tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/ru/projects?page=7Awesome Foundation - Projects2023-07-29T02:23:32Ztag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2276672023-07-24T00:00:00Z2023-07-29T02:23:32ZSouth Bend, IN – PopiCon! Game ConventionPopiCon! Game Convention is focused on non-digital, tabletop games. Tabletop games include board, card, role playing (Dungeons and Dragons), and miniatures games.
2022 marked the inaugural PopiCon!. This event acted as a memorial service where friends and family could celebrate the life of Tom "Popi" Crisovan, my father-in-law, who was an avid gamer his entire life.
Once we could open up to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed, we sought to make it a larger, public, and annual event in Downtown South Bend.
On Saturday, February 4th, 2023 we held the event at Stockroom East with the ambitious goal of having 200 attendees. The response exceeded our expectations with nearly 400 people attending the event throughout the day.
Included in the attendees were 10 vendors, each an individual entrepreneur or small business selling unique and in many cases hand-crafted items. Multiple vendors expressed how well they did in terms of sales at the event and how much they are looking forward to next year's PopiCon!
It was important for us as organizers to hold the event downtown to support local restaurants and businesses. They were very supportive of the event by offering gift certificates and other prizes to hand out to game winners during the event.
We wanted a family-friendly event so offered tickets at no charge for anyone 14 or under. Of the 400 attendees, we had roughly 50 kids attend and play games. People could also get in free by hosting a game at the convention.
The only criticism we heard throughout the day was that we needed a large venue. We agree and are seeking larger venues to grow PopiCon! 2024 once again. We think with enough community support we can triple in size.
In addition to growing the event in 2024, we aim to diversify our audience by reaching out to the LGBTQ Center, La Casa de Amistad, and South Bend Heritage Foundation. We have hopes of hosting a role playing game for Spanish speakers.
Richard WallacePopiCon! Game Conventionhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1212798586001564United StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2269902023-07-24T00:00:00Z2023-07-29T02:24:45ZSouth Bend, IN – Cut Boyz Camp & Also StyleGirlz CampCut Boyz #ClippersOverGuns Empowerment Camp & Experience is much more than camp experiences, it is an one-of-a-kind empowerment opportunity intentionally designed to build support, provide mentoring, life skills training, leadership development, provide hair care education, financial literacy amongst young men between ages 12 to 18 in South Bend, IN
Each Cut Boy Camp participant will receive training in areas such as hair health, shampooing, disinfection, a variety of hair cutting techniques including but not limited to loc twisting, line ups, fading, & a variety of hair cutting techniques. In addition to receiving training in hair and business services, our wrap-around training approach includes training in areas including leadership development, conflict resolution, life skills, community outreach, customer service, marketing, & self-development. Upon completing the camp, each participant will receive a hair cutting starter kit!
Style Girlz #BraidsOverBabies Empowerment Camp & Experience is much more than camp experiences, it is an one-of-a-kind empowerment opportunity intentionally designed to build support, provide mentoring, life skills training, leadership development, provide hair care education, financial literacy amongst young ladies between ages 12 to 18 in South Bend, IN.
Each style girl participant will receive training in areas such as hair health, shampooing, disinfection, a variety of hair styling techniques including but not limited: to loc twisting, a variety of braid styles, wig making, and much more. In addition to receiving training in hair and business services, our wrap-around training approach includes training in areas such as leadership development, conflict resolution, life skills, community outreach, customer service, marketing, & self-development. Upon completing the camp, each participant will receive a haircare styling starter kit!Kintae LarkCut Boyz Camp & Also StyleGirlz Camphttp://www.inspirationplace.netUnited StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2281082023-07-24T00:00:00Z2023-07-29T02:23:09ZSouth Bend, IN – Blessed By Bri IncIn August 2023, I will be hosting my very first back to school giveaway. Which will include giving away 300 backpacks plus school supplies to 300 kids in the community. I will also have clothing giveaways for the community. Every Thanksgiving I will be donating food baskets to the community. Christmas time I am donating clothing items, food baskets, to families in need and toys for children. I plan to make some personal care baskets and donate them to residents living in nursing facilities.Brianca DensonBlessed By Bri IncUnited StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2197582023-07-24T00:00:00Z2023-07-25T03:04:49ZAustin, TX – Street Medics AustinStreet Medics Austin provides free first aid training programs to underserved populations and those disproportionately affected by violence, empowering them to take life-saving action in emergency situations. This approach is needed because access to first aid training is often limited by socio-economic factors and targeted populations, such as people of color and members of the LGBT community, face a higher risk of violence.
SMA aims to make emergency first aid accessible to all members of our community by providing training and equipment to control traumatic bleeding injuries through the Stop the Bleed program. A grant from the Austin Awesome Foundation will fund emergency first aid kits for SMA’s upcoming trainings.Matthew BlaneyStreet Medics Austinhttp://www.streetmedicsaustin.orgUnited StatesAustin, TXhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/austintag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2202012023-07-22T00:00:00Z2023-07-22T15:43:12ZAviano (Inactive) – Aviano Area Animal Assistance We are a group of people who assist animals in the Aviano area. We donate food and funds to the regional animal sanctuaries, feed the local animal population and help animals in need in general, whenever we can. Annemarie Edmundson Aviano Area Animal Assistance ItalyAviano (Inactive)https://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/avianotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2266132023-07-21T00:00:00Z2023-07-21T23:44:27ZSan Jose, CA – Off Nite ShowOFF NITE is a weekly variety show performed live at the Tabard Theatre hosted by Mighty Mike McGee and Ato Walker on Monday nights and simultaneously broadcast to the internet highlighting the arts and cultural happenings in our greater San Jose area, with a special focus on events happening in that upcoming week. Each show features three guests who promote their individual events, performances or business, sometimes featuring a performance such a music, comedy or spoken word. The focus is to highlight the diverse and multifaceted arts and cultural landscape of San Jose, promote a wide spectrum of individuals and local business owners who are creating art and community and to encourage a greater engagement with the arts by the public here in San Jose. The community is invited to be part of our in-studio audience at Tabard Theatre, or watch the livestream from anywhere. Attendance is free.
OFF NITE is unique because it uses livestream and social media technologies to promote local arts and artists. This type of program would only have been possible through cable network TV and local access stations 20 years ago. These are underutilized tools in our local arts landscape. Additionally, OFF makes these opportunities available to individuals and groups who would otherwise face financial and technology gateways that they might not be able to negotiate on their own.
Stephanie WhighamOff Nite Showhttp://Offnite.comUnited StatesSan Jose, CAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/sanjosetag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2240982023-07-20T00:00:00Z2023-10-19T15:23:45ZMiami, FL – The Poetry PotluckThe Poetry Potluck is a grassroots, quarterly community gathering which seeks to build stronger communities by creating safe spaces for in-person social engagement, making all spaces learning spaces, increasing access to the arts for underserved populations, and providing opportunities for artists to share and display their work. The Poetry Potluck averages 100-200 attendees (which we call CUZZINs) per gathering and now has a steady roster of 30+ active volunteers who believe in our mission and have personally been affected by attending. The gathering celebrates Miami's rich cultural diversity, food sharing, art-based learning activations, and of course Poetry. Calvin EarlyThe Poetry Potluckhttps://linktr.ee/thepoetrypotluckUnited StatesMiami, FLhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/miamitag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2257462023-07-20T00:00:00Z2023-07-22T15:42:24ZKingston – Aanii Nichii Drones I would like to upgrade my drone so that I can do more free drone pictures for our local Indigenous and others in the Katarokwi/Kingston community.
I have done footage for the Hwy 15 Indigenous Garden, Indigenous Market along with others.
I currently have a DJI Mini 2 and would like to upgrade to. Dji Mini 3 Pro which will provide me more capacity.
I do all filming free for non-profit groups with a focus on Indigenous groups.
Miigwech , Nyawen'ko:go, Thank you for even considering my application, as I know there are so many great opportunities out there that makes Katarokwi/Kingston Awesome.
Paul Carl Paul CarlAanii Nichii Drones https://www.facebook.com/AaniiNichiiDrones?mibextid=ZbWKwLCanadaKingstonhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/kingston-ontag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2258982023-07-19T00:00:00Z2023-07-20T23:56:13ZLake Mac – Farming Aquaponics The project is a aquaponics farm being constructed at school that the year 7/12 technology mandatory and hospitality classes use to grow and use in the produce in the kitchens at school. The project is on schedule to running for term 3 the 17th July.Allan BrownFarming Aquaponics AustraliaLake Machttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/lakemactag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2253922023-07-17T00:00:00Z2023-08-24T17:20:56ZPoughkeepsie, NY – Poughkeepsie Community GardensThe John Flowers Memorial Garden @ Earline Patrice Park, commonly known as Mansion st Park, in Poughkeepsie has 8 garden beds that were put in place almost a decade ago by local organizations. The garden is constantly utilized by the public–especially in the summer while the park serves as a recreational home for the local community. It is currently being run by Black leadership with support from community volunteers and local organizations.
Most of the agricultural projects funded in Poughkeepsie are held by white hands that are alienated from the community. We are seeking resources to sustain one of the few Black-led public garden efforts in the city. We have developed relationships in the area with community members, city officials and workers, and vulnerable populations, such as the housing insecure and formerly incarcerated, who have been historically under-resourced and under served in the city of Poughkeepsie. This grant will help materially support the work at the garden to demonstrate holistic community action, educate park goers about gardening, and support small gestures of goodwill.
Currently, we have to lug water in buckets to the garden each day from miles away. We are in need of funds for a watering system so that we can have water onsite. To sustain the garden into the future without much outside input, we want to build a compost structure. The community garden can be a space for people to bring their food scraps as a small step towards reducing landfill waste.
We also hope to expand our community education work. With a more developed garden, we will organize community days for park-goers to learn about and try plants from our garden. We would like to set up a water station to provide freshly brewed iced tea made with mint and herbs from our garden and provide snacks/food in July of 2023.
With our excess mint, we intend to demonstrate a skincare and herb workshop, where park folks will be able to take products like toothpaste, deodorant and serumSaije JalidaPoughkeepsie Community Gardenshttps://www.instagram.com/pkcommunitygarden/United StatesPoughkeepsie, NYhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/poughkeepsietag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2241272023-07-17T00:00:00Z2023-07-17T15:30:06ZAwesome Without Borders – Access for allWe live on a small island off the west coast of Canada, Mayne Island. We rely on ferry service to access any resources needed. There are a number of children on our small island (population ~1300) diagnosed and undiagnosed with sensory needs that sometimes keep them from participating in group/community events.
I would like to use this awesome grant to purchase sensory equipment for the newly built Mayne Island Family Place so that it’s easier for those with sensory needs to participate in activities and events.
Simple equipment such as noise-reducing headphones, weighted blankets or stuffed animals, and specialty lighting can make a big difference to a child with ASD or ADHD. Opportunities like this for these children can help them learn to self-regulate so that they can develop the abilities needed to navigate the world independently later in life. Being able to include children with specialty needs will also teach other children how to include and work with those with differences.
The Family Place is physically accessible but lets make it mentally and emotionally accessible too!Mayne Island Early Child SocietyAccess for allWorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2273092023-07-17T00:00:00Z2023-08-21T20:11:55ZOrlando, FL – Africana Literary JournalAs a child, comments about the darkness of my skin tone were rampant. I tried trying to come to terms with being categorized as “darkskin.” I watched as my “brownskin” and “lightskin” counterparts were respected and more engaged with. I looked at myself in the mirror, embarrassed at my type of "skin." In my own way to emphasize my voice, I started writing for a non-profit called “Stick to Change." I decided to leave and start my own magazine, the Africana Literary Journal.
My solution offers a culmination of not just my own, but multiple perspectives of inner and outer turmoil witnessed by my community. Although there have been efforts such as TikToks, Twitter tweets, and other forms of social media, most are met with backlash, claiming it "doesn't exist" and "you're reaching." With the Africana Literary Journal, the reader is able to absorb information without the worry of negativity and disregard.
As I learn more about my community past my personal experiences, I wish to know how deeply rooted colorism is in our society, and how racism is ingrained in minds unintentionally. Additionally, learning how to combat not only racism, but internalized issues such as colorism (the tone of someone’s skin) or texturism (how curly someone’s hair is). Being able to see the implications of some of these problems in our society can not only assist in growth, but allow others to see what we go through as well and bringing change within their own community.
Christiania ZidorAfricana Literary Journalhttps://africanalit.carrd.co/United StatesOrlando, FLhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/orlandotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2253062023-07-17T00:00:00Z2023-08-31T20:00:47ZPittsburgh, PA – 40 Musicians Perform Live with 5 DJsThis has been a project long in the making! Conduction, the Pittsburgh Innovation District-based startup, built software that allows a DJ to perform with an orchestra in real time. In 2022 they did a first test with 16 musicians controlled by 3 DJs.
Now they are scaling up to do an event where DJs and producers from all over the world can have the chance to perform live with 40 musicians in a mega-party. The event will take place in Munhall at the This Is Red church. Joe Maggiore40 Musicians Perform Live with 5 DJshttps://www.themomentnow.live/United StatesPittsburgh, PAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/pittsburghtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2215262023-07-15T00:00:00Z2023-08-01T12:40:36ZCass Clay – Medieval Myths and MagicYou are walking through a Medieval forest. As you travel, you pass a lake, hear birds singing, see several groups of musicians performing. This concert will set that scene. It includes music of nature, pieces from the time, and music based on legends of the Medieval era.
In this concert, tentatively on November 4, 2023, we will perform on flute, piano, soprano and alto recorders, piccolo, percussion, guitar, and voice, with musical styles ranging from Medieval plainchant, motets, and madrigals through Renaissance songs to counterpoint at the transition from the Renaissance to early Baroque music. We will, as referenced earlier, also be including music about Medieval legends, but this Pied Piper is from Harlem and Till Eulenspiegel pranks the audience in a march. We will also play two modern classical pieces using extended technique and several original pieces, including the premier of our new, experimental recorder piece mimicking the calls of loons on a lake.
Through our music we hope to entertain and educate, but also to directly support others. All proceeds from our concerts benefit local non-profits. This one will be benefiting the Fargo-Moorhead Gay Men's Chorus, whose purpose is “to create musical experiences that enrich [their] members, challenge homophobia, and expose new communities to [their] message of equality.” They are a safe, welcoming space for anyone in the LGBTQ community, including several youth members who were bullied and isolated in school.Amanda and Jared HoeftMedieval Myths and MagicUnited StatesCass Clayhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/cassclaytag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2259202023-07-15T00:00:00Z2023-09-04T04:11:37ZMelbourne – Rethink Recycling Lid Sorting ProgramEducation, Community, & Maker Space come together at Rethink Recycling Co-op.
A way to rethink our current kerbside recycling system, & creative ways to involve the community, our program works with local cafes & households to collect lids that would otherwise go to landfill or be lost to our environment. We take these lids in, where they are then washed & sorted by plastic type, so they can go to one of our partner aged care facilities for colour sorting. “Residents say it makes them feel good knowing they are giving back to a greater cause, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose & fulfilment. Plastic lid sorting also encourages residents with advanced dementia, who may not otherwise participate in activities, to become involved.” https://www.thirdsector.com.au/aged-care-recycling-program-a-win-for-residents-and-the-environment/
These colour & polymer sorted lids are then used as part of our education programs, which involve an interactive, hands-on component, based on sustainability practises. Participants learn ways to reuse single-use, post-consumer plastics, reducing the need for virgin materials & reliance on fossil fuels. They’re also used in our Maker Space, where functional products & new ideas are made from 100% Australian post-consumer, single-use plastic waste. A place where Uni students, designers, engineers, & people with an idea all come together to make something from “waste”.
Through education, community involvement & hands-on product ideas & production, RRC is working to promote a circular economy, all products made can be returned at their end-of-life to be again remanufactured & repurposed into new products. By producing functional, bespoke products from 100% “waste” Rethink Recycling is growing the acceptance of recycled products & materials in the community. We don’t want people to think of recycled as a substandard product.
Being a small NFP, every cent is accounted for, a new washing machine just isn’t affordable without Awesome.Kym O'ShannassyRethink Recycling Lid Sorting Programhttps://rethinkrecycling.coopAustraliaMelbournehttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/melbournetag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2170092023-07-13T00:00:00Z2023-08-13T18:04:17ZSt. Paul, MN – Kaleidoscope Toy Lending LibraryWe are proud to announce our 20th AwesomeStPaul grant has been awarded to Kaleidoscope Learning Family Resource Center. They will use their $1,000 grant to provide financial help for membership fees, and to purchase toys for their lending library. AwesomeStPaul chose this applicant because we want to help bring people together in St. Paul and to assist organizations and individuals that have creative ideas to make that happen. Congratulations Kaleidoscope!
According to Jennie Lynch, "Kaleidoscope Learning’s Family Resource Center is a new family and early childhood education initiative launched in conjunction with our sister-nonprofit, Monarch Montessori School. Located on St. Paul’s East Side, Kaleidoscope Learning (501c3) was founded to address the dearth of accessible services, materials, knowledge, and best practices associated with positive early childhood educational outcomes for families with children ages birth to six. Our services are multifaceted and include a toy library, parent education nights, open play hours in our model home environment space, and online parenting and early childhood education content such as blogs, informative social media posts, and presentations.
Kaleidoscope Learning launched its services during the summer of 2022, and since opening our doors, we have welcomed dozens of families from the East Side neighborhood and beyond. Our core product offering is our Educational Materials Library–a toy library filled with hundreds of toys, books, classic Montessori materials, gross-motor items, and children’s furniture. Our organization operates on a membership basis, and we allow families to borrow items for as long as they would like with no official due-date. Our memberships are affordable, and in order to remain truly accessible to all families, we provide membership assistance to those concerned about covering the cost of their membership.
The benefits of our toy library and other services are numerous. Families are able to save money, time, and energy by borrowing toys instead of purchasing new ones. Our organization promotes a sustainable, environmentally conscious way to play by reducing household toy consumption and toy waste. Finally, our greatest priority is developing a deep community filled with loving parents and caregivers of young children. As we continue to promote our operations in 2023, we strive to be a welcoming resource for families in St. Paul who are looking to expand their support network."Jennie LynchKaleidoscope Toy Lending Libraryhttp://www.kscopelearning.orgUnited StatesSt. Paul, MNhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/stpaultag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2254642023-07-12T00:00:00Z2023-07-13T18:39:38ZAnn Arbor, MI – StoryWalkWe are a non-profit located in Dearborn, MI. Last summer, we rolled out our StoryWalk initiative which is an initiative to promote literacy and physical activity in our community. We have had nothing but positive feedback from the community. Families stroll through our StoryWalks reading each page of the story which is on 18"x24" boards with a physical activity movement related to the story at the bottom of every board. One of our stories is fully translated to Arabic with permission from the local author that wrote that story. The StoryWalks were displayed at four community sites during the summer with once a month book rotations. In the winter through this spring, we found a way to display the StoryWalks indoors at local public schools. Currently, we have two of our StoryWalks out at community sites with monthly story rotations. We have the other two StoryWalks on loan for the community to rent out (free of charge) for special events. Everything we do at LAHC is at no cost to anyone in our community. We are able to achieve this through generous donations and grants. Linda BazziStoryWalkhttps://www.healthydearborn.org/storywalkUnited StatesAnn Arbor, MIhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/ann-arbortag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/1608372023-07-12T00:00:00Z2023-07-13T15:32:32ZWestminster, MD – Pet Food AssistanceMy name is Michele, I founded MCQE Mobile Pet Pantry to help families in need of pet food assistance. Keeping families together is important to us. People have proven time and again that they love their pets, they value them, they are family members.
Since the covid-19 pandemic hit, the number of people who need basic but essential support for their beloved animals has skyrocketed. With so much uncertainty yet ahead, it is vital we have the resources to meet the community's needs.
To meet the continued uptick due to covid-19 and the economic strain-we need your help. One of the many things we have learned during this period of crisis is that animals help people through difficult times.
We aim to provide 2-3 weeks of pet food to pet owners to supplement their food purchases. The food we provide is not intended to replace owner's monthly food expenses, but to help them get through without struggling to make ends meet. We donate to clients once per month to ensure we have enough pet food to go around.
The kind gesture of giving someone a bag of food just might buy them some time until they get back on their feet. Michele SzperPet Food Assistancehttp://mcqemobilepetpantry.comUnited StatesWestminster, MDhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/westminstertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2194592023-07-11T00:00:00Z2023-07-17T15:12:31ZSan Francisco, CA – "Dazzling Lights Over Water"I am a Friend of Kenny Alley. It was once a completely neglected alley in my neighborhood, The Excelsior, in San Francisco, with an unfortunate problem of accumulating various dumped goods and furniture. Lots of mattresses, for some reason.
Technically, it's a San Francisco Street, but it is "unaccepted" by the San Francisco Department of Public Works, which means it's up to me and the neighbors and other Friends of Kenny Alley to get things done there on a volunteer basis.
We've done well. We've cleaned it up ... Many times, and we have completed some projects at the site in phases. Over time, we have added a mural to a building on one side, as well as planters and plantings. We've added rain gutter gardens on the other side. We tried to keep them planted with cacti, but they were just too attractive and expensive and people kept stealing them. So, we've moved on to less flashy succulents that we can transplant from neighbors' back yards. It's much cheaper that way.
Our most impressive project has been a mosaic artwork on the stairway in the alley that is designed to suggest a waterfall. In fact that is the name of the artwork, "Waterfall." We also have future plans to continue the water theme with a mural on the sidewalk that leads from the stairs to Mission Street. We unfortunately can't do that with $1,000.00.
So, the $1,000.00 project I'm applying for is to string some lights in a shimmering zig zag pattern across Kenny Alley, perhaps adding some other beautiful dangling elements that will catch the light; to make it even more attractive, make the visibility better and make walking through Kenny Alley safer at night. We want everyone to feel that they can use Kenny Alley to travel to and from London Street to Mission Street by way of Kenny Alley at all times of the day or night.
Mel Flores"Dazzling Lights Over Water"https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/friends-of-kenny-alley/United StatesSan Francisco, CAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/sftag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2281512023-07-11T00:00:00Z2023-11-28T13:47:05ZPhiladelphia, PA – Body Empowerment ProjectBody Empowerment Project empowers youth to find body acceptance and self-worth. The organization works to prevent eating disorders in adolescents, specifically in populations that lack access to treatment and preventive care. Our mission is to decrease eating disorder risk in adolescents and equip them with the skills to live peacefully and healthfully in their bodies through meaningful, near-peer interactions.
Body Empowerment Project’s main service is a 10-week eating disorder prevention program for underserved middle and high school students in Philadelphia. The program, offered free-of-cost to all partnering schools, is structured into weekly educational workshops led by trained college students who serve as near-peer mentors. We currently serve public middle and high school students in the School District of Philadelphia—the largest and one of the most poorly funded school districts in Pennsylvania. In line with our mission, the program is offered to all students at our partnering schools free of cost. Christina MirandaBody Empowerment Projecthttp://www.bodyempowerment.netUnited StatesPhiladelphia, PAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/philadelphiatag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2236092023-07-10T00:00:00Z2023-07-14T22:56:09ZToronto – Adaptive Tennis for Neurodivergent ChildrenNeurodivergent children are too often excluded from most extracurricular sports like hockey and soccer due to the nature of the sport. Tennis allows for the unique opportunity to have peer-on-peer play in group settings, and create an environment where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
Our programming is dedicated to helping participants through sport and creating a more inclusive sports community. The Autism Alliance of Canada, in their National Needs Assessment Survey, found that in both pre-school and school aged children, activity based programs were among the top five demanded. For preschoolers, the demand ranked 4th with 55% of participants indicating this was a needed service, while it ranked second with School-aged children at 51%.
Proset will be running a fall program in Toronto over an 8 week session in which students will receive one hour of tennis lessons a week. From parental feedback, we know the effects of our programming are felt at home and at school. When enrolled in lessons, caregivers and parents report that participants have better behavioural management, leading to less stressful home-lives for the participant and their families. We see high percentages of re-registration session after session, with many staying for years, and 25% of our paid staff at all locations are former program attendees.John ManningAdaptive Tennis for Neurodivergent Childrenhttps://www.specialneedssport.ca/CanadaTorontohttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/torontotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2240882023-07-10T00:00:00Z2023-07-10T20:24:28ZAwesome Without Borders – Easy listening music DJ for elderly care facilitieI want to provide music hour for seniors in living facilities.
As a DJ in the military, at the NCO club in Germany, in the 70s, I served as a Disco DJ to my fellow armed services members. That was the most exciting thing, as I look back on my 67 yrs., that I ever participated in. I called it the 'Disco 90' show. I was serving in the Army, at Pioneer Kesernne, in Hanau, W. Germany, 1975-1977. This once a week show, on weekends, brought the hit disco music from the states to my military compound, and for 4-5 hours, lifted the spirits of NCO military personnel, their dependants, and even the local German citizens, who were authorized to enter the Pioneer Kesernne Military Base. There are at least 2 elderly facilities, here in New Orleans, LA. where I have discussed this idea with the Directors, as a 'free' service, from a Veteran, to the residents of these care facilities. The common area, the cafeteria, or the outside seating areas, at these facilities, are readily available to host this music providing event.
Yes, special dedications will be provided, as my music catalogue comes from the extensive internet catalogues, and my album collection.
There will be NO CHARGE. This is my contribution to the elderly, as I may, inquire about tips to longevity n living as senior citizens, as I hope to also experience. I will be using Bluetooth for internet music catalogue, but will also break out my albums from my extensive album collection to be played on my turntable, this will make it more old school authentic and nostalgic.
.Harry S Albert, jrEasy listening music DJ for elderly care facilitieWorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2262452023-07-09T00:00:00Z2023-07-10T00:24:15ZVegan – La Noche Vegan (Vegan Night)My name is Felipe Cabrera. I´ve been vegan for 8 years already. I live in Lima, Peru.
With the organization VIDA (Veganos Informando Derechos Animales - Vegans Informing about Animal Rights), we organize a monthly event called "LA NOCHE VEGAN" (Vegan Night), which takes place on every month´s last Sunday.
It is an event organized by vegans for non-vegan people. It is a public event, and we receive from 30 to 60 people every month. It is a free event, but we invite people to give a donation at the end, in order to sustain the event.
However, donations are not enough in order to cover our costs. Last Sunday we spent 190 soles (approximately USD 49,8) and we received 90 soles (approximately USD 23,5).
Unfortunately, Peruvian society is very informal, and although we ask people to confirm whether they expect to assist or not, they may confirm and end up not showing up, or viceversa. Because of this, we never know how many people to expect. In may, for instance, we expected to receive over 50 people as it happened in april, but only 30 people showed up. Therefore, we spent a lot (we usually spent less than that) and didn´t get many donations to cover our costs. Because of this, we want to consider this grant as a solution for our event.
I believe our event is awesome as we get a lot of non-vegan people who are able to try delicious vegan food. Also, we share animal rights flyers to all non-vegans. We also invite some healthcare professionals, nutriotionists, therapists who talk about health and nutritions topics, artists who share their art, musicians who play live music.
We only need help to cover food costs. We don´t need any help with renting a place, as we hold the event in a vegan restaurant (ConSuLado Vegano - Vegan Consulate) which doesn´t charge us any renting fee, and we don´t spend money on advertising as we share the invitation in different social media.Felipe CabreraLa Noche Vegan (Vegan Night)https://www.instagram.com/la.noche.vegan/WorldwideVeganhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/vegantag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2262062023-07-09T00:00:00Z2023-07-17T16:05:49ZNewburgh, NY – Basketball Tournament for Exodus and TEAM NewburghLed by the DCJS Office of Youth Justice (OYJ), Exodus Transitional Community has been selected as the Lead Agency for Project RISE: a new community-based effort to address the root causes of community violence and provide support in the aftermath of gun violence. The two main goals of Project RISE are: (1) Re/build and sustain a Newburgh that is healthy, equitable, has access to resources, services, and supports for community members to thrive; and (2) Create sustainable reductions in violence by centering community-generated ideas, prioritizing trauma-responsive solutions, and resourcing grassroots organizers. One of the main ways in which we meet this goal is to conduct extensive outreach in the community and to create positive programming as alternatives to violence for the community at large.
Thus, in collaboration with community partners, Exodus will be hosting a Youth Empowerment Basketball Tournament on July 15th for the youth of Newburgh, their families, and the community. The event will be from 12pm-5pm in the park and will be a full day of basketball, food and programming for the community at no cost to them at all. We hope to have food, entertainment and fun. While this is the first Basketball Tournament we have hosted, we are hoping to make it an annual event for Newburgh so that such experiences become routine for the community. It will set the precedent for years to come and will engage the youth in positive outlets that help them put their guns down, invest in their futures, and build a safer Newburgh for all.Indira CharlesBasketball Tournament for Exodus and TEAM Newburghhttp://www.etcny.orgUnited StatesNewburgh, NYhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/newburghtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2179482023-07-09T00:00:00Z2023-07-13T19:25:35ZSanta Cruz, CA – Sewing SchoolSara Homan teaches sewing to a group of high school students at Star Community school which offers programming for students who need a smaller, more supportive, and more flexible school environment. They have sewing machines but need a few pairs of sewing shears, supplies like pins and seam rippers for the sewing kits, and thread and fabric for projects, She will use this micro-grant to build up a bigger supply of tools and materials so students have more opportunities for projects. Many of her students come in needing credit recovery or social emotional support. She believes learning a skill like sewing and having projects to take home and show family and friends is beneficial to the self esteem and well being of her students.Sara HomanSewing SchoolUnited StatesSanta Cruz, CAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/santacruztag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2251662023-07-07T00:00:00Z2023-07-14T03:37:28ZVegan – Fright for FutureFright for Future, is a free haunted maze of "true terrors" bringing scary issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and animal rights to light this Halloween. Fright for Future will be on Friday, October 13th - Sunday, October 15th. I put this event on in 2021 by myself at a park in Washington State and last year I partnered with local organizations to put the event on for the public at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in San Diego, CA. It was a success! 170 people got tickets prior to the event on Eventbrite and around 150 people went through the maze! I invited several local environmental and animal rights organizations to create an exhibit as part of the "haunted maze" that is scary and educational, and specific to the cause the organization advocates for. The six participating organizations also tabled at the event. As you go through the haunted maze there are QR codes to scan in each exhibit to learn more about the issue being addressed (see event website below for more info). There were 12 haunted exhibits (I made 6 of the exhibits and partner organizations made the other 6). I will be adding an additional 2-3 exhibits next year.
My long-term goal is to create a Fright for Future toolkit with everything there is to know about how to put on this event, so others can hold this event to educate their communities.
Fright for Future exhibits:
Biohazard Unit - Air Pollution/Climate Change
Fur-Eaky - Fur Industry
Dead Sea - Plastic Pollution
Ghost Netting - Fishing nets affect on sealife
Chainsaw Massacre - Deforestation
Killer Dinner - Shark Finning
Mad Scientist - Animal Testing
The Extinction - Animal Extinction
Killer Look - Fast Fashion
Poacher Camp - Rhino Poaching
Butcher Shop - Animal Rights/Meat Industry
The Cage - Chicken/Egg Industry
Witch’s Cauldron - Animal products used in cosmetics
The Circus - Animals used for entertainment
Apocalypse - Oil industry/ Fracking
Jaidacyn MadrigalFright for Futurehttps://www.activistattitude.com/fright-for-futureWorldwideVeganhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/vegantag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2264902023-07-05T00:00:00Z2023-07-11T12:36:30ZSydney – Back to BirdyBack to Birdy was written by Zach Bui as part of Fruit Box Theatre’s RIPE Development Program; an innovative development program that saw a collective of queer actors and writers work together to develop five original plays for Sydney WorldPride. The play explores the relationship between queer women and trans men, and was formed out of the experiences of Zach and fellow members of RIPE.
Taking place in the aftermath of a falling out between protagonists Warren and Emily, Back to Birdy is a candid and humorous look at the chasms that can form within friendships whilst navigating identity politics, coming out, and one's relationship with queer spaces. Set against the backdrop of queer women’s night ‘Birdcage’, the play takes the characters back to Birdy (ie. Birdcage) through a series of flashbacks as they interact with their younger selves.
Back to Birdy was first presented as a staged reading at KXT during Sydney WorldPride and received an incredibly warm reception. Audiences and reviewers alike were eager for this play to see its full form.
Wishing to bring the play to life in a unique and immersive way, we are currently in talks with various bars about producing the play as a site-specific piece. This will allow us to engage community in an exciting way whilst centralising the significance of place to the production.
As Sydney's nightlife and live entertainment begins to return to where it was pre-Covid, our idea will be a crucial contribution to activating public spaces for the benefit of our city. We will bring queer community to a Sydney nightlife venues throughout multiple evenings, creating an exciting evening of theatre for our patrons and contributing to the turnover of the venue.
Fruit Box Theatre is a Sydney non-profit committed to staging and developing original LGBTQIA+ theatre. Our mission is to strengthen queer representation, wellbeing, and collaboration in the arts. Too often, artistic representations of the LGBTQIA+SB community are constrained by tropes of shame, isolation and discomfort. The team at Fruit Box Theatre are passionate about developing and staging original theatrical works that reflect and explore the full spectrum of LGBTQIA+SB lived experience.Sean LandisBack to Birdyhttps://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/fruit-box-theatre-presents-back-to-birdy-at-kxt-kings-cross/AustraliaSydneyhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/sydneytag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2230272023-07-05T00:00:00Z2023-07-31T01:07:32ZNewcastle – cupcake decorating workshops I own Alice's kitchen a home registered cake business. I want to provide cupcake decorating workshop for women in shelters. This can be an activity to empower them to do something and can also have a positive impact on their mental health as it allows them to be creative.Alice Mbara cupcake decorating workshops https://alicekitchen.com.au/AustraliaNewcastlehttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/newcastletag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2210632023-07-04T00:00:00Z2023-07-17T21:46:11ZSouth Bend, IN – Connect 574Talent attraction and retention is a high priority for city officials, organization executives, higher education, and community organizations in the South Bend Elkhart Region. It is no question that people truly care and are invested in making the South Bend-Elkhart region the best place to live, work, and play. We have seen great strides of improvement over the past 5 years, however, we believe there is additional opportunity to improve the “stickiness” factor and accelerate these initiatives in the region.
