learned. The season 1 finale of Xaria Does It! will culminate with Xaria learning from the fabulous artists of the Paramount Theater's annual Majestic Ball, filming in June 2026. ​ Xaria Does It! celebrates the messiness and resilience of being a beginner and spotlights the talented artists, entrepreneurs and icons who are preserving Austin's history and identity. Xaria Coleman Xaria Does It! http://www.xariadoesit.com United States Austin, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/austin tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/558733 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z 2026-06-02T01:17:00Z On June 21st, 2026, we will be presenting the second annual Waterway Horns. This event takes place in New York City, and involves musicians on land and sea, performing together, and a connective, joyous event. Numerous musicians will be on a tugboat, outfitted with Staten Island Ferry Horns, playing in duet with 20-30 musicians along the land. Stefan Zeniuk Waterway Horns https://www.instagram.com/p/DKagJRnph6K/ Worldwide On the Water https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/onthewater tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/495999 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z 2026-06-01T23:49:42Z Since 2021, the Ivanhoe Village Design Committee has worked to transform a long-overlooked parcel along Virginia Drive into a welcoming pocket park for everyone who lives, works, and visits our district. Designed to be fully accessible, shaded, and flexible, the space invites neighbors to pause, connect, and feel part of the creative energy that defines Ivanhoe Village. With support from the Awesome Foundation, we hope to add a vibrant public art installation that celebrates the heart of our community. The project will feature six (6) 2’x3’ art panels mounted on the park’s existing fence, each serving as a canvas for local and emerging artists. These panels will showcase original artwork that reflects the character, culture, and color of Ivanhoe Village, empowering artists as small business owners and contributors to our district’s identity. To keep the installation fresh, the artwork will be replaced annually, ensuring that the park continues to evolve with our community. One panel will be created in collaboration with the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), offering an engaging, educational graphic about the nearby city well: connecting art, infrastructure, and everyday life in a creative way. This project extends beyond beautification: it strengthens the connection between public space, art, and economic vitality. It will transform a functional fence into an open-air gallery, turning the park into a place where residents gather, visitors linger, and local artists are celebrated. Allex Pocket Park Art Exhibits http://ivanhoevillage.org/ United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/572781 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z 2026-06-02T01:16:44Z I am building a mobile marine tracking and community outreach initiative to protect humpback whales during their breeding season in Espírito Santo, Brazil, and bring ocean conservation directly to coastal schools. I am a 25-year-old marine biologist and two-time Antarctic researcher. Recently, public scientific funding in Argentina collapsed. Refusing to let my career pause, I took absolute ownership: I spent months analyzing polar data ad honorem while baking and selling homemade cookies to buy a one-way ticket to follow the whales. This June, I am deploying for a 5-month field season with the NGO Amigos da Jubarte. - Why is this project awesome?: It strips away stiff academic bureaucracy and puts raw passion and data directly onto the water. My project operates on two simple pillars: - Active Fieldwork on the Water: Spending my days aboard research boats surveying the ocean to track, log, and photo-identify humpback whale populations in their vital breeding corridors. - Open Science Communication: Bringing the ocean to the people. I will deliver vibrant, free educational workshops to local coastal schools, translating raw data into human emotion so regular people care about marine ecosystems. The host NGO provides the field platform but zero financial assistance. I already have the technical skills, an international research grant from IDEA WILD, global backing from the Women in Ocean Science mentorship, and my outbound ticket. This $1,000 grant is the exact catalyst that removes my final bottleneck: it secures my return transit and shared volunteer housing. Your support keeps a relentless young scientist active on the water for 5 months, turning a micro-logistical solution into immediate, tangible impact for marine life and coastal communities. Paula Benedetti Antarctica to Brazil: Saving Whales http://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-benedetti Worldwide On the Water https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/onthewater tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/557343 2026-05-31T00:00:00Z 2026-06-02T20:25:31Z Most apps tell you where to go. CalmConnect helps you feel safe enough to go there. For people with autism, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, or sensory sensitivities, the barrier isn't always physical , it's not knowing what you're walking into. A restaurant might have a ramp, but if it's loud, chaotic, and completely unpredictable, it's effectively off-limits. That uncertainty is the wall. And right now, no mainstream platform consistently helps people see past it. CalmConnect is a sensory accessibility platform that helps people understand how a place actually feels before they arrive, noise level, crowd intensity, lighting, atmosphere, and overstimulation risk. But it's not a static review app. It's built around the reality that sensory experience is deeply personal. The platform learns each user's comfort levels and sensitivities over time, so recommendations aren't just about the place, they're about whether that place is right for you, today. Someone with auditory sensitivity gets a different read on the same café than someone who finds background noise grounding. The data powering this comes from the community itself, real people contributing real experiences: "Unbearably loud after 7pm." "Morning hours are calm and manageable.” "The staff were patient and never rushed me." That knowledge exists right now, scattered across Reddit threads and private conversations between caregivers. We're building the infrastructure to capture it, structure it, and make it actionable at scale. The same way Google Maps built the infrastructure layer for physical navigation, we're building it for how the world feels. So more people can stop avoiding life and start living in it, fully, on their own terms. **What our grantee is saying:** "Receiving this grant is incredibly meaningful to us because it acknowledges a problem we have seen firsthand: many people with autism, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities avoid places, opportunities, and experiences simply because the environment is unknown. CalmConnect was created to make those situations more predictable, accessible, and manageable. This support will help us continue improving the platform, work directly with users and disability organizations, and expand features that empower people to navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. We're grateful to the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter for believing in our vision and helping us bring it to more people." Ahan Banerjee and Pranay Kancharla CalmConnect Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/547528 2026-05-31T00:00:00Z 2026-06-02T20:23:22Z Every year, hundreds of thousands of NYC Housing Court cases are filed. Most tenants appear without a lawyer, and many lose their cases, but not because the law was against them. They lose instead due to things like missing a 30-day deadline they didn't know existed, filing in the wrong courthouse, or not knowing that a pending motion doesn't pause their appeal clock. Importantly many don't know that losing at trial isn't necessarily the end: it positions you to initiate the appeals process, which can result in a binding win for you and every other New Yorker. The [NYC Housing Court Appeals — Pro Se Guide](https://courtnav.vercel.app/) is a free, mobile-first decision tool designed to expand the resources available to self-represented litigants. By asking tenants one question at a time (e.g., _Which borough? Did you receive a Notice of Entry? Is eviction imminent?_), it generates a personalized, printable action plan with the exact court addresses, deadlines, and procedural steps for their specific situation. No two users get the same checklist, but every user gets the precise information they need to successfully file an appeal. This grant will support Aidah in a legal review of the application to ensure the procedural guidance stays current as court rules change, as well as translations into additional languages to be able to support as many New Yorkers as possible. In addition, grantee Aidah Gil writes of her own journey in building this application: _"Beyond the tool itself, building this has been a deeply personal journey for me. Besides having my own housing court case, for a long time, I didn't think I was smart enough to code. That changed when I discovered the free [TechConnect program at the New York Public Library (NYPL)](https://www.nypl.org/techconnect?location=&type=&topic=&series=200787&date1=0&date2=0&date_op=&audience=0&page=1&items=282). Through their classes, I learned HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. I gained the confidence to start learning other languages on my own, and quickly realized that not only could I code, but I absolutely loved it._ _As someone who loves to think deeply, explain complex ideas and communicate them, coding has given me the power to actually build the things I am trying to explain. It has completely changed how I create—and honestly, giving life to these ideas is probably going to do wonders for my social life, too. I love coding because I experience it as empathic communication and a psychological asset. It allows me to build things that protect people from getting overwhelmed by complexity, and myself from becoming exhausted by explanation. After all, why explain in paragraphs what I can demonstrate through production? I have to preserve my energy. From now on, everybody's getting a link as a response if they ask me a complex question; and I won't be trying to convince anyone with words anymore… they can argue with my prototype LOL._ **_"So, here's the conclusion and short version of this call to action: I really want to encourage anyone else who feels intimidated by tech or like they're constantly explaining themselves to give it a try. You are absolutely smart enough to code, the resources are out there waiting for you and coding will let people experience your brilliant solutions without getting bogged down by the complexity of how you got there (you can enjoy that complexity yourself on the backend! haha)._** Aidah Gil NYC Housing Court Appeals — Pro Se Guide https://courtnav.vercel.app/ United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/581760 2026-05-31T00:00:00Z 2026-06-01T23:49:10Z An exhibition of 50 images by Terry Olson, each of a different state he's visited, paired with a taste of the nationally celebrated LOCAL Wondermade marshmallows with a flavor from each state. Free and open to the public with performances by performers hailing from various parts of the USA! Nathan Clark & Terry Olson 50 States event for America 250. United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/551826 2026-05-31T00:00:00Z 2026-06-09T00:39:03Z The Otay Mesa Detention (OMD) Collective was formed in solidarity with our neighbors to witness, protest, and advocate against the treatment of those held within the San Diego detention center, located in Otay Mesa. We are united in our opposition to unlawful and inhumane ICE operations that target individuals seeking safety and opportunity. During our weekly vigils, we invite supporting organizations to host as we break bread and raise funds. We gather to play music as loudly as possible so that those inside can hear us, hoping to provide a brief reprieve from the conditions of their imprisonment. We have continuously held weekly vigils for 26 weeks and plan to persist until the detention center is closed down. All funds raised are deposited into individual detainee accounts for external communication and commissary. These funds provide access to essential needs and basic human rights, such as: - Communication: Enabling detainees to alert family members of their location, share information, and reach legal aid. - Commissary: Allowing for the purchase of basic hygiene products not supplied by the detention center, such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins. Funds may also be used to purchase supplemental nutrition and clean drinking water to try meet basic health requirements. Our mission is to provide the resources necessary for survival and basic dignity to detainees, while bringing to light the human rights violations occurring in these overcrowded and inhumane conditions. To date, we have served over 500 individuals, with 248 receiving regular funds. The OMD Collective, a group of small, grassroots non-profit organizations, includes the SD Bike Brigade, Borderlands for Equity, Racial Justice Coalition of SD, Showing Up for Racial Justice, Ponte Your Moños, and Activate San Diego. Rita Alvarez Otay Mesa Detention Center Collective https://otaymesadetentioncollective.org/ United States Los Angeles, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/los-angeles tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/559862 2026-05-30T00:00:00Z 2026-06-03T00:05:16Z The HICOON project is a mission to bring the underwater world of Oahu to the surface in real-time. We are expanding our network of live-streaming underwater cameras at key dive sites (like Kewalo Pipe and the Electric Beach) to provide the community with 24/7 visibility into ocean conditions, surge, and marine life activity. While Lu’uLive already provides surface-level forecasts and drone views, these underwater "eyes" are a game-changer for ocean safety and conservation. By seeing real-time visibility and current before leaving home, divers can make safer decisions, reducing unnecessary travel and potential rescues. Furthermore, these cameras serve as a "Visual Archive," documenting coral reef health and providing a platform for local schools and researchers to observe Hawaii’s unique marine ecosystems without getting wet. It’s about making the ocean more accessible, safe, and transparent for everyone. Matthew Feeley Hawaii Community Optical Observation Network http://LuuLive.com United States Oahu, HI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/oahu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/538794 2026-05-28T00:00:00Z 2026-05-29T01:02:17Z Gloucester soft shell clam populations have been declining for well over a decade, and it is not largely due to pollution or overharvesting. It has to do with predation. Green crabs are an invasive species that have severely impacted clams and their environment by voraciously eating young clams and larvae. In 2025, I worked with the Gloucester Shellfish Dept on a project that passively collected clam larvae. With 65 boxes, we collected over 30,000 clams. This proves clams are reproducing but not surviving. Dr Brian Beal, a top clam researcher, states that removing only adult green crabs won’t by itself fix the problem. The smaller crabs are the greater threat, vacuuming larvae up at a tremendous rate. To date, there are no efforts to reduce smaller crabs. My project is to test several modified traps to see if I can collect these smaller crabs. There will be different modifications used to see what works best, and how many crabs I could possibly catch. The modifications involve creating readily-accessible small complex environments that the crabs will treat as a “crab hotel” using methods such as baffled small mesh, pine branches, and a 3d printed “hotel”. Any bycatch will be removed and the green crabs destroyed. I have two test sites in mind - Jim Durney and Jones River near Ram Island. Traps will be checked regularly and data will be recorded and shared with the public. Sarah Valencik Green Crab Microenvironment Trapping Project United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/529967 2026-05-28T00:00:00Z 2026-05-29T01:03:42Z I was recently in Maine for a schooner festival and saw that they had banners on the street poles to promote the event. Knowing that we have the same type of pole setup and banners I wanted to create the banners for the Gloucester Schooner Festival over Labor Day. It's something we could use year after year and build on by adding more banners over time. This project will help promote the efforts to celebrate the maritime event and draw attention to the events that educate the general public about the maritime heritage and culture of the schooners. Gloucester Schooner Festival is a non profit group and while Maritime Gloucester is the host, they are not part of this request. Melissa Cox Gloucester Schooner Festival street pole banners https://www.maritimegloucester.org/schooner-festival United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/525629 2026-05-28T00:00:00Z 2026-05-29T01:04:31Z 1. Our Mission Over the last 5 years the 100 Trees Project has been dedicated to restoring Gloucester’s urban canopy, one heat island at a time. Our mission is to mitigate climate change, improve air quality, and enhance the physical beauty of our city by planting and—crucially—maintaining native trees in high-need areas. 2. Proven Success in Gloucester We don’t just plant and walk away. To date, we have planted 75 trees in Gloucester alone and successfully transformed several pockets of the city. Last year’s grant from Awesome Gloucester and other funding sources was instrumental in: •. Planting 27 trees in 3 different locations. Burnham Playground, John Alto Park, Lincoln Park GHA housing. • Engaging community volunteers for planting days. • The Impact: We’ve seen a measurable increase in sidewalk shade and a renewed sense of neighborhood pride in our previously "gray" corridors. 3. The 2026 Awesome Focus: Washington Street This year, we have secured a grant from the ECCF for 35 new trees. We are focusing 25 of these along the sidewalk along Washington Street, directly across from Addison Gilbert Hospital. • The Challenge: This stretch of Washington Street is a documented "Heat Island" and as an Environmental Justice (EJ) community mapped by MAPC and DCR, this area disproportionately feels the heat every summer. • The Timeline: The trees are purchased! We will be in the ground on April 18th. 4. From Asphalt to Canopy: The Vision Using AI visualization (see attached 2026 and 2036 images) , we’ve mapped the transformation of Washington Street: • Spring 2026: A unrelenting stretch of asphalt-heavy area. • Spring 2046: A lush, green corridor that lowers ambient temperatures, protects pedestrians from the sun, and provides a "green lung" for hospital patients and neighbors. Prataap Patrose 100 Trees Project http://www.100TreesProject.Org United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/562885 2026-05-27T00:00:00Z 2026-05-28T22:08:57Z Rasputin II: Bring Back the Groove is a sequel to the hit PVD Fringe performances and subsequent fall run at The Wilbury Theatre Group, to sold out audiences. Grigori Rasputin never died, made his way to the US, and has transitioned from providing mystic powers of love to the Romanovs to being a self-love guru to poor repressed capitalistic Americans. Rasputin, LIVE! The first show was about how to unconditionally love yourself through Bolshevick-inspired Zumba, participation potatoes, Madonna lipsyncs, on-stage therapy sessions, and more. It brought audiences of ~100 together every night to dance during the show and in the dance party that ended the performance. A true fever dream we are very happy to support. kit grindeland RASPUTIN II: BRING BACK THE GROOVE! https://kitgrindeland.com/rasputin United States Rhode Island https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/rhodeisland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/546087 2026-05-27T00:00:00Z 2026-05-28T10:35:10Z «Վահե Մելիքսեթյան» հիմնադրամը 2025 թվականից Հայաստանի երրորդ խոշոր քաղաք Վանաձորում կազմակերպում է ամենամյա վազքի կիսամարաթոն: Մեր առաքելությունն է խթանել առողջ ապրելակերպը, համայնքային զարգացումը և մարզային տուրիզմը՝ միաժամանակ հավաքելով միջոցներ առողջապահական մասնագիտությամբ ուսանողական կրթաթոշակների, մասնագիտական վերապատրաստումների համար: 2025թ․ մեզ հաջողվեց ներգրավել 400 վազորդ Երևանից, Հայաստանի մյուս մարզերից և արտերկրից: Վազքը ներառում էր 4 վազքատարածություն՝ 1կմ (մանկական), 5կմ, 10կմ և 21,1 կմ (կիսամարաթոն): Միջոցառումը ունեցել է զգալի տնտեսական ակտիվություն Վանաձոր քաղաքում և մարզում՝ սպասարկման ոլորտի, ժամանցի և տեղական բիզնեսների համար։ Առաջարկում ենք այս տարի գործարկել Մանկական 1կմ Վազքուղի Awesome Foundation-ի գործընկերությամբ: 2026 թվականի օգոստոսին նախատեսվող վազքի համար նախատեսում ենք ունենալ հատուկ 1 կիլոմետր մանկական վազքուղի 5-12 տարեկան երեխաների համար: Սա կլինի միջոցառում, որի հովանավորը կլինի Awesome Foundation-ը և կդառնա վազքի օրվա ամենահուզիչ և ներշնչող պահերից մեկը: Ինչու՞ է մանկական վազքը կարևոր: Առողջ սերնդի ձևավորում - Երեխաներին վաղ տարիքից սովորեցնում ենք սիրել սպորտը և ակտիվ ապրելակերպը Ընտանեկան միջոցառում - Ծնողները գալիս են ողջ ընտանիքով, երեխաները վազում են, մեծերը՝ որպես հանդսիատես խրախուսում Վանաձորի երեխաների համար -Մարզերի շատ երեխաներ չունեն հնարավորություն մասնակցելու կազմակերպված սպորտային միջոցառումների: Սա կլինի անմոռանալի փորձառություն նրանց համար Ներառականություն - Յուրաքանչյուր երեխա՝ անկախ ֆիզիկական պատրաստվածությունից, կարող է հաջողությամբ մասնակցել վազքին և ստանալ մասնակցության մեդալ Ներշնչանք մեծ վազորդների համար - Վազքի մասնակիցների համար երեխաների ներկայությունը մոտիվացնող է Ինչ կներառի Awesome Foundation Մանկական Վազքուղին՝ Պաշտոնական 1կմ մանկական վազքուղի Վանաձորի կենտրոնում 200 երեխայի մասնակցություն Մեդալներ բոլոր ավարտողների համար Նվերներ հաղթող երեխաներին Նախատեսվում է նաև տոնակատարություն երաժշտությամբ և զվարճանքով Ընտանեկան լուսանկարչական գոտի Awesome Foundation լոգոյով Azatoohi Simonian Awesome Foundation Մանկական Վազքուղի-Վանաձորի վազք http://Meliksetyan.org Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/518730 2026-05-27T00:00:00Z 2026-06-21T23:56:16Z The Idea We live in a time when division feels like the default. We scroll past people who think differently, live differently, and see the world differently, and rarely stop to sit across from them. Common Ground in the Common Place is a simple antidote to that. With a $1,000 grant, we will fund 20 shared meals or coffees between 40 people who might not otherwise share a table, pairing strangers or acquaintances who differ in age, background, political perspective, lifestyle, or worldview. Young and old. Liberal and conservative. Long-time local and newly arrived. The combinations are as varied as our community itself. The premise is beautifully uncomplicated: sit down, share a meal, find what you have in common. Outcomes... 