Awesome Foundation - Projects

Disability – Raising Menstruation Pads 4 Girls with Disability

2019-08-31T00:00:00Z

Menstruation is very under-addressed in WASH and development interventions hence resulting in half the population with unmet needs. The taboos, myths, and barriers in Uganda and discrimination of having a disability and being female, result in unsafe, unhygienic, unconfigured WASH facilities, lack of access/affordability of pads, unhygienic washing/drying/storing practices, lack of knowledge, on-going health issues, and an atmosphere of shame having a negative effect on the girls’ self-image and worth. What our grantee is saying: "To be awarded the Awesome Disability Award is a life source for someone like me .it has been always my dream to get funds so that one day I can implement my project, not knowing how to get help or who to go to in order to be helped. My project is set to raise Menstruation pads for girls with disability whom I saw that most of the time were left out in this case and this award gives me the opportunity to go for it’.’

Gloucester, MA – Lighting for the Future

2019-08-30T00:00:00Z

The GHS Auditorium technology is in desperate need of an upgrade to the modern era. With the invention of USB drives and LED lights, the current system at GHS that uses floppy disks is desperately out of its time. Through updating the technology in the GHS auditorium to the ETC Nomad, the GHS Theatre program can become a host school for the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) Drama Festival celebration. As a host school for Drama Fest, schools from around Mass would come to Gloucester to share the short plays they have been working on and get feedback from professionals in the Boston theatre industry. Because ETC is the industry standard, most schools have lighting boards that would allow them to save their show as an ETC compatible file, allowing them to bring their already designed show to Gloucester with ease. This update is also entirely portable, allowing all of its pieces to be packed safely away into a backpack to travel, should GHS theatre want to take their Drama Fest show to another school, or should the auditorium get renovated.

New York City, NY – Ribbed Mussel Rehabilitation Project

2019-08-30T00:00:00Z

English trained ornamental plasterer Gary Francis wants to build new homes for the mussels that live in the waterways around New York City. These mussels help to clean the water in some of our most polluted bodies of water, but their habitats are being disrupted by the work that is being done, specifically the installation of steel pilings and bulkheads that are being installed to protect areas like Newtown Creek and the Gowanus Canal as they are being dredged and cleaned after so many years of abuse and neglect. _I want to create a mussel friendly covering for Steel pilings & bulkheads, to create a 3 foot band of mussels around nyc. Ribbed mussels can filter a much smaller particle size than Oysters, even bacteria & viruses. They are native to our waterways & already live in areas such as Newtown Creek & Gowanus Canal. However as both of these areas get developed & more steel piling arrives, there is less & less suitable substrate for mussels to attach. I want to change that, to improve the health & vitality of our harbor._ _One mussel at a time._ Our $1,000 grant will help Gary prototype these new mussel habitats, allowing him to build different molds and try different face coat mix formulas to see what mussels like the best. You can [follow along with his progress on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/standupvirgin/).

Rochester, NY (Inativo) – Redlining Rochester: all ages zine comic

2019-08-29T00:00:00Z

We want to create a simple accessible comic zine that illustrates the disparate experiences that a white family compared to a black family had when trying to purchase a home in Rochester during the 30s-60s. We want this zine to be spread all around town but to be particularly utilized by teachers using the curriculum on redlining, civil rights, and activism that Shane has developed and is spreading through county school districts. It will also be used as a jumping off point for kids to write their own comics about civil rights and housing in Rochester as well as a jumping for more community organizing around housing segregation across greater Rochester. In Rochester and in the U.S. individual and especially structural racism are still significant issues that have led to huge disparities in income, wealth, and health. Federal and local policies from the 1930s-60s laid the foundation for NY being the most segregated state in the country by race. In order to ameliorate these issues we have to understand how they came to be.

Washington, DC – Bridge Spot Graffiti and Paint Jam

2019-08-29T00:00:00Z

A free and open to the public paint jam at Capitol Hills beloved and legendary "Bridge Spot" skate park and open paint wall area. This will be a fun day for all! The Fridge will be inviting a reunion of our amazing 2011 Paint Jam "Monster Mash" including many now world-renowned DC-area artists. In 2011, we worked diligently to get this area under the highway, where skaters had built itinerant skate ramps and graffiti writes had tagged up for many years declared an "open paint wall"–meaning through a year of volunteer efforts permission was given by the various entities, including Friends of Garfield Park, MPD, DPW, CSX. For several artists, this was their first time painting a mural anywhere, including the DC mayors award winner Lisa-Marie Thalhammer, and now world-renowned artist Ben Tolman. Other artists were Alex Merritt, Laura Elkins, Nebsi ONE, HKS 181. Vice Versa, PORE, Jenny Sawle, Frost 215, DELVE, and Jay Hudson. PLEASE WATCH MY SHORT DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE 2011 PAINT JAM: https://vimeo.com/352250547 I am planning on throwing a fun community day at same location (permissions have all been granted) and I want to "get the band back together" and invite all the same folks and new artists to come down and paint all over again on October 27, 2019. Other aspects of the day will include free face painting, a kids sugar paint (non toxic) area, live skateboarding exposition and free lessons, and a DJ with live break dancing exposition. Also, I will be looking to secure food and water donations from area grocery stores.

Birmingham, AL (Inativo) – Perfect Punctuality

2019-08-28T00:00:00Z

Attendance rates are important because students are more likely to succeed academically when they attend school consistently. Studies have shown that chronic absences as early as kindergarten can have negative long-term impacts on reading proficiency, performance in math, test will drop out out of school. It's difficult for the teacher and the class to build their skills and progress if a large number of students are frequently absent. In short if a student is chronically absent, how can the teacher teach them? Currently Minor Community School has an attendance rate of 93%. A school can have average daily attendance of 90 percent and still have 40 percent of its students chronically absent, because on different days, different students make up that 90 percent. In order to create a student that is college and/or career ready we must tackle the issue of attendance. If awarded, Minor Community School plans to use the money to create an incentive program, "Perfect Punctuality" to increase student attendance thereby increasing test scores. Weekly small rewards: Each week students with perfect attendance will be awarded a pencil or bracelet. Movie Mania (1/9 wks): Students with perfect attendance will be allowed to watch a movie in the auditorium. The concession stand will be setup like the ones in many movie theaters. Students will have the opportunity to choose between a drink, candy and popcorn or nachos. Class Perfect Punctuality Pizza Party (1/month): Each month the class with the highest attendance will earn a pizza party. This party will consist of pizza, juice and chips. PERFECT PUNCTUALITY PICNIC (1/semester): Students with perfect punctuality will earn an opportunity to participate. We will fire up the grill and provide students with hot dogs (with all of the fixings), chips and juice. We will invite the local radio station to provide the tunes as well as lots of fun games to provide a memorable experience.