Once an organization has incentivized someone to move to the region, there need to be various organizations working together to retain talent. Today more than ever, people crave human connection. As Kurt Vonnegut argues, “the most pervasive American disease is loneliness”. People stay in a region if they develop friendships, get involved in the community, and have access to an abundance of engaging activities and experiences.
Connect 574’s focus is to help individuals find their "home" through intentional connection.
Connect 574 is in the early stages of testing the idea and concept with members of the community. There are four key pillars to our business we are in the process of testing:
1) unique Connect 574 experiences
2) special access to events in the region
3) member portal,
4) Connect 574 member card
At the moment we have hosted (2) Connect 574 experiences. We had 100% attendance from registrants and each attendee met someone new.
Our ultimate goal is to establish a membership model that will provide perks to different activities and opportunities. We believe it’s important to develop a base of raving fans and add value to individuals today to understand the value they see in Connect 574. We’d like to approach local corporations and organizations to include a Connect 574 membership into their onboarding kits for new employees to help them establish their “home” in the South Bend-Elkhart region with intentional connection.Cat EdmondsConnect 574http://connect574.comUnited StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2188772023-07-04T00:00:00Z2023-07-17T21:48:11ZSouth Bend, IN – HBCU, It's Cool To Be Smart Initiative Our Cool To Be Smart, HBCU initiative is to increase the awareness of HBCU's and hopefully encourage enrollment among South Bend Students. Starting in February, we will bring in notable Tennessee State University alumni to do workshops with high school students. In April we are planning a HBCU college tour to Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. We are currently putting a group of high school students together who will go on the trip and be able to submit transcripts, talk to recruiters and find out about scholarship opportunities.
This fall leading up to the Notre Dame Vs Tennessee State football game, we are planning 4 days of events. A welcome reception on Thursday to welcome TSU dignitaries to the city, Panel discussion, College Fair, Scholarship Giveaway, Pep Rally and Greek Step Show on Friday. An HBCU style tailgate on Saturday. On Sunday we will focus on wellness in an even we are calling college Sunday where all the fraternity and sororities are invited to attend worship service together, followed by vendors, food trucks bouncy houses and hopefully the TSU band. The main goal of all these activities are to give South Bend a small taste of the HBCU experience.Brian FrazierHBCU, It's Cool To Be Smart Initiative United StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2241362023-07-03T00:00:00Z2023-07-03T23:43:05ZAwesome Without Borders – KARTË ARBRESHË/ARBERESH FLASHCARDS- To design and produce a deck of cards of everyday vocabulary in Arberesh (with Italian on the back) with corresponding descriptions and pictures. These can be used to match up vocabulary and description. The cards will have pictures, text and a QR code on them. They will be distributed in person.
- The QR codes will link to a video playlist where the descriptions can be heard and seen in audio-visual form as well, in both female and male voices.
- The same content will be found in Wikipedia articles where the information will be expanded upon.
- These resources will follow a polynomic model allowing and encouraging the representation of more than one variety of the Arberesh language. These decks of cards can eventually be replicated by other Arberesh communities in their own variety.
Long-term goals
- Maintain its usage among the younger generation
- Increase knowledge and awareness of vocabulary
- Improve attitudes and challenge dominant ideologies
- Increase awareness of the polynomic model of language maintenance
- Create a consistent orthography that works in practice and is widely accepted
Project Goals
- Having resources for the community in an intelligibile and easy to read form of the Arberesh language, that do not reflect purist ideology
- To have a stock of videos that serve as a pedagogical tool for any age (but especially for children) and simultaneously as a reference work on the Arberesh Wikipedia (which is currently in incubation: https://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/aae/)Martin Di MaggioKARTË ARBRESHË/ARBERESH FLASHCARDSWorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2272602023-07-01T00:00:00Z2023-11-03T08:50:13ZNature Armenia – Պերմակուլտուրայի կրթական այգիՊերմակուլտուրա այգու հիմնում, գյուղատնտեսական հողատարածքի համադրումը բնության էկոսիստեմների հետ։
Սովորեցնում եմ ինպես համագործակցել բնության հետ, ոչ թե պայքարել բնության մեջ կատարվող երեւույթների դեմ։
Օրինակ ' ինչի բերքի որոշ հատված թողնել թռչունների, որովհետև նրանք հիմնավորվում են մեր տարածքում եւ օգնում կառավարել վնասատուների քանակը։
Սովորեցնում ենք խոնավապահպանման մեթոդներ, ինչես ճիշտ կազմել մարգերի շերտերը, որպիսի ջուր չներծծվի, դառնա գրունտային ջուր, ոչ էլ գոլորշանա, այլ կոնդենսատի ցիրկուլացյիա կատարի հողի վերեւի շերտի մոտ։
Սովորեցնում ենք փոխարինել պարարտանյութերի բույսերով, օրինակ որ բույսերն են ազոտ ֆիկսում, կամ ֆոսֆոր մոբիլիզացնում, եւ ինչպես կիրառել դրանք բերքատվությունը շատացնելու, փոշոտումը խթանելու, հողի որակները բարելավելու համար։
Սովորեցնում են կառավարելի պահել վնասատուների քանակը, օգտակար միջատների շնորհիվ, եւ ոնց արդյունավետ կիրառել այն, խուսափելով թունաքիմիկատների։
Սովորեցնում ենք արեւի էներգիայի մաքսիմալ շատ կիրառման մեթոդ, որը ուգլիռոդների տեսքով էներգիա է դառնում ստորգետնյա կենսաբազմազանության համար, նաեւ մուլչապատման մատերյալ հաջորդ տարվա համար ։
Սովորեցնում ենք ինչպես վարվել հողի հետ, որպիսի այն փորելու կարգի չլինի, քանի որ փորը տարիների ընթացքում էրոզիա է առաջացնում։
Սովորեցնում ենք բույսերի միջոցով վնասատուների դեմ պաշտպանության համակարգի ստեղծումը, օդային թակարդների հիմնումը։
Սովորեցնում ենք բոլոր տեսակի թափոնների կիրառումը, կամպոստերի պատրաստում, կամ հենց կամպոստի պատրաստում, որը մաքսիմալ շատ միկրոօրգանիզմ ներդրվի հողի մեջ։
Անձրեւաջրերի կառավարում, գրունտային ջրերից օգտվելու եղանակներ, վալականավաների պատրաստում, ագրոանտառաբուծության մեթոդներ, օդից ջուր ֆիքսելու , միկրոկլիմատ ձեւավորելու, անտառային շերտեր կառուցելու , ակվակուլտուրայի մեթոդներ եւ այլն։
Հողը սպառվող ռեսուրս է, իսկ մարդիկ դրա սպառման հիմնական պատճառը։
Մարդկանց կրթությունը հիմք կհանդիսանա բնության հետ համագործակցել, այլ ոչ թե ոչնչացնել։
Կենդանիների կիրառումը այգու մեջ որպես օգնական, կովերը էտի , խոզերը որդերի պապուլյացյաի, հավերը փորելու , հողը պարարտացնելու եւ այլն։Էրիկ Հախվերդյան Պերմակուլտուրայի կրթական այգիhttps://www.facebook.com/fromberdavan?mibextid=ZbWKwLArmeniaNature Armeniahttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/naturearmeniatag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2221612023-06-30T00:00:00Z2023-07-20T14:05:30ZSan Antonio, TX – MASS (AM Project + San Antonio River Foundation)M.A.S.S. (Music and Artistic Sensory experience for the Soul) is a program developed by San Antonio's The AM Project that takes inspiration from spiritual musical traditions, with each experience being uniquely curated as a fusion of music, sound, and media to create an immersive sensory journey that explores the spiritual connection of music and senses. This nondenominational encourages participants to step away from the noise of modern life and into a sonic sanctuary that combines sounds from western church offering, eastern meditations, classical instrumentals, operatic accents, and many other enlightening elements combined through the DJ’s curated set.
