During this past summer, Women Solve, an IDEA grantee, celebrated the success of its “Seed to Roots: Broadway Horizons” initiative, which provided an enriching cultural experience for 84 students from Frