NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  Illuminating the Youth

The recipient entity's physical address:
           14548 Duane road
New Orleans, la 70128


The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           14548 Duane road
New Orleans, la 70128


Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          Rochelle Smothers

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  2371

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $5,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Rochelle Smothers- Director
14548 Duane Rd. New Orleans LA, 70128

Jalicia Slack- President
Anjanique Boudreaux- Vice President
Darlene Shaw- Treasurer
Brenda Smothers- Secretary


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Juneteenth Splash aims to celebrate freedom and unity in New Orleans' Eastshore/Little Woods community, an underserved and often overlooked neighborhood. This year's event will feature live music by a local DJ, youth activities including volleyball pools and water slides, water toys, food, and educational resources. Last year's event brought together 200+ attendees, fostering community connections. With $5K funding, we'll cover venue costs, entertainment, food, supplies, and ensure everyone has access to fun. Our goal is to empower our underserved youth and showcase NOLA's vibrant culture. We're seeking $5K to make this Juneteenth Splash unforgettable for our community's kids and families.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $4,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The Juneteenth Splash event serves a public purpose by promoting community unity, cultural awareness, and empowerment in New Orleans' underserved Eastshore/Little Woods neighborhood. By celebrating Juneteenth, we honor African American freedom and heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. The event provides accessible recreational activities, educational resources, and social connections for local families, addressing disparities in community investment. State funding will support inclusive, family-friendly programming, enhancing quality of life and community cohesion. This aligns with broader goals of equity, education, and community development, benefiting the public good.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          1. Foster Community Unity: Bring together 500+ residents, organizations, and local businesses to celebrate Juneteenth.
2. Empower Underserved Youth: Provide accessible recreational activities (water slides, volleyball pools, water toys) and educational resources for 200+ kids.
3. Promote Cultural Awareness: Highlight African American heritage through live music, DJ, and local art.
4. Enhance Community Connections: Facilitate networking opportunities among attendees, local organizations, and sponsors.
5. Address Disparities: Invest in Eastshore/Little Woods community through inclusive programming and partnerships.

Objectives:
- Host a safe, enjoyable event for all ages
- Increase community engagement and participation
- Support local vendors and businesses
- Create a sense of pride and belonging in the community


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           For the Juneteenth Splash event, we're looking at a one-day celebration 1-5PM

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                 

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Rochelle Smothers 
                                       address:  14548 Duane road
New Orleans, la 70128

                                       phone:  5044063003
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  illuminatingtheyouth@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  founder