Grant Application for
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan
Mission Statement:
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
23-7043163
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Kris
Hoxie
Address:
900 E Front St, Suite 125, Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone Number:
2313130887
Website:
Project Name:
Empowering Girls & Women through Youth Mentorship
Project start and end dates:
June 1, 2026
May 31, 2027
Amount Requested:
$
10000
Project Description:
Within the next year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (Bigs) anticipates matching an additional 46 children in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties with caring, adult mentors. Based on current demographics, approximately 62.7% of these matches will be female youth paired with female volunteer mentors. Each mentoring relationship provides a consistent, positive presence in a child’s life—someone who listens, encourages, and helps them set and achieve personal goals that ignite their full potential.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
92
What percentage are female?
63
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
Hestia funds will be directed to specifically support girls and women through one-to-one mentoring relationships in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. With 63% of participants being girls, this investment will create approximately 29 matches between Little Sisters and their Big Sisters—women who serve as strong, positive role models. These relationships are designed to help girls recognize their own strength, build confidence, and develop leadership skills that will carry them into adulthood.
Through the guidance and encouragement of their Big Sisters, girls learn to dream boldly, make empowered choices, and navigate challenges with resilience. Each match becomes a transformative partnership where women uplift girls, and girls grow into women who will one day uplift others—creating a lasting cycle of empowerment and opportunity for women and girls across the community.
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Bigs matches children ages 6 to young adult, referred by parents, teachers, doctors, and school social workers, who could benefit from an encouraging mentor who listens, an introduction to new opportunities, help identifying and developing their skills, and consistent time with a positive, caring adult. Local schools rely on our program to support their students’ academic, social-emotional and behavioral needs. In addition, some families learn of our program from friends with children who have a Big.
Each match is supported by a dedicated Mentoring Specialist who is always there to provide resources, guidance and support specific to the child’s and family’s needs.
Though not a requirement for participation, more than 90% of the children in our program are at poverty level. Families in need have access to individualized academic tutoring, holiday support and a connection to a litany of resources that Bigs' program is able to provide to all clients.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
This project aims to empower girls and young women by providing them with strong, positive female role models who help them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Girls mentored through Bigs are more likely to form healthy relationships, improve school attendance and academic performance, and make positive life choices. They gain the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in school and beyond, breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors to education and career opportunities.
Bigs is uniquely positioned to meet these needs. In Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, two Mentoring Specialists are dedicated to expanding programming and increasing local engagement. In 2026, the agency is also creating a localized Advisory Board and seeking an Executive Director for these counties to strengthen community partnerships and ensure long-term sustainability.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
Success is measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. Progress is tracked in Bigs’ database, where Mentoring Specialists document monthly match support contacts with parents, youth, and mentors to ensure safety and relationship quality.
Annual surveys assess the strength of mentoring relationships and measure outcomes such as confidence, academics, and social-emotional growth. Data is analyzed to refine volunteer training, improve program delivery, and ensure continuous improvement.
Success is defined by the number of youth effectively served, the quality and longevity of mentoring relationships, and the measurable positive outcomes in the lives of the children—especially the girls -who gain the confidence and support to reach their potentential.
Grant Project Budget Form
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