Brumadinho (Inativo) – MISSÃO E PROJETO SOMOS

2019-08-27T00:00:00Z

O PROJETO SOMOS é projeto social sem fins lucrativos, criado por um grupo de voluntários que se conheceram após trabalharem juntos no auxílio e resgate aos atingidos pelo rompimento da Barragem da Mineradora VALE em Brumadinho / MG. Esses voluntários, comovidos com a tragédia humana e ambiental, identificaram que a comunidade do Parque da Cachoeira necessitava de mais atenção, por se tratar de uma área rural e isolada do centro comercial, cujos moradores, em sua maioria de baixa renda, têm pouco acesso à educação e cultura. A proposta inicial do PROJETO SOMOS é promover a reintegração social dos moradores do Parque da Cachoeira em Brumadinho / MG, fornecendo um espaço para conforto e lazer, por meio de oficinas dinâmicas com brincadeiras, aulas de inglês, informática, música, dança, artesanato e esportes em geral. Como se trata de uma instituição sem fins lucrativos, depende da ajuda de voluntários para arrecadar recursos financeiros e doações diversas para viabilizar o funcionamento e a continuidade do projeto. Quem é o proponente Maximino Rodolfo Dacampo Júnior é missionário há cerca de três anos. Trabalhou em uma missão na Turquia, auxiliando e acolhendo os refugiados da Guerra na Síria. Lá, o trabalho consistia em buscar recursos como alimentação, roupas, calçados, remédios, além da prática do evangelismo cristão junto aos refugiados. Também como missionário, trabalhou em uma creche, atendendo crianças órfãs e carentes. Valor do aporte R$ 2.500,00 O que mais precisa além do dinheiro Apoio de voluntários capacitados e qualificados, para oferecermos mais oficinas e recursos aos moradores de Brumadinho. O projeto já recebeu - Alerta gratuito para editais do Prosas - https://prosas.com.br - Mentoria em Captação de Recursos - https://nexo.is - Mentoria em Recrutamento de Voluntários - https://idealist.org

Oklahoma City, OK (Inativo) – Granny's Community Garden

2019-08-27T00:00:00Z

Rose Knight (property owner) and I have dedicated our time to create a free Community Garden on 2 lots in the city limits of Perry, Oklahoma. We mapped out 14 (10' x 20') and 2 (10' x 30) Family Gardens, 1 (20' x 30') and 1 (8' x 20') Chaos Gardens (planted for anyone in community such as soup kitchens, elderly meals, families, youth groups, churches, etc.) to harvest, 8 (4' x 8') Children's Gardens, a Children's Growing Arch Rest Area and a Shaded Tree Rest Area. Rose and I have also planted a plot (50' x 40') for our families and donate excess produce to a Food Bank in Morrison, Ok. This is our first year and every plot was planted by numerous families, children and a couple of organizations. The gardens have produced a few vegetable harvests (mainly salad greens) so far and have been enjoyed by Wheatheart (Elderly meals), families and 1 church. We have 2020 season plans mapped out to create 2 (2'x 40') (divided into 10' sections making 8 gardens) raised gardens (for the elderly assisted living home residents in Perry, Ok) and Green house plans for early planting of bedding Plants for the gardeners for the 2020 season.

Miami, FL – Free Plastic Shredder Upgrade

2019-08-27T00:00:00Z

Plastic is everywhere, and through our natural & organic farming practices, we harvest this powerful manufacturing material directly from our local environment. Free Plastic then converts our naturally-sourced plastics into usable objects to cherish through the ages. Our mission is to locate, collect, and upcycle the nearly endless supply of plastic pollution found in our local environment, converting it into usable objects and works of art, and we seek to create community-based upcycling and prototyping centers for locally-sourced plastics and plastic pollution. Our plastics arrive to us by way of our partnering plastic farmers at Sun of a Beach Cleanup, LLC. Once the plastic is sorted out from the other types of farmed pollution, it is delivered to Free Plastic to begin it’s next journey where we sort, shred, give it all a good wash & dry, and then box the plastics until they are ready to be melted down into new objects. For plastics too polluted and/or specific types of plastics (ABS, PVC, etc), we do the same sort/shred/clean/box process, but we store these to be used in our epoxy pours -- like our new art series titled "Plastic Ocean". Our goal is to eventually be able to accept community plastics as well as our farmed plastic pollution. WLRN tells us that Miami-Dade County has only an 18% recycle rate for collected waste and that Waste Management contracts with most of the cities of Broward County have provisions that allow the hauler to decide if the recyclables go to their recycling plant or to the landfill.*. Bottom line, many of our recyclables are not being recycled, and some cities in South Florida don’t even waste the energy attempting to recycle their plastics.* Add the troubling volume of plastic pollution being farmed from our beaches everyday, and the only answer left is to act locally. Free Plastic is organically farmed plastic. No GMO's. No hormones. No pesticides. All community. *Sources available at FreePlastic.org

Ottawa – Gender Reveal Party

2019-08-27T00:00:00Z

August’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Master Cameron Eric Leon to support a drag show featuring artists who are trans, non-binary, or another marginalized gender. “My background is in performing,” explains Cameron, “but I have started producing shows out of necessity. Most of the drag bars in the city don't hire drag kings or aren't safer spaces for trans and non-binary performers. The drag scene in Ottawa is also still very white, and most shows are at inaccessible venues,” he continues. “I want to produce a show with more representation and more inclusivity not only from a performer standpoint, but also for the sake of our audience and equality in general.” Cameron, who recently co-produced an all-drag-king show called Kinging it Old School, will co-produce the new show, called Gender Reveal Party, with fellow drag kings Cyril Cinder, Miles Zinya, and Johnny B Gud. “Three out of four of us identify as trans or non-binary,” he notes, “and all of us as queer.” Cameron is a trans, non-binary, genderqueer person by day, and a fabulous and flashy drag king by night. He won Mr. Capital Pride in 2014 and the first ever Mx. Capital Pride in 2016.

Melbourne (Inativo) – Fifth Element Academy: Math + Hip Hop

2019-08-27T00:00:00Z

Brumadinho (Inativo) – Aguas Alternativas

2019-08-27T00:00:00Z

Águas Alternativas é um projeto de capacitação e construção de dois sistemas de cisternas para captação e filtragem de água de chuva, para que se torne potável. O projeto acontecerá em Novembro/Dezembro. O objetivo é construir dois sistemas, um no Córrego do Feijão e outro em Casa Branca, ambos vilarejos do município Brumadinho. O Córrego do Feijão tem sido abastecido com garrafas de água mineral, o que está criando um grande volume de lixo. E Casa Branca possui bairros que não têm abastecimento formal de água e, por isso, são abastecidos diariamente por caminhões pipa. Queremos mostrar para as comunidades alternativas para o bom aproveitamento da água, incentivando e conscientizando quanto aos aspectos da sustentabilidade que são responsabilidade de todos. A equipe responsável pelo trabalho fez parte do projeto Expedições Rio Doce Vivo, que construiu cisternas após o desastre de Mariana, e tem experiência em lidar com a população que sofreu perdas e em criar um ambiente que estimule o aprendizado e a construção coletiva. O projeto inclui uma kombi, a Zeolina, que fará projeção de filmes à noite para a população, e o trabalho se encerrará com uma apresentação do grupo Bando. A kombi também é movida por um sistema alternativo que usa água. A equipe é liderada por Vinícius Pereira, educador, músico e permacultor. Lecionou música em escolas públicas e particulares, na FEBEM, Fundação Casa, ONGs e praças públicas. Atualmente integra o coletivo Permacultores Urbanos e é responsável pelo projeto Escola de Cisterna, que forma multiplicadores para captação de água da chuva. Quem é o proponente Thais Mol é empreendedora cultural e moradora de Casa Branca. Impactada pela tragédia do Córrego do Feijão, junto com Janaína Pinheiro construiu o atelier de manualidades para as mulheres do Córrego, chamado Comfio (@comfio_atelier). Também produziu um festival de arte e cultura, o Casa Branca Fest (@casabrancafest) totalmente gratuito, sem patrocinadores, e que levou mais de 20 atrações durante um final de semana ao vilarejo. Valor do aporte R$ 2.500,00 O que mais precisa além do dinheiro Apoio para divulgar as oficinas e mobilizar a população a participar. Precisamos de pessoal para registrar as atividades e foto e vídeo. Apoio em logística de alimentação durante as atividades.

San Antonio, TX – Protecting the Persecuted

2019-08-27T00:00:00Z

The Migrant Center works to give low-income immigrant the legal tools they need to have a fair day in court. The Migrant Center works at the third largest detention facility in the U.S., just outside San Antonio in Pearsall, Texas. Very few non-profit organizations travel to the South Texas Detention Complex. We provide one-on-one in-person consultations with attorneys where we walk immigrants through the legal process, explain their due process rights, review English application forms, and conduct other work related to asylum, language access, and prolonged detention. The majority of our work is with people fleeing persecution in their home countries. We have worked with asylum seekers from 36 different countries who speak 20 different primary languages. Court data shows that without legal assistance – resulting in court hearing where asylum seekers are forced to go up against trained government prosecutors – they only have a 10% chance of receiving protection. With your help we can ensure that every asylum seeker has a fair day in court. Grants and donations go a long way for the Migrant Center. With a lean structure, assistance from the San Antonio community, and volunteer work, we can offer both pro bono and low-cost services for detained immigrants in our community.

Tallahassee, FL (Inativo) – Geeks & Gramps Program

2019-08-26T00:00:00Z

The Geeks & Gramps Program is designed to bridge generational gaps between youth and seniors by connecting them with through the use of technology. 6-10 recruited youth ages 12-18 from the community, local schools and youth centers, devote 4 hours over the summer, engaging in volunteerism, and learning to communicate effectively with other generations. Participating youth are expected to attend a specialized 2-hour preparation workshop learning facilitation, group management, presentation, communication skills, and dressing for success. Youth then volunteer 2-hours at a local senior center. The program aims to offer youth in our community, serving as subject matter experts (SMEs), an opportunity to volunteer and teach use of cell phones, tablets and laptops. The successful outcome of the program thus far has been 7 youth, who provided hands-on experiential learning to 21 seniors at the Gadsden Senior Center, teaching basic and intermediary cell phone functions. Participating youth included students from AMIkids Gadsden. DRMI plans to offer at least two more sessions, in July and/or August in Tallahassee; and the Chattahoochie Senior Center is interested in having the program at their site in July. Our expected programmatic outcomes for at least 3 sessions include: •20-40 seniors will feel more confident in using their cell phones/devices, and understand different ways of staying connected with family and friends.•10-20 youth will receive specialized training in facilitation, group management, presentation and communication skills. •10-20 youth will engage in volunteerism and learn to communicate effectively with other generations. •5-8 adults will serve as mentors/training support for participating youth. The pilot program at Gadsden Senior Center was a huge success and was featured on WCTV, see: https://www.wctv.tv/content/news/Teens-teach-Gadsden-Co-seniors-how-to-use-cell-phones-511438991.html and https://www.wctv.tv/video?vid=511452722.

Sydney – Pocket City Farms needs more TOOLS!

2019-08-26T00:00:00Z

We are Pocket City Farms, a Sydney based NFP looking at converting unused space into community farms that produce local, organic food, build community and act as an education hub. We have been operating our first farm in Camperdown for 3 years now and are looking for ways to improve how the community can interact with the farm. Our education program has just been re-vamped and we are hoping to drastically increase the amount of school children and members of the general public who can get a real hands-on experience and leave the farm with dirt under their fingernails! Pocket City Farms was started by 3 passionate individuals who believe that growing food is a way of educating, empowering and connecting people who live in the urban environment.

Rockport, MA – Stone Barn Lane Mural

2019-08-26T00:00:00Z

I'd like to recreate a mash-up panoramic scene that embraces the beautiful coastline of Rockport.

Oahu, HI – Keiki Horseback Riding Camp at Koko Crater Stables

2019-08-25T00:00:00Z

We are launching our monthly Keiki Camps at Koko Crater Stables. These camps are aimed at children ages. 6-10. Our three-hour camps cover horsemanship skills, general horse care and some riding. We keep each camp to a maximum of 12 students for safety. These are kids who are not yet old enough to join our lesson program or, who alternately, just want a brief horse encounter. It's part of our public outreach campaign to bring the public to our beautiful property.

Newburgh, NY – Terrain Biennial Newburgh

2019-08-23T00:00:00Z

September 28th–November 17th, 2019 The Terrain Biennial enables residents to feature artists’ interventions in the conventional landscape of a home, challenging the space between public and private, decoration and function, figure and ground. Terrain expands the audience of an artwork and the function of a front yard, porch, entryway, or window; fosters dialogue between neighbors and visitors; offers the experience of discovery and surprise; increases access and visibility to art; and provides opportunities for artists and viewers to experience new perspectives. The 2019 Biennial theme is to take stock of our landscape, the terrain that we occupy, the built environment, and the topology of our moment, reflecting upon the ways our environment changes us and how we change it. Newburgh will participate as a satellite “cluster” of sites. The Biennial coincides with Newburgh Open Studios (NOS), a cultural and regional draw in its 9th year. Terrain Biennial is a program that was conceived by Sabina Ott and originated in Oak Park, IL. Follow terrain.biennial.newburgh on instagram

Lake Mac – Baby in Time

2019-08-22T00:00:00Z

My greatest desire has always been to become a mother. The day my partner and I discovered we were pregnant we were overcome with joy. Although, the anticipation of a strong heartbeat turned out to be utter devastation. We feel the pain of the loss, the pain of what might have been and the dreams that were shattered, but never forgotten. I wanted desperately to confide in the other ‘one in four’ women and their partners who have experienced this. In 40% of pregnancy and infant loss cases, the cause of death is unknown. There are six stillborn babies a day in Australia and this rate has not reduced in two decades. Baby in Time is a community support group, built to remove the silence and stigma around pregnancy and infant loss. We encourage women to share their personal stories to understand that they are not alone, and access our abundance of professional resources to assist them in their grief. We hope to run monthly coffee meetups for women and men to gather, listen and offer a sense of understanding. With tangible products to honour our angel babies’ and open communication, we hope to support and empower women and men. We hope to be part of the change we want to see in the world.

Newmarket – Child & Youth LIbrary at our Community Centre

2019-08-22T00:00:00Z

Trinity Glen Housing Corporation is a well-established housing provider located in Newmarket which offers people/families an affordable place to live as for many, their income prevents them from finding adequate housing in the private rental market. A mixed family community, Trinity Glen is home to a diverse group of residents ranging in age, abilities, cultural backgrounds and household composition. A number of children live in this community and we are in the process of setting up Community Centre programs for various ages. At a community consultation meeting, children asked for a community based library where they can come after school, in the evening and on weekends to read and play games together. Their homes have limited space, and to be able to utilize the Community Centre multipurpose room under parent/volunteer supervision, is a highlight for them. Many do not have vehicular access to the public library.