20 gatherings completed within [90-120] days of funding 40 community members who sat across from someone different, and found something they share 20 posts on The Awesome Foundation's Facebook page documenting what was discovered, helping lend visibility to the Awesome Fondation's Initiative. Patronizing local businesses A replicable model that other communities can adopt with minimal resources Natalie Bowers Common Ground in the Common Place http://na United States Hamilton-Wenham, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/hamilton-wenham tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/549111 2026-05-26T00:00:00Z 2026-05-27T16:00:30Z Blind Service Chicago is launching Core Compass, an adaptive Pilates program for people who are blind or have low vision. Created with Chicago small business Movement Med, the program brings people together through movement, wellness, and community connection while making fitness more accessible for Chicagoans often excluded from traditional fitness facilities and programs. Core strength is especially important for people with vision loss because movement often depends more on balance and body awareness than visual cues. A stronger core can improve posture, steadier walking, safer weight shifting, and quicker balance reactions. It can also reduce fatigue and help lower fall risk. When the body feels centered and supported, everyday travel becomes easier and more confident. Core Compass will offer weekly classes open to Chicago participants every Tuesday at Blind Service Chicago’s Bernstein Center in downtown Chicago. Sessions will be led by instructors holding Pilates Instructor (Mat and Apparatus) Certification and The Medical Exercise Training Institute’s Advanced Medical Exercise Trainer Certification. Equipment for classes has already been pledged through in-kind support, making the program ready to launch quickly once funding is secured. Accessible fitness options remain limited for many blind and low vision adults. Traditional gyms often rely on visual demonstration and can feel isolating or unsafe. Core Compass changes that through tactile cueing, descriptive instruction, individualized support, and small class sizes. Participants will strengthen their bodies, build confidence, and connect with peers in an inclusive setting. We expect to reach more than 100 blind and low vision Chicagoans through direct participation, rotating enrollment, and shared instructional resources sent throughout our community. Blind Service Chicago Core Compass http://blindservicechicago.org United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/558069 2026-05-25T00:00:00Z 2026-05-27T16:03:18Z Step into the steam and sizzle of HOTDOG HOTDOG, an all-senses, all-beef, audiovisual takeover that could only happen in Chicago. Smell the mustard. Hear the snap. Feel the bass rattle your buns. From the Loop to Logan Square, this is a night for anyone who knows there’s no ketchup in art. This is no ordinary show. It’s a fully-loaded 4D experience where you can see, taste, smell, and hear the humble Chicago-style hot dog in glorious, ridiculous excess. Digitally rendered dogs (created by slinging real glizzies at high-speed cinema cameras) collide with live performances by Chicago's best musicians and comedians. Each act remixes the visuals in real time, turning every bite and beat into a one-of-a-kind sensory feast. Arrive early for a dog-forward pre-show: eat real Chicago-style hot dogs (vegan, too!), shop artisan-made hot dog merch, and immerse yourself in the visuals. It’s part concert, part cookout, part hallucinogenic condiment dream. All our visuals are crafted by hand. We are proud to say no generative AI is used here! First, hot dog ingredients are flung around and filmed in slow motion using professional high-speed cinema cameras. After the videos are processed, we bring them into a custom VJ program we built in TouchDesigner. Finally, we add in visual distortions and audio reactivity to bring the dog to life! Visuals are played back and layered in real-time using a five-octave MIDI keyboard. We integrate live camera feeds and multiple sources of external media during a show to create a visual collage that honors the dog and includes the audience in the experience. We partner with local Chicago venues, businesses, musicians, artists, and performers. We perform at our own variety shows as well as at karaoke nights and open mics around the city. Joel Ruby HOTDOG HOTDOG: 4D Audiovisual Experience http://www.hotdoghotdog.live United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/551266 2026-05-21T00:00:00Z 2026-05-22T20:12:51Z Ryandale Transitional Housing is launching a small but powerful idea: a resident-led micro-loan fund to help people turn skills into income. Many of the individuals we support already have talents they’re eager to build on. At our women’s house, residents are creating handmade jewelry and hoping to sell at local craft markets, but the upfront