For July 2023, the San Antonio River Foundation will collaborate with The AM Project on an elaborate presentation of MASS focusing on our Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islanders community. Ashley MirelesMASS (AM Project + San Antonio River Foundation)https://www.theamproject.org/United StatesSan Antonio, TXhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/sanantoniotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2253092023-06-30T00:00:00Z2023-07-09T00:33:24ZOttawa – Epic Box WarJune’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Edouard Marava to support an epic box war.
“We'll get a bunch of cardboard boxes,” explains Edouard, “build huge castles, and have a big war.”
“People can bring their own cardboard weapons and armour, and we'd split people into two teams, give them an hour to build up their castle, and then declare WAaaarrrrrrrr!”
“We'd then recycle all the cardboard at the end of the day,” Edouard adds. “I have a bunch of kids programs running all year, so I'm sure the kids would be happy to paint or build stuff with the leftovers of the battle.”
“The event would be free,” says Edouard. “After the big fight, there'd be some stupid games like ‘who can jump through a large piece of cardboard’ or ‘let's build cardboard planes and try to fly them.’ I expect that people will get very creative if we let them use the materials available.”
Edouard is a father of two, and runs a nonprofit organization that delivers youth programs. “I've been working with kids my whole life,” he says, and I believe my child heart is still intact!”Edouard Marava Epic Box WarCanadaOttawahttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/ottawatag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2249512023-06-30T00:00:00Z2023-07-07T19:04:03ZDisability – Disability VictoryDisability Victory is a 501(c)4 organization building the political power of disabled progressives through training, networking, and leadership development. We envision a country where disabled people have the information, support, and skills they need to successfully lead as candidates, elected officials, and campaign staff. We will accomplish this through three core tracks of work. The first is the Disability Victory Academy, which is an accessible campaign training program led by organizers, consultants, and elected officials who can speak to the unique challenges and barriers that disabled leaders face in the campaign environment. Secondly, as accessibility and disability inclusion subject matter experts, we will assist other training and political advocacy organizations in becoming more accessible and inclusive. Our third goal is to connect disabled leaders with each other to find mentorship and support, and connect other organizations with disabled candidates, elected officials, organizers, activists, and advocates to make their programming more inclusive.
Through Disability Victory, we work to center the experiences and needs of multiply marginalized disabled people, especially BIPOC disabled people and disabled people of marginalized genders. We ensure that this is reflected in the speakers, trainers, and organizers we hire and compensate to lead our campaign training programming.
**What our grantee is saying:** "Disability Victory is honored to be a recipient of the Awesome Disability ’s June award our organization was built on the foundation of connecting the disability community directly to the electoral process and most importantly training a pipeline of disabled candidates ready to serve their communities. With this critical funding from the Awesome Foundation, Disability Victory will be able to continue our vital work across the country."
**What our trustees are saying:** "I voted for Disability Victory because I really believe in the work they are doing, building capacity for disabled political candidates."Sarah BlahovecDisability Victoryhttp://www.disabilityvictory.orgWorldwideDisabilityhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/disabilitytag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2256782023-06-30T00:00:00Z2023-08-22T12:07:18ZLiverpool – Liverpool Cultural Welcome ProjectWe're working on building a holistic and empowering Cultural Welcome Guide to Liverpool for the asylum seeker and refugee community in the city. Part of this involves a programme of trips.
We are currently applying for larger pots of funding to support the whole project. In the meantime, we want to keep the momentum we've built up going and involve new participants by running a programme of trips in summer 2023.
This project was inspired by a tour we organised for a group of vulnerable migrants to the Tate and Open Eye as part of the SOL English through Art project at Metal in Autumn 2022. One of the participants was overwhelmed to discover they could access the art on show at the Tate for free. Another shared photos of last time they had been to an exhibition - It had possibly been a year since they had accessed culture in the city and was only doing so through the filter of organised trips.
Our trips are unique as they are done with a view to empowerment. We do this by supporting participants to take public transport, explaining to them how to enter the space, where to go for free tickets etc. Everything about the trip aims to increase participants confidence in entering cultural spaces. Katy HarrisLiverpool Cultural Welcome Projecthttps://www.oneseptemberart.co.uk/liverpool-cultural-welcome-projectUnited KingdomLiverpoolhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/liverpooltag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2242432023-06-30T00:00:00Z2023-06-30T06:51:21ZNew York City, NY – Brooklyn Cumbia FestivalWe are excited that our June grant has been awarded to One Whale's Tale and their Brooklyn Cumbia Festival which will be taking place next weekend, from July 6-10 around NYC. The festival is a multi-day community-focused music festival that celebrates Cumbia music from its origins in Colombia to its modern forms across Latin America through workshops, live bands, DJs, dancing, food, drinks, arts & crafts. It takes place at the Good Life Garden in Bushwick, House of Yes, Maria Hernandez Park, Barbès, Joe’s Pub, and TV EYE!
There is no other event on the East Coast dedicated to celebrating the importance of Cumbia music and this is One Whale's Tale first year throwing this festival.
Organizer Camilo Quiroz-Vazquez writes, _"People in the US often speak of the Latino community, but the reality is that we are many different communities with unique cultures, dialects, rituals, food, and politics. One thing many of our countries have in common is a love for Cumbia, and my dream is that through music and art we create a place to start conversations and create a deeper connection with each other. Cumbia was born from African rhythms in Colombia, a fact not all Cumbia lovers are aware of, and the first two days of the festival are dedicated to Afro-Latino artists and acknowledging and celebrating their work and we think that is pretty awesome!"_
* [Visit their site for a full schedule of events](https://www.onewhalestale.com/upcoming)
* RSVP and Ticketing information at www.brooklyncumbiafestival.com
* Follow [@bkcumbiafest](https://www.instagram.com/bkcumbiafest/) and [@onewhalestale](https://www.instagram.com/onewhalestale/) on Instagram.
Camilo Quiroz-Vazquez and One Whale's TaleBrooklyn Cumbia Festivalhttps://www.onewhalestale.com/upcomingUnited StatesNew York City, NYhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/nyctag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2227072023-06-30T00:00:00Z2023-07-03T16:08:51ZBrumadinho – Empreender para a liberdadeMeu projeto é começar a empoderar mulheres atingidas pelo rompimento das barragens da Vale S.A em Córrego do Feijão, Brumadinho, em 2019, selecionadas pela AMPARE - Associação pela Inclusão de Mulheres e Pessoas com Deficiância, com sede em Brumadinho e tendo como diretor presidente Maurilio Dias Jardim. Consiste em formalizar mulheres atingidas de Brumadinho, com critérios de inscrição em CADUNICO, desempregada, baixa renda, mães-solo, sem casa própria, enfim, critérios construídos por edital e que definirão mulheres compromissadas a empreender produzindo temperos caseiros. Para começar, três mulheres iniciariam a produção, com matéria-prima e os potes para comercialização, arte gráfica digital para redes sociais, liquidificador industrial, máquina veda pote, rótulos e informações ao consumidor.
Nasci em Brumadinho e ainda moro por aqui. Atualmente no bairro Aurora. Sou membro fundadora da AMPARE, e sempre na luta contra a violação de direitos. Sobretudo após ao crime da Vale, num território onde vivi e morei a vida inteira. E isso é uma coisa que abala a gente demais, né? Após 4 anos lutando desde janeiro de 2019 e tendo 2 anos e meio deles trabalhado no setor público municipal, e vivenciado e adoecido por perceber a problemática cruel e impiedosa que vivemos aqui - sai do setor público e há 4 meses desempregada, e convivendo e observando a situação de outras mulheres, das convivências da AMPARE, das rodas de conversas entre amigas de uma vida toda, percebi que precisamos nos unir e usar as estruturas que ai estão e que possibiltam alguns direitos e/ou oportunidades pra gente. E falo isso levando em conta os benefícios de se formalizar através do MEI, da geração de renda que leva uma mensagem de sustentabilidade, de empoderamento, de liberdade, de auto-estima, de esperança, de cura.
Valor aprovado para o projeto: R$ 3000Lilian Jacqueline da SilvaEmpreender para a liberdadeBrazilBrumadinhohttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/brumadinhotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2236872023-06-29T00:00:00Z2023-06-30T03:30:24ZGloucester, MA – 100 Trees ProjectThe mission of 100 TREES PROJECT is to plant trees in high impact urban heat island locations such as, public housing and public spaces to improve the lives of people, build community, and directly impact the urban quality of life and make an impact on climate change. 100 trees at a time.