Artsakh (Inativo) – Beesy toys- from the children's heart to the world

2019-08-21T00:00:00Z

The project is about children of Artsvashen village of Kashatagh region, who are going to make toys from the wood for children. The varieties are plenty - from simple playing ones up to educational, developing toys. And the magic is in the idea, that children will make it by themselves. For themselves and for all other children. The practicality of the project is that it is possible to do for all the children, it is easy, it is not dangerous, it is interesting and creative.

Chicago, IL – Flu Shots & Drink Shots -- Immunology @ a Bar!

2019-08-21T00:00:00Z

We propose to hold an event in Chicago called “Shots with Shots” to teach people about vaccines and provide flu shots. A panel of experts will discuss flu, viruses in general, and flu and other vaccines. The atmosphere will be casual and fun to lower the barriers to learning. Each attendee will receive a ticket for an alcohol shot (or non-alcoholic drink) -- hence the attention-getting name “Shots & Shots”! Vaccines are an extraordinary advancement for human health, and yet a troubling movement has developed that claims vaccines are harmful and should be avoided. These claims are based on fabricated evidence, but it remains difficult to change public opinion. Even those who understand that vaccines are safe and effective have questions or concerns about flu vaccines specifically. This event will provide an opportunity for people to ask questions, learn about immunology and vaccinations, and get their annual flu shot. The event will be held at Haymarket Pub & Brewery in Chicago’s West Loop on, September 25, 2019 in a private room (capacity 70+), that includes a separate area where flu shots can be administered. We have confirmed two subject matter experts: Susan Ross, PhD, Head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Steve Piecyk, PharmD, an Osco pharmacist. We recognize that many people access flu shots through their work or doctor. However, many employers offer the shot only once; our event will provide an extra, easy opportunity to get a shot and insurance will be accepted. Those who don’t have coverage for flu vaccines might normally skip it; this event will give them an opportunity to get a shot free of charge. We seek Awesome Foundation support to pay for flu shots for individuals who don’t have insurance and to cover event costs. We will charge a low event fee $10-$15 to cover drink tickets and, importantly, to reduce attrition in attendance. No Awesome Foundation funds will be used for alcohol.

Gloucester, MA – Unsung Hero Award Winner: Jacob Belcher

2019-08-20T00:00:00Z

We are enthusiastically nominating Jacob Belcher for the 2nd all-time Awesome Gloucester Community RandomSauce Award. Not only has Jacob served as a Trustee of Awesome Gloucester for the past six years, joining as the youngest member in chapter history at the age of 13, he is one of the most genuine and positively engaged members of our community. As an Awesome Foundation Trustee, he has regularly volunteered to (a) serve on chapter task forces, (b) play the role of Pitch Night Emcee, and (c) representing our chapter at various community events. In addition to his outstanding service to the Awesome Foundation, Jacob is among the youngest Gloucester residents to ever receive the Gloucester Citizenship Award. He received this award for his participation in Awesome Gloucester and also for his tireless commitment to serving as a role model for young people in our community. While in high school, he committed himself to the daily practice of raising and lowering the national flag. He was also a member of the 2nd ever cohort of students at the Gloucester Biotech Institute. His performance there landed him a job on the Biotech Sales team. This fall, Jacob will attend Unity College in Maine, where he will study Environmental Law and prepare for a career as a National Park Ranger. Like Sharon Lowe, the first winner of this award. Jacob is precisely the kind of person we should be recognizing with this award. He is Awesome Gloucester personified. He is deeply committed to all things Gloucester – for example, he has rowed dories, taught countless others the beauties of Gloucester’s harbor, tended to the ecosystem of Ten Pound Island. More than anything, he demonstrates great moral character and follows through on his duties and commitments. In these ways and more, he has served as a tremendous role model for members of all generations, including the older members of the Awesome Gloucester chapter. His love for, and dedication to, Gloucester is boundless.

Yerevan – Art Boxes of Gyumri

2019-08-20T00:00:00Z

Our project is to take the existing trash receptacle areas in Gyumri, Armenia, and make them more beautiful by turning the dull, metal trash bins into vibrant art pieces. The objective is to inspire care for public spaces and encourage citizens to responsibly dispose of their waste, all while creating intriguing art installations that speak to the creative history of this ancient city and supporting local artists. We hope that by transforming these areas into artistic spaces, we can change people’s perceptions of art and, more importantly, Gyumri as a whole. We will also take it upon ourselves to regularly clean the area with a pressure washer, in order to reduce the grime and foul odors which are a natural result of garbage disposal. We think it is important to be a positive model for other businesses by taking personal care of the areas surrounding our establishments, therefore harboring a good relationship with the municipality, the people of Gyumri, and our built and natural environments alike.

Brumadinho (Inativo) – Imersão Cultural Quilombê

2019-08-20T00:00:00Z

Fortalecer o ensino da História e Cultura Afro-brasileira, como estabelece a Lei 10.639, promovendo uma imersão na linguagem Griô e em expressões da arte, da dança e da música, como forma de resistência e como medida terapêutica, é o objetivo do “Imersão Cultural Quilombê”. O projeto deverá ser realizado com os alunos da Escola Municipal Antônio Hermenegildo Paiva, localizada na comunidade quilombola de Marinhos, em Brumadinho. Idealizada pelo artista quilombola Reibatuque, a proposta tem como referência o trabalho autoral "Memórias de um Quilombo”, que defende a preservação da tradição oral e valorização da ancestralidade por meio da cultura, especialmente da música. A “Imersão Cultural Quilombê” acontecerá durante uma semana na escola, quando os estudantes passarão por rodas de conversa, oficinas, e também participarão da construção de dois tambores, que ficarão para a escola. Todo processo resultará em uma apresentação, a fim de valorizar e difundir a cultura quilombola por meio de uma experiência participativa. Os recursos financeiros serão utilizados para compra de material para a construção dos tambores. Quem é o proponente: Reinaldo Santana Silva, mais conhecido como Reibatuque, é artista quilombola, cantor, compositor, percussionista e educador musical, nascido na comunidade quilombola de Marinhos, em Brumadinho. Idealizador do Batuquenatividade, projeto sociocultural que promove atividades sociais, culturais e educativas, é também fundador da Casa Quiilombê, projeto de intercâmbio e valorização da cultura quilombola. Atua na comunidade de forma voluntária há mais de 10 anos, com atividades que envolvem crianças e jovens. Valor do aporte: R$2.500,00