cost of table fees is a barrier. At our men’s houses, residents are doing small repairs, woodworking, and furniture restoration, but lack the funds for basic supplies, tools, or even simple promotion like business cards. This project will provide small, flexible micro-loans (typically $50–$100) to help residents take that first step. Whether it’s paying for a market table, purchasing materials, or printing flyers, these funds remove immediate barriers and create real opportunities to earn income, build confidence, and develop entrepreneurial skills. What makes this initiative unique is that it is grounded in trust and dignity. Residents will be supported to set simple goals, manage their funds, and when possible, repay into the fund so it can support others. It’s not just financial assistance; it’s a stepping stone toward independence and self-worth. With support from Awesome Kingston, we can pilot this fund and quickly put resources directly into the hands of residents who are ready to act. A small investment can lead to someone making their first sale, gaining their first customer, or seeing their skills valued by the community. This is about more than micro-business—it’s about creating momentum. Patti Ridlon Hands to Hustle: Fueling Small Businesses from Wit http://www.ryandale.ca Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/561762 2026-05-21T00:00:00Z 2026-05-24T18:27:08Z Float Fest is an annual celebration of the outdoor space and wonderful community we have here in Goshen, Indiana. In actual form and function, it is a moving, outdoor music festival, slowly floating through Goshen's Millrace district each summer. In broader scope, it is a community event that brings together outdoor enthusiasts, music enthusiasts, community members' homes, people from outside the community (through bands and attendees), business owners and the general community, young and old! Additionally, Float Fest has expanded to not only a one day event, but an entire week of celebrations focused on the Goshen Millrace and elkhart river. This year we will have 2 bonus concerts at Goshen Brewing Company, Float Fest-themed Music Bingo, a Group paddle of "The Loop" on the Elkhart River, and other events during the week leading up to the festival. Float Fest is the best of what Goshen has to offer, showcasing what can happen when a community comes together around a goal, with community members and local businesses donating food, drink, sound equipment, and their time to create a day of celebrating and community bonding. The actual festival has over 20 musical acts, with people playing by boat and in the park, on bridges and in backyards. We have visual artists displaying and creating work for the fest as well, including a couple South Bend Artists! Each band plays in a different backyard, and the festival moves down the canal, from yard to yard, before landing in Millrace park, where there is an additional stage, and food and drink. Float fest is a journey and is a different experience for everyone involved! Scott Lehman Float Fest Goshen 2026 http://linktr.ee/floatfestgoshen United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/550498 2026-05-21T00:00:00Z 2026-05-24T18:28:42Z Opera Uncorked is producing an opera scenes program this October. Our past shows have all been open-mic format, where singers sign up two weeks beforehand with music fitting a theme for the month. We want to take a step forward and produce a rehearsed show, full of some of the most famous scenes and duets in opera. Our goal is to perform at Ironhand Wine Bar similar to how other bands perform there. We'll charge a cover at the door, then perform a series of sets covering most of the evening. A hallmark of our shows is giving our audiences important context for the music we're performing, allowing them to understand the drama as well as appreciate the music. We would continue this in our scenes program, as the set-list structure provides many opportunities for chatting with the people in the crowd. Ben Ganger Opera Uncorked Scenes Program United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/544207 2026-05-21T00:00:00Z 2026-05-24T18:29:57Z We are overhauling our former Summer Solstice event into the first ever Portage Pickle Fest! We are city full of foodies, and this has the potential to turn into a larger festival like Picklesburg. This first year, we are planning on a paneled blind taste test of different local restaurants' pickles, followed by a sampling for the public. We're hiring a "pickle slinger" to sell individual pickles with flair (keeping it PG). We're also trying to incorporate a pickleball element where folks can learn about the sport and sign up for leagues. Pickle themed merchandise