Working with local partners, 100 TREES PROJECT plans to plant batches of 10 or 20 trees in each location. Six to eight feet in height, the trees are fast growing and are species native to New England. 100 TREES PROJECT provides the trees, necessary fertilizer etc., while the local partner, where the trees are planted, will be expected to commit to help plant and maintain the trees for the first five years.
As of today we have planted 90 trees in the 4 years since we started this project. 50 of them are in public housing in Boston and Gloucester. 20 are at Seaside Cemetery in Gloucester. The most recent 20 were planted at Burnham Playground in Gloucester.
We are currently scouting locations for next 10-20 trees. Prartaap Patrose100 Trees Projecthttp://www.100TreesProject.orgUnited StatesGloucester, MAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/gloucestertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2225522023-06-28T00:00:00Z2023-09-20T11:52:04ZGeorgetown, MA – Georgetown Moms Group Georgetown Moms Group was founded in 2023 as a not-for-profit, member-driven organization focused on providing mothers of young children a place to find support, build friendships, and gain knowledge. Our focus is on mothers in Georgetown and surrounding towns.
We endeavor to have one mom’s event and one children’s event a month. As we raise more money, our goal is for the children’s events to be free or low cost for members.
Additionally, we are planning 3-4 philanthropic-centered events a year, because giving back to the community is a cornerstone of the group. Elizabeth WilfongGeorgetown Moms Group http://Www.Georgetownmomsgroup.comUnited StatesGeorgetown, MAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/georgetowntag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2235152023-06-27T00:00:00Z2023-07-05T14:33:49ZChicago, IL – LGBTQ/Seniors Movie And Dinner EventsEurydice Community Outreach Project plans to host three (3) Summer 2023 monthly (during July 2023, August 2023, and September 2023) dinner and a movie events from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Our target population are residents from Townhall Apartments who are LGBTQ and seniors that are low income and and that does not have the extra money to spend on a night out. Eurydice Moore LGBTQ/Seniors Movie And Dinner Eventshttps://eurydicecommunityoutreachproject.com/United StatesChicago, ILhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/chicagotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2255752023-06-26T00:00:00Z2023-06-28T00:28:45ZWashington, DC – Blind DC Residents and Friends Paddle the PotomacSince 2018 I've been a board member of the Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes (MWABA), an organization formed in 2015 that organizes outdoor recreational activities for blind youth and adults in the DC area. A popular event MWABA has held for several years is an afternoon spent at Key Bridge Boathouse where we rent several double kayaks for blind athletes to paddle with sighted volunteers, or with a friend or family member. For the first couple of years most of our blind paddlers were adults, but last summer we had some kids from DCPS come out to try kayaking as well, and we’d like to expand the event to include more youth participants.
Unfortunately, our limited funds have placed a cap on how many boats we can rent, and in turn how many paddlers we can accommodate. This has resulted in volunteers doubling or sometimes tripling up and spending less time with each blind paddler, making the experience more rushed and less fun for all involved. With this grant we would be able to double the number of boats we rent and offer both a longer option for our most adventurous paddlers and a shorter, relaxed option for the majority of paddlers without the need to rush back to accommodate a second shift of paddlers in the same boat. WE believe this will also leave more time for group socializing before and after paddling, which is one of the most valuable aspects of this activity because of the opportunity it affords for developing friendships and for blind youth to spend time with and get to know adult blind role models.
We would use the grant to reserve twelve double kayaks, twice the number we have reserved in the past. Because we want to offer a longer paddling option for those who are interested, we would like to reserve three of the kayaks for four hours ($360) and the other nine for two hours apiece ($540). We would spend the additional $100 on snacks and bottled water. Qudsiya NaquiBlind DC Residents and Friends Paddle the Potomachttp://www.gomwaba.orgUnited StatesWashington, DChttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/dctag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2250382023-06-26T00:00:00Z2023-06-27T05:17:09ZHomelessness – Lift The Young Ones UpEvery day dozens of young expectant mothers do not have the resources and support needed during their pregnancy and oftentimes are in an unsafe environment or become homeless. These young girls not only must confront the medical concerns associated with bringing a new life into the world, but they also must find shelter, food and overall care. The options are limited where the Home of Serenity is located. We are located in Detroit Michigan where there is a very large population of unserved and underserved homeless and at-risk youth. The Home of Serenity can be the solution.
Our residential program welcomes homeless pregnant and parenting mothers ages 15 - 21 who have been abandoned or escaped unstable home environments. Many girls have lost their self-esteem when they seek out the Home of Serenity. They are frightened and emotional. Some arrive with just the clothes on their backs. They don’t know how they’re going to finish school, find a job and provide for their babies.
We provide these young mothers with housing, several options to complete their education, life skill classes, parenting courses, day care, counseling, food, clothing, job/career training. financial literacy, and much more. The girls are mentored to become productive and independent members of society. Most leave our 24-month program and move into their own homes or enroll in college. The length of stay greatly depends on the age the mother arrives and starts the program. We give them guidance and supervision. We give them help and hope for the future.
The Home of Serenity demonstrates the care and concern these young mothers and their babies truly need and deserve. When they feel that things are hopeless and there’s nowhere to turn, they need to know how much they are loved and that they are not alone. It doesn’t matter what type of situation they find themselves in, they all deserve another chance to get on the right path in life.Diane PearsLift The Young Ones Uphttps://www.thehomeofserenity.org/copy-of-aboutWorldwideHomelessnesshttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/homelessnesstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2248862023-06-22T00:00:00Z2023-06-19T14:01:37ZNewmarket – MusicCanMusicCan is a non-profit started by myself and my bass player Manny DeGrandis with the goal of providing free instruments and three months free lessons at The Arts Music Store. We do community outreach to find candidates for the guitar/lesson program and distribute donated instruments as well. We recently purchased 30 Djembe Drums for Maple Leaf P.S. and donated 8 guitars to the school. We also run the drum program at the school on a weekly basis.Glenn MaraisMusicCanhttps://www.facebook.com/MusicCanNewmarketCanadaNewmarkethttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/newmarket-ontariotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2201582023-06-22T00:00:00Z2023-10-19T15:20:37ZMiami, FL – Post Pigeon EDUWe are building a program that connects K-12 students to National Park Rangers via personalized video messages. Our mission is to leverage technology to improve access to some of our world’s most treasured places, coolest people, and biggest ideas. Post Pigeon EDU gives students the opportunity to learn from National Park Rangers and provides a window of access to the outdoors.
The program supplies classrooms with a foundational curriculum on the park of their choosing and the opportunity to develop their inquiry skills by formulating questions for a Ranger. Classrooms then receive a personalized video “postcard” from a Ranger answering their questions. We are a platform and service that handles the technical backend and communication between classrooms and National Park sites. Our program links the research-backed benefits of multimedia learning and developing inquiry, collaboration, and communication skills to improve engagement, STEM outcomes, and access to the outdoors.
We hope to serve as an entryway for students to get curious about the outdoors and believe a natural extension of exposing students to NPS sites and having them engage with sites virtually is to encourage them to visit the sites in person. We want students to get the joyous itch to explore and learn about the natural world so that they can reap the benefits of outdoor exposure and become stewards of the place they call home.
Finally, we hope that the flexible, asynchronous program allows Florida’s National Parks to reach more students, in more communities both in Florida and beyond. Florida’s National Parks represent some of our most precious and incredible ecosystems, and we want all students to be able to learn from them and experience them in some capacity. The first National Park Sites I reached out to were Biscayne and Everglades — both Parks have been instrumental in starting to bring the program to life. Valerie QuirkPost Pigeon EDUhttp://www.postpigeonedu.comUnited StatesMiami, FLhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/miamitag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2219972023-06-21T00:00:00Z2023-07-06T01:14:49ZBuffalo, NY – Badass HERstory Exhibit and Community Art ProjectStitch Buffalo (501c3) and Massachusetts Avenue Project (501c3) are partnering to present a two-day art event to promote sustainability, work by artists of marginalized genders, and the power of community building through cross-cultural exchange. All events are centered on a visit from internationally renowned LGBTQ+ activist, curator, and artist Shannon Downey.
The event will feature a public exhibit of 180 storytelling art pieces from around the world, sharing the lived experience of the person who created them. This will be held at the MAP building on Buffalo's West Side. During the event, guests will be able to view the art and meet Shannon Downey (who will give a short presentation). They will also be able to tour the farm with teen guides, learn about sustainable food and arts practices, and get free supplies to create their own textile art "Herstory."