Awesome Without Borders (Inativo) – WHOOP DEE DOO AT WINDMULLER PARK

2019-08-19T00:00:00Z

PARADE Presents Whoop Dee Doo at Windmuller Park Project is a live variety show directed by the artist collective “Whoop Dee Doo,” in collaboration with local youth and community groups. In a time when human rights horrors dominate headlines around the world, a project celebrating unconditional love and difference feels more important than ever. Using Windmuller Park and Bandshell as venue and inspiration, the project celebrates this heavily-used public space and the diverse cultures of its visitors with the people of Queens. Hosted by outlandish pop-culture inspired characters, the show will connect audiences and performers through artmaking and performance. A wide variety of surrounding arts and cultural groups will contribute “acts” and collaborate on new pieces to create a truly unique show that captures the beauty and character of the Woodside community. Current partners include McManus Irish Dance, Tibetan Community Center of NY & NJ, Woodside Dance Troupe, Bula Arts & Culture, and Queens Music Academy. Additional partners will be announced throughout the summer. PARADE is also coordinating with local youth organizations and schools to recruit an ensemble of Queens teens to work alongside Whoop Dee Doo artists to shape the structure of the show, create original dialogue, movement, visual art, and soundscapes, perform and work backstage. The project will be a truly unique, cross-disciplinary, and crazy-creative process that's like nothing our participants will have done before, developing creative problem solving and teamwork skills. Teens will gain leadership skills and will be able to add an impressive project to their college applications. The end result will connect diverse yet often isolated populations in this neighborhood of over 45,000 people through the artmaking and performance. Importantly, the neighborhood will also get the show of their lives—and all for free.

Pittsburgh, PA – November 9, 2016 (One Thousand Cranes)

2019-08-19T00:00:00Z

November 9, 2016 (One Thousand Cranes) is a series of 1,000 photographs of 1,000 origami cranes, each folded from the New York Times newspaper from the day after the 2016 presidential election. In Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 cranes is something that an individual or community will do as a sort of prayer when someone is sick, has died, or in times of difficulty. I started folding these cranes after the election as a personal meditation exercise, a way to deal with anxiety and uncertainty. While I folded them I thought about my grandmother, who were interned during WWII for three years, starting when she was twelve years old. It was she who showed me how to fold origami when I was a kid. I thought about the difficulties that we are facing as a country now—the things that we've learned since my grandmother was a kid, and the things we haven't. As a meditation practice, folding these cranes was an exercise in patience, and in accepting the suffering that is a part of our lives every day. By folding these cranes from the newspaper itself, I wanted to transform everyday suffering into something beautiful, but also to show that beauty and suffering go hand in hand. By putting these photographs on display, I'm trying to make a case for contemplation and meditation, rather than the reactionary anger that is so much a part of our political conversations. I have exhibited the project in part as an installation of printed photographs, and then as an interactive projection of the project website. I would love to see this project in different iterations, and am working on trying to get it installed at the Pittsburgh Airport and printed as a book. I'm currently reaching out to the community to find a place to show the project in whatever form seems best.

Brumadinho (Inativo) – Produzindo biomassa na Agrofloresta Coletiva

2019-08-19T00:00:00Z

O objetivo é comprar um triturador para a produção de biomassa de cobertura, que será utilizada para a proteção da terra onde será implementada uma Agrofloresta no Acampamento do MST Pátria Livre, localizado às margens do Rio Paraopeba, município de São Joaquim de Bicas, onde vivem atualmente 609 famílias, num total de 1.348 pessoas, segundo dados divulgados pela Emater/MG em abril deste ano. A implantação de uma Agrofloresta coletiva está sendo orientada pelo Coletivo Yacarantã, que desde junho deste ano capacita um grupo de agricultores do acampamento. O projeto prevê, ainda, o cultivo de alimentos para suprir as necessidades da cozinha coletiva do acampamento e para a comercialização dos excedentes nos pontos de comercialização dos municípios da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. A agrofloresta tem como finalidade produzir alimentos orgânicos e recuperar a terra de maneira sustentável e permanente, sem a utilização de agrotóxicos ou adubagem química. Pretende-se, também, utilizar esse equipamento em outras atividades coletivas, trazendo uma vantagem enorme na produtividade e no controle da qualidade do material que será utilizado. Quem é o proponente Reinaldo da Silva Fernandes é professor, morador de Brumadinho há 56 anos, parceiro do Acampamento Pátria Livre do MST e membro da Articulação SOMOS TODOS ATINGIDOS, criada em Brumadinho pós o rompimento da barragem da Vale. A Articulação é formada por vários grupos como o MAM, MAB, SindSaúde, SindUTE, Frente Brasil Popular de Brumadinho, além de outros militantes da Arquidiocese de Belo Horizonte e do coletivo Nós. Valor do aporte: R$2.500,00 O que mais precisa além do dinheiro: Indicação de cursos sobre agrofloresta para os trabalhadores.

Brumadinho (Inativo) – Agrofloresta Coletiva: alimentos para a vida

2019-08-17T00:00:00Z

A ideia é comprar um Motocultivador à gasolina (6,5 CV Partida Manual BTTG 6.5) para a implantação de uma Agrofloresta coletiva no Acampamento do MST Pátria Livre, às margens do Rio Paraopeba, que foi tomado pela lama da VALE , e no qual vivem 609 famílias, num total de 1.348 pessoas, segundo dados divulgados pela Emater/MG em abril deste ano. O objetivo é produzir alimentos orgânicos e recuperar a terra de maneira sustentável e permanente, sem a utilização de agrotóxicos ou adubagem química, contribuindo com um projeto de trabalho e renda para os trabalhadores e as trabalhadoras do Acampamento. A Agrofloresta será implantada em área coletiva do Pátria Livre e será destinada à produção comunitária de alimentos, incluindo o coletivo das mulheres. O projeto inclui, ainda, o objetivo de obter alimentos para suprir as necessidades da cozinha coletiva do acampamento e para a comercialização dos excedentes. Quem é o proponente Reinaldo da Silva Fernandes é professor, morador de Brumadinho há 56 anos, parceiro do Acampamento Pátria Livre do MST e membro da Articulação SOMOS TODOS ATINGIDOS, criada em Brumadinho pós o rompimento da barragem da Vale. A Articulação é formada por vários grupos como o MAM, MAB, SindSaúde, SindUTE, Frente Brasil Popular de Brumadinho, além de outros militantes da Arquidiocese de Belo Horizonte e do coletivo Nós. Valor do aporte: R$2.500,00 O que mais precisa além do dinheiro: Apoio a outros projetos do Acampamento, como doação de livros para a biblioteca da Escola.

Sarnia (Inativo) – Soften the Path

2019-08-16T00:00:00Z

I truly believe that helping others does not have to be a huge deal . Why cant we just try to * soften the path * of others ? Sometimes that is a smile , a kind word - or a wee chat when someone is troubled . Sometimes we need to do a bit more , to help another . Buy that first doll for the little girl that has never had one ,,,take a struggling family some milk and eggs — buy that young girl her prom dress ,, find that table and chair set roadside and re-furnish it , for the family lacking one ,,, . Take someone to that on interview when they can not afford the gas to travel . I am very passionate about * softening the path * for others ,, however my own personal funds do not go far ennough — I see so much more that could be done with your AMAZING FUNDS .LIfe has not been kind to everyone , through no fault of their own ,, Our elederly in faciilaties for the aged here in Sarnia are lacking pyjamas and tolitries ... WITH all the individuals we would be able to help — each and every recprient will know ,, it came from the community in the form of that AweSOME GrANt FUND . I could go on and on and on ,, Our local police are struggling ,, we could find a way to surprise annd say THANK YOU !! SO much needs to be done ,, so much , I am so hoping that with each little * soften the path * guesture ,, some will play it forward ,, so in reality your Grand would become eternal

Cass Clay – HOPE Inc play production

2019-08-15T00:00:00Z

We have so many kids in our adaptive sports and recreation program that are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to be part of our next ply production! This year it will be Willy Winka & the Chocolate Factory. This is an incredible opportunity for these kids and adults who live with mobility challenges (most in wheelchairs) the chance to memorize lines, take the stage and shine!