will be available from our artisan partners in The Portage Collective. We are recruiting for a drink and food vendor as well. We hope to host Unity Gardens to educate about pickling and fermentation classes. The other shops on the block will be invited to pickle theme as much as they like. Annie Johnson Portage Pickle Fest http://www.theportagecollective.com United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/550502 2026-05-21T00:00:00Z 2026-06-23T20:56:04Z Bridging and Belong aims to provide art classes to seniors who live in assisted living or nursing care facilities. These clients have medical concerns and/or dementia or memory loss diagnoses. Together with the lifestyle enrichment directors of Presbyterian SeniorCare in Oakmont, we will execute a mosaic-like work of art created by their residents, families, and staff. It is their wish that this piece of art be gifted to the residents at the new Mosaic Apartments in Oakland, which is the first affordable senior housing complex that caters to LGBTQ+ seniors in Western Pennsylvania. The project is based on the work of Chicago based artist, Reginald Laurent. He explains his art, "my art imitates life because it is representative of the diversity and inclusion of every culture, the backbone of what makes the world such an interesting, complex, and beautiful place." Dana Capsambelis Bridging and Belonging: A Senior Community Mosaic United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/538213 2026-05-20T00:00:00Z 2026-05-21T02:02:45Z Campaign Ready: Youth Political Leadership Lab is a non-partisan civic education program designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to engage meaningfully in their communities and local democratic processes. Through a series of interactive workshops led by experienced public leaders, campaign professionals, and community organizers, participants will learn about municipal and provincial government, community organizing, communications, and civic leadership. In partnership with the Alkebulan Heritage Center, workshop sessions will also be livestreamed to students in Ghana, creating an international civic education exchange and exposing participants to global perspectives on leadership, governance, and community development. The program will culminate in a hands-on campaign strategy workshop where participants will design and present a campaign plan, applying the leadership and engagement skills developed throughout the program. By connecting youth with experienced leaders and providing practical learning opportunities ahead of the October 2026 municipal election, the initiative aims to inspire greater youth participation in democratic processes and strengthen community leadership among the next generation. The project fosters civic engagement by equipping youth with practical knowledge and skills that help them understand how local government works and how they can participate in shaping decisions that affect their communities. The project addresses the social issue of low youth participation in civic and democratic processes. Many young people feel disconnected from government or lack access to opportunities that help them understand how to get involved. By providing accessible civic education and hands-on learning, the program helps remove barriers that prevent youth from engaging in public life, while building confidence, leadership, and long-term civic participation. Nadia Hansen Campaign Ready: Youth Political Leadership Lab Canada Newmarket https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newmarket-ontario tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/534336 2026-05-20T00:00:00Z 2026-06-01T03:31:48Z Every 2 years, our members at Wangi Quilters hold their Quilt Show , held over 3 days and attracting between 500-600 visitors. This in turn supports the local businesses and clubs who benefit from the influx of visitors. Our members displayed over 90 pieces at our last show, not just quilts, but other handmade items as well. Through the selling of raffle tickets to 2 beautiful quilts our club members have made, we are able to raise funds for local charities. These charities can be quite diverse, ranging from sponsoring the Wangi Fireworks, to supporting a local rowing club, to buying vital medical equipment to the John Hunter Hospital Kids Ward. Last quilt show saw us raise money for Southlakes Incorporated and Wyee Food Hub. Our members are passionate about supporting as many local charities as possible. I’d also like to thank Awesome Lake Mac on behalf of Wangi Quilters and the many charities we support. Wangi Quilters Wangi Quilters Biennial Quilt Show Australia Lake Mac https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/lakemac