The second component of this event is a public art-making session at Stitch Buffalo. Members of the community will be invited to stitch along with Shannon Downey and artists from the Refugee Women's Workshop at Stitch Buffalo. We will be working on a large banner that reads "The World Is Here," reflecting our experience of Buffalo as a vibrant melting pot of world cultures. The banner will also feature floral motifs and textiles from around the world. While visiting Stitch Buffalo, guests will also be able to tour our "farm"—a dye garden full of native plants that can be used to color fabric, paper, and other natural fibers. Guests will see garment samples and be able to experiment with making their own eco-dyed bookmark.
All events will be open to the public with no admission fee (free-will donations will be accepted to support both organizations). This event will take place on Garden Walk weekend (July 28 and 29), so we hope to reach both local and traveling participants—and share with them Buffalo's commitment to diversity and sustainability.
Michelle PerkinsBadass HERstory Exhibit and Community Art ProjectUnited StatesBuffalo, NYhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/buffalotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2257542023-06-20T00:00:00Z2023-06-21T02:02:45ZAustin, TX – Expansion of LGBTQIA+ Library for Austin's YouthOut Youth’s services promote the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth ages 9 to 25 in Austin, TX, all of whom are fighting to thrive in the midst of fear, misunderstanding, and hostility.
Out Youth’s programming is enhanced by the library in our community center, which is the largest private LGBTQIA+ library in Texas. A $1000 grant from the Austin Awesome Foundation will fund an investment in new nonfiction books by and about LGBTQIA+ people for Austin’s queer youth.
Access to books with affirming representations of LGBTQIA+ experiences is vital for Austin’s LGBTQIA+ youth now more than ever, given the latest book bans in schools and the recent legislative session regarding the rights of Texas’s transgender children and their caregivers.
For many young people, feeling a connection to their community begins in the pages of books. Books by and about LGBTQIA+ advocates can inspire youth to act as advocates within their own communities, or at the very least, they can instill a sense of hope in our youth, who live in a time and place where anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation restricts their rights.Christopher Dowling-MagillExpansion of LGBTQIA+ Library for Austin's Youthhttps://www.outyouth.org/libraryUnited StatesAustin, TXhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/austintag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2225732023-06-19T00:00:00Z2023-08-31T20:01:05ZPittsburgh, PA – Good Enough Comedy Good Enough Comedy is a “mostly” monthly comedy show that operates out of the Bryant Street Barbershop in Highland Park. Yes, a barbershop! Good Enough Comedy aims to bring national touring headliners to town alongside local stand ups.
Shannon Norman, a Pittsburgh based standup comedian and also a barber at the Bryant Street Barbershop, has been writing and performing comedy since 2005. “I started doing these shows in the shop after the pandemic. The loss of Hambones was a critical blow to the local comedy scene and I wanted to provide an alternative space to the comedy clubs and theaters, just like Jeff Holt did with Hambones.”
Funny comedians and funny people are all welcome.
Shannon NormanGood Enough Comedy http://Instagram.com/good_enough_comedyUnited StatesPittsburgh, PAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/pittsburghtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2216232023-06-19T00:00:00Z2023-06-20T03:26:45ZAwesome Without Borders – art-group YavSince 2015, our art group "Yav" has been actively creating works that oppose the Russian government, expressing our core values based on European and Western ideals. Democracy, human rights and freedoms, feminism, and anti-war sentiments are important to us, as well as active participation in public life. We engage in activism and media activism, striving to draw attention to important social issues.
The "Yav" art group was founded and is led by a woman named Anastasia, and our collective consists of only two people. Together, we work on video art, performances, street art, and media art to creatively express our ideas and opinions on important issues affecting contemporary society.
We also aim to increase the representation of women in street art and inspire them to engage in activism through street art. In Russia, street art is highly patriarchal, with women making up only about 10% of the community. We are confident that our creativity and active stance contribute to changing this situation, opening new horizons and opportunities for talented women in the world of art and activism.
We strive to awaken social responsibility, mutual assistance, and solidarity through our projects, demonstrating that art can be a powerful tool for public impact and drawing attention to pressing problems.Anastasiia Vladychkinaart-group Yavhttps://www.instagram.com/yav_zone/WorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2250572023-06-19T00:00:00Z2023-06-20T18:47:59ZOrlando, FL – An awesome never-been-done-here choral concertWhen I moved to Orlando in 2010 to join the music production faculty at Full Sail University, it didn’t take long to identify an issue with my new home. As a seasoned freelance composer, I saw depressingly few opportunities to have my music performed here and virtually no concert activity dedicated to new music. However, because of the amazing universities here and the theme parks, Central Florida has a surprisingly high concentration of talented composers for a city that, in 2023, is only the 63rd largest city in the US.
In 2011 I founded the Central Florida Composers Forum, and since its inception, we’ve given dozens of performances of contemporary chamber music and also partnered with organizations like the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra, Orlando Story Club, Burrow Press, and Emotions Dance.
The one thing we have avoided trying — until now — is to mount a concert of new choral music entirely written by local, living composers. This has never been done in Orlando’s history. The costs associated with a project of this scope are daunting. Paying sixteen singers to learn all contemporary repertoire (even repertoire that is accessible and expressive), along with the accompanying pianist, additional instrumentalists, venue rental costs, and marketing all quickly drive up the very real need to procure more funds than ticket sales will provide alone or run the very real risk of a painful financial loss to our group.
Yet, a concert like this is necessary. And it would be awesome.
This groundbreaking event would illuminate our community's creative talent, stimulate growth in our music scene, and make contemporary classical music accessible and more visible to all.
The title for this concert is Thresholds: Choral Doorways into Loss, Hope, and Spirit, and would include world or regional premieres by Alex Burtzos, Stan Cording, Alan Gerber, Troy Gifford, Charlie Griffin, ChanJi Kim, Bradon Martin, and Chaz Underriner. Charlie GriffinAn awesome never-been-done-here choral concerthttp://cfcomposers.orgUnited StatesOrlando, FLhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/orlandotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2234952023-06-15T00:00:00Z2023-06-27T23:17:07ZCass Clay – Community Regalia MakingWe are starting a regalia making group at the Indigenous Association in June. This is part of our mission to connect, unite, and strengthen the Indigenous community in the Fargo/Moorhead area. We want this space to be open to youth, adults, and elders. We have heard from both Fargo Public Schools and Moorhead Area Public Schools Indian Education departments that they need more regalia for the drum and dance programs that they do in their respective schools. We would like to open up the opportunity for youth and families throughout the regain to make their own regalia for this purpose and for community drum and dance events. We are offering the group with a suggested $25 material fee, but we do not want anyone to be left out if they are not able to afford the costs. This will also serve as an event that the Indigenous community can gather and socialize as well. We heard from many people in the community that are interested in this group, and believe it will be well attended. We currently have some material, access to 17 sewing machines, and 4000 sq feet of space at our location to hold this group. We are looking for funding to help cover the costs of initial supplies so we can get started right away and be sure there are materials for folks that are not able to afford the fee. We are hoping that both experienced and first time regalia makers will attend the group and this is a skill that can be passed down to the next generation. We have an experienced regalia maker that has agreed to help us with this project.Brandon BaityCommunity Regalia Makinghttp://indgns.orgUnited StatesCass Clayhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/cassclaytag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2239342023-06-15T00:00:00Z2023-06-18T15:15:53ZKingston – Club humanitaire - Les Ami.e.s de PocheAt Madeleine-de-Roybon Elementary School there are students who are members of The Humanitarian Club. The members like to help other people who live in sickness or poverty. They make 'Pocket Buddies' to bring smiles to other children and to fund-raise for local or international charities that provide essential needs.
They make these ‘Pocket Buddies’ during their lunch hour or after school. They are made of yarn and are dressed using recycled fabric to look like different children from around the world. We create these dolls to represent all identities without discrimination.
Since our beginning in 2014, the different members have helped support 30 countries. Soon, the club will reach 30 000$ in donations. The club also donates dolls to children in need locally and in different countries.
This club has given the school the opportunity to reflect on global challenges such as peace, climate action, human rights, and cultural diversity. The Humanitarian Club was also a contributing factor to becoming a Unesco school.
More importantly, the Humanitarian Club forms your future citizen within Kingston as they are bringing humanitarian aid. Your motto is: It is as simple as local people helping to get local ideas off the ground to keep Kingston Awesome! Our youth has the same motto as you and their intention is to help not only Kingstonians but people in need all over the world. Jacynthe AubutClub humanitaire - Les Ami.e.s de Pochehttps://jacyntheaubut3.wixsite.com/amisdepoches-pb/du-nouveau-updatesCanadaKingstonhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/ru/chapters/kingston-on