Ann Arbor, MI – The Free Black Women's Library-Detroit

2019-08-15T00:00:00Z

Inspired by OlaRonke Akinmowo’s The Free Black Women's Library in Brooklyn, New York, The Free Black Women’s Library - Detroit is a free, black feminist pop-up book bike and trading and borrowing library that centers black women and femme authors. We celebrate, amplify and provide space for black women's voices and stories. This mobile bicycle library brings black femme literature to the neighborhood in order to provide representation, education and liberation through pop-up black feminist bike trading and borrowing libraries and biblio installations.

Buffalo, NY (Inativo) – The Bus Stop Project

2019-08-15T00:00:00Z

I love making things that make people smile. A few years ago, I won some money and decided I wanted to use some of it to help others so I went and bought $500 worth of fleece at Joann Fabrics and made over 200 fleece infinity scarves for adults and children and left them with a “random act of kindness” note at bus stops all over the city of Buffalo in the dead of winter. Everyday, I'd drive around and leave more if they were gone and did it until all of them were given away. I’d like to do it again on a larger scale this time. I’d like to do scarves again but I’d also like to make tie fleece blankets and give them to the homeless. Big (5’x9’) blankets that would keep them warm and bring them comfort. I will put my scarves at all bus stops I can get to on all sides of the city. Literally North, South, East and West Buffalo!

Cass Clay – Jeremiah Program Fargo-Moorhead

2019-08-15T00:00:00Z

Families headed by single mothers experience deep economic disparities in Fargo-Moorhead, where 33% of single mother households live in poverty, compared to 4% of their married counterparts. Post-secondary education offers a path out of poverty for these families; however, single moms face an especially daunting journey to earn a degree, juggling classes, child care, work, and other responsibilities. Jeremiah Program’s mission is to end the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children two generations at a time. We help families headed by low-income single mothers gain long-term prosperity through career-track college education for moms, quality early childhood education for their children, and holistic support for the whole family. Jeremiah families live on our Fargo campus until moms earn a post-secondary degree, forming a supportive community where both generations can escape the toxic stress associated with poverty and thrive. Quality early childhood education is critical to launching low-income children on a trajectory out of poverty, but with child care in Cass County costing up to $10,190 per year for one child, access to this essential tool is limited for single mother households. One of the ways Jeremiah Program supports families is by offering high-quality early childhood education for Jeremiah children through our onsite Child Development Center. A CDC co-located with families’ homes reduces the financial and mental burden single mothers face while pursuing a degree while also laying a strong foundation for the next generation.

Baltimore, MD – The Restorative Celia Project - harp + sword

2019-08-15T00:00:00Z

Operating under harp + sword as the principal company, I am seeking support to launch The Restorative Celia Project, a community and school-based initiative to use restorative justice to address the sexual abuse to prison pipeline in Baltimore City. It should not be surprising to know that in Maryland, girls of color are five times more likely to receive harsher school punishments or be referred to the juvenile justice system than white girls. Plus, 60% of girls of color have experienced some form of sexual assault by the age of 18 – just like Celia, who this project honors. In 1855, Celia, an enslaved teenager of color, was put on trial and sentenced to death for protecting herself against sexual assault by Robert Newsom. Like Celia, teenage girls of color are still literally and figuratively put on trial for harm done to them, while also being hypersexualized simply because of the pigment in their skin and their gender. These experiences make it difficult for girls of color to receive an adequate education and be invested in their communities. The likelihood of experiencing sexual assault and harassment increases exponentially for girls of color who have other intersectional identities (i.e., poverty, foster care, LGBTQIA, ability, homelessness, mental health, incarcerated parent, etc.). The Restorative Celia Project will demonstrate that there is a way to be proactive against sexual assault, repair harm to the school environment and community, and have long term healing impacts on communities of color by using restorative justice.

Baltimore, MD – Rights and Wrongs

2019-08-15T00:00:00Z

Rights and Wrongs: Challenging the 19th Amendment Centennial Celebrations is an exhibition of local Baltimore artists whose works address issues of citizenship, civil rights, and democracy. These artists will be commissioned to research in the Baltimore City archives, make new work, and present their works locally within the context of the 2020 election cycle. The exhibition will be held at Carroll Museum in downtown Baltimore in March of 2020 (women’s history month). The local artists who have been tapped to make this work are: Antonio McAfee, Erin Fostel, Deyane Moses, and McKinley Wallace III. This proposed art exhibition queries mainstream narratives as the centennial of the 19th amendment approaches in 2020. These narratives typically frame the suffragettes in white exclusionary terms, primarily focusing on the benchmarks achieved by white women’s efforts to vote. Such celebrations erase the challenges to white authority by people of color since the beginning of America’s democratic exercises, particularly in the 19th century. These cycles of celebration and erasure were ongoing in the 20th century as men and women of color increasingly secured, and then exercised, their right to vote. Rights and Wrongs is an exhibition will interrogate this centennial in light of the fact that equitable voter participation is hardly settled in America. Ongoing issues of citizenship, belonging, and democratic participation have been and will continue to be at stake as we enter the 2020 election cycle. Other relevant themes: Voting rights for the formerly incarcerated (which Maryland secured in 2016), immigration and voter participation, voter ID laws, and gerrymandering. Of interest are the physical sites and visual record of this history in Baltimore City, making connections in the present for local citizens in how civil rights and voter access has evolved (or not) within the historical timeline.

Seattle, WA – From Garbage to Grub

2019-08-14T00:00:00Z

University Beyond Bars (UBB), a non-profit organization that facilitates education at the Washington State Reformatory, is partnering with the Sustainable Practices Lab at the prison to develop a project for converting food waste into livestock feed. This project is conceived, designed and will be implemented by incarcerated individuals in collaboration with an amazing group of scientists and educators who have agreed to donate their time to this project. The Sustainable Practices Lab (SPL) is a very special place. Many people who tour the program are amazed to find incarcerated individuals who are also passionate environmentalists and work extremely hard to reduce the environmental impact of the prison as well as influence their community and world. They have built a program that converts up to 30,000 lbs. of institutional food waste a month using worms, bokashi and fly larva! They also regularly build worm bins, conduct training and supply worms and castings to other non-profits. Recently, SPL technicians have developed innovative methods for converting food waste into chicken and fish feed using Black Soldier Larva. This project has tremendous potential for impacting ocean fish depletion which is a critical problem facing the world. 90% of global fish stocks are fully or over exploited annually. (FAO 2014) We want to design a prototype scalable Black Soldier Fly Unit that is capable of onsite conversion of food waste into high protein fish and poultry feed that could be used at schools, restaurants, prisons etc. Anywhere that post-consumer food waste is produced. The SPL operates with little or no budget and the incarcerated technicians have gotten quite talented at using recycled and discarded items to create their systems. Creating a prototype unit will allow them to conduct trials and prove out their concept. It will also allow us to demonstrate the technology and raise funds for developing a full-scale research and development project.

Seattle, WA – Green Light Project: Harm Reduction outreach

2019-08-14T00:00:00Z

We call ourselves the Green Light Project, which is derivative of the idea of a "Red Light District," where people are free to chase their fantasies; the Green Light Project aims to provide supplies and resources to sex workers and drug users on North Aurora at no cost. We are an unincorporated group of folks getting together to provide safe sex supplies, snacks, and clean needles, as well as provide emergency services to folks experiencing crises. Coming from a harm reduction and pro-sex worker stance, our outreach focuses on supplying the community with their most basic needs and empowering them. We often go out 9-11pm or later, every Friday night, in numbers of 2-4. We ask the working girls on Aurora what their needs are, what threats they face, and befriend them.

Raleigh, NC (Inativo) – Liberation's Station

2019-08-13T00:00:00Z

Liberation's Station is a mobile African-American children's bookstore! The goal is to make representation accessible and affordable. We offer over 200 titles of African-American literature to children ages birth through 12. Often times African-American children feel discouraged or disinterested in developing a passion for reading because they cannot identify with the books introduce. Our mobile bookstore will create a safe space for their creativity to thrive, the arrival of their power, and while showing bodies of work they can identify with. I believe that my project is awesome because my arms are open to serve. The liberation of a young mind comes from the people and places within community that hold you accountable for your greatness.

Orlando, FL – INSOMNIAC at Immerse 2019

2019-08-13T00:00:00Z

Insomniac is the final installment of a 3 part installation and performance piece that have each debuted at Creative City Project's IMMERSE. The performances integrate projection mapping technology with larger than life props and classic pantomime techniques to tell a story of self discovery and the potential of everything. Each year, the stage set up for these shows have out done the year prior and this one is no different. The focal point for this final act will be a bed. However, during the performance, the bed will raise 20 feet into the air while flowing white bed sheets drape to the ground and at one point will spread toward the audience. Think of it as the largest blanket fort ever made, but with bright oceanic animations projected onto the sheets and a Charlie Chaplin-esque performance interacting with the set. The performance will be an awe inspiring sight both up close and from streets away. The complex set piece will also act as an immersive installation after the performance, inviting guests to engage with the childlike whimsicality of its nature. Guests will be able to walk around and under the bed while the flowing sheets and projections continue to take place on the street.

Awesome Without Borders (Inativo) – The Lafayette School Restoration Inc.

2019-08-12T00:00:00Z

Mission: The Lafayette School Restoration, Inc. mission is to Preserve the Cultural, Educational, and Economic growth, past and present within the community by providing a facility where all may participate, with opportunities for youth, adults, veterans and families in Camden, Arkansas and surrounding areas. Organizational Purpose: The purpose of the Lafayette School Restoration Inc. is to focus on developing a mentoring process in the area of education. To provide senior citizens with a wholesome outlet geared toward health and well-being. To involve families and youth in the designing, planning, and implementation of all activities geared towards Educational, Health, and Economics. OVERALL GOALS 1. The Lafayette School Restoration Inc. was organized with a set goal: To acquire and restore our school property for our community needs. 2. To provide educational, recreational, cultural, health and lifelong learning opportunities for youth and adults. 3. To ensure that no one in Camden or in surrounding areas goes hungry. OVERALL OBJECTIVES 1. To provide regular weekly recreational and cultural activities to 50-youth, encompassing youth from grade school, middle school, and high school ages, adult recreational and cultural programs for an additional 50 individuals, and health education and services to 200 to 300 children and adults monthly. 2. To increase the proficiency of 50 adults and veterans in Camden to achieve by making available tutoring, G.E.D., and life skills classes. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Lafayette School Restoration, Inc. is listed in the Arkansas Register. We hope to complete the process of turning the old Lafayette school from 1969 into a community center for all of Camden, Arkansas and surrounding areas to enjoy for years to come. Many well-educated individuals work countless hours behind the scenes as in-kind donations. To increase our chances of approval, we plan to apply for multiple Awesome grants.

South Bend, IN – Silent Film/Live Score

2019-08-12T00:00:00Z

See previous application.

Vegan (Inativo) – Plant-Based Tuesdays Initiative

2019-08-12T00:00:00Z

Our Food Relief Program feeds children who otherwise would go hungry; however, we acknowledge that we are not able to provide the most nutritious of meals at this time due to our limited funding and dependence on donated foods, which include a lot of animal products. Our children need healthier, more wholesome and nutritious plant-based food. The prevalence of diabetes in Belizean adults is 17.1% compared to 8.7% in the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean, and without some change, the children we serve will also develop diabetes and other chronic diseases as a consequence of their diet. To kickstart Cornerstone Foundation’s transition to serving plant-based food, we are proposing a Plant-Based Tuesdays Initiate. This initiative will involve changing the current menu for the Food Relief Program to incorporate a healthy, exclusively vegan meal on Tuesday. To ensure that the vegan food that is prepared is well-balanced, nutritious, and appealing in taste to the children, our cook will receive training from a cook at a local vegan resort, Mariposas, a partner of Cornerstone. Furthermore, a local pediatrician—who was particularly concerned about the high rates of childhood diabetes he has witnessed in our community—has volunteered to assist us in preparing a nutrition-conscious menu tailored to the developmental needs of the children we serve. With this funding, Cornerstone will be able to take a major first step in its gradual transformation to a charitable distributor of plant-based food. This step represents an alignment between the ideals of our staff and our practice. Moreover, this step will enhance the nutrition of the meals that we are able to provide to the children and introduce them to a healthier, plant-based lifestyle.

South Bend, IN – Resurrect Neighborhood Parks

2019-08-12T00:00:00Z

The award-winning Resurrect the Roses Project in Leeper Park is growing it's brand into NEW NEIGHBORHOODS. We have decided to Create multiple, new Neighborhood Parks throughout the City, over the next five years. OUR FIRST NEW PROJECT is on the near West side, adjacent to the El Campito Day Care site, on a vacant lot on West Thomas Street, not far from the Studebaker Museum. THIS VACANT LOT is the former site of the St. Stephen's Church, which was demolished many years ago. It sits unused, and neglected. It will be turned into a peaceful, tranquil park/garden, to benefit the neighborhood. In addition, a portion of the Park will house a Learning Garden for the day Care students of El Campito to learn about growing vegetables, so that the children can take what they learn back to their families, to start growing their own vegetable gardens at home. The Project is working with several neighbors to encourage them to continue their residential rehabilitation work, by giving them a new Garden/'Park for their neighborhood.

South Bend, IN – The Brain Lair Bookstore Presents

2019-08-12T00:00:00Z

The Brain Lair Bookstore is working to bring several children’s authors to South Bend! One author is Kwame Alexander! Kwame has made the best-seller’s list several times and his book, The Crossover, won the Newbery Award - the highest award for children’s literature for the 0-14 age group! Kwame is touring for the September release of The Crossover graphic novel. Kwame will bring his friend, and musician, Randy Preston to South Bend. They will perform a show designed specifically for students in the morning. They will sing, read, and interact with students for 45 minutes, including having students come on stage! Students then get to ask questions and will have their book signed by Kwame before heading back to school. I am working to rent an auditorium via IUSB or the Civic Theater via Venues, Parks, and Arts. I want to bring as many students as possible to see Kwame and I’ve reached out to local public, private, and parochial schools. Our goal is to have at least 200 kids get to visit with Kwame and Randy and receive signed books. We already have commitments from schools in the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation and The South Bend Community School Corporation. We also have students from Good Shephard Montessori School, Holy Cross Bilingual Immersion program, and The Stanley Clark School attending. We’ve started selling tickets to our public show and taking donations so that even if a school isn’t able to attend, we can both send signed books and save space for some students to attend our evening performance outlined below! Building on our success with the Pete Buttigieg book tour, The Brain Lair Bookstore is partnering with the St Joseph County Public Library again! We will bring Kwame and Randy to our community! This evening performance will be slightly different from the morning show as we expect families of all ages to attend! I am delighted and excited to bring inspirational children's book authors to South Bend and so kids can create their own stories!

Adelaide – GYM for Adelaide's Homeless

2019-08-11T00:00:00Z

In 2018 we started providing free health and wellbeing programs to those living rough on the streets of Adelaide as we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to improve both their physical and emotional wellbeing. We identified numerous barriers like associated costs, mental / emotional state, living arrangements and limited social networks which meant that people experiencing homelessness were either disengaged or not feeling as though they could engage in improved wellbeing programs. Therefore we are creating a 'GYM for Adelaide's Homeless' that will increase our capacity to connect members of the community, provide program sustainability and become a safe haven that is inspiring, motivating and resourceful for those experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. First and foremost, we want to create a space that provide people with the opportunities to improve their own health and fitness without the barriers of cost and secondly, a program that builds on the emotional wellbeing of the community. The 'GYM for the Homeless' will enable us to run supervised fitness sessions in a safe space and it will provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to build relationships with likeminded people, engage and be educated on the importance of healthy living and most of all build respect for themselves, their peers and their future. Baptist Care SA have provided us a space to run our programs as a pop up gym but we want to make this project more sustainable. This grant will allow us to invest in equipment to start fitting out the space so that Adelaide's homeless have access to equal services and opportunities as those who are in a passion to invest in them selves. Ultimately we hope that by creating this space and strengthening its program we are able to provide opportunities for people within Australia to live happier, healthier lives.

Yerevan – #ԼՈՌԻ Գնացքի պատը

2019-08-10T00:00:00Z

Տարիներ առաջ, երբ Ալավերդի քաղաքում մի կին ընկնելով գնացքի տակ մահացավ, տեղական իշխանությունը որոշեց գնացքի և դրա մոտով անցնող ճանապարհի միջև որպես պատնեշ կառուցել պատ: Այս տարիների ընթացքում պատը վատ հիշողություն է արթնացնում մարդկանց մոտ,ուստի մտածեցինք,որ դիմելով սույն դրամաշնորհային ծրագրին և մեծ հույս ունենալով որ կշահենք, որոշեցինք կառուցված պատի վրա street art անել,գրքերի գունագեղ կազմերով,որը և նոր շունչ ու գույներ կբերի քաղաքին և մարդիկ հետզհետե կմոռանան 《Գնացքի պատ》-ի մասին,իսկ ծրագիրը կկրի նաև ուսուցողական բնույթ` խթանելով ընթերցանությունը:

Singapore – Different Dragons Goes Community!

2019-08-08T00:00:00Z

Founded in January 2019, Different Dragons (DD) is a weekly Sunday morning dragon boat team for persons with disabilities and volunteers. Its biggest agenda is to use the sport of dragon boating as a loudhailer to showcase the abilities of PWDs and send the message across that while PWDs may be different, they are definitely not any less. The initiative was born to cater to a growing interest of PWDs who were keen in the sport after many short-term dragon boat engagements with the community which were very well- received, with many caregivers voicing their interest for a more consistent and continuous initiative. Over the period of November to December 2018, a pilot project of seven training sessions were organised to assess if there were sufficient paddlers with disabilities who wanted to participate in this on a weekly basis. The response was overwhelmingly positive and eventually lead to the launch of DD as a full-fledged initiative. Despite the team being four months old only, DD has brought about many other benefits such as being a constant source of access to water sports and social interaction for the paddlers and volunteers and serving as a form of caregivers respite during each training session. The team is fast becoming a regular sight among the dragon boat community and is also a great representation of how an inclusive society can look like, especially when the members are of different age groups, race and religion profiles and a myriad of disability conditions ranging from visual impairment, deaf, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and many more. DD’s one term goal is to send a full person with disabilities crew to represent Singapore in the 15th World Nations Championships in 2021. Until then, DD will be participating in local races and bettering our performance every single time. The team is also slowly weaning off our participation in adaptive races and slowly progressing towards racing alongside other regular dragon boat teams.

Kingston – Doula Support Foundation’s 1st Benefit Concert

2019-08-08T00:00:00Z

On November 23rd, 2019, the Doula Support Foundation will be hosting a fundraising concert here in Kingston. There are many costs associated with starting a non-profit and we also want to be able to cover the costs of the services the Doula Support Foundation (DSF) will start providing in the Fall. We believe that a fundraising concert is the perfect way to address these needs and launch DSF into the community. As DSF was only officially incorporated in October of 2018, we are currently focusing on getting the word out about DSF; raising awareness about the evidence-based value of doula care in pregnancy and birth; and building and strengthening community partnerships with organisations, businesses, and healthcare providers we want to work with in Kingston and the surrounding areas. This fundraising concert will thus be a key component of both raising funds to be able to open our doors while also marketing us to communities and families we want to work with. We are very excited that we have been able to secure performers like the Gertrudes, The Weather Station, and The Lemon Bucket Orkestra to perform at this year’s concert. We found a great venue—The Spire, right in the heart of Kingston—which thankfully requires low overhead costs, and thus will allow us to maximize the Doula Support Foundation’s fundraising potential. We feel very honoured that these bands are willing to come and help support us and we want to make sure we have the equipment and systems in place for them to put on an incredible performance for a sold out concert! We were thrilled to pitch at last month's Pitch Party; we're hoping we'll be the ones selected for the grant this month!

Oakland, CA (Inativo) – Two Fall Exhibitions by CTRL+SHFT Collective

2019-08-08T00:00:00Z

Louisville, KY (Inativo) – Regular Kids Project

2019-08-07T00:00:00Z

Most foster children suffer from separation, depression and anxiety. On top of this they are picked on for being different and do not always get the same opportunities as other kids their age. The Regular Kids Project is part of our efforts to successfully place foster children of incarcerated mothers in KY. The project designates funds specifically for activities and opportunities that other kids their ages commonly participate in. This grant would allow us to provide "normal" activities to over 75% of our foster children over the next 9 months.

Geelong (Inativo) – Basketball Inclusion for Primary Kids

2019-08-06T00:00:00Z

To enable disadvantaged students to participate in our school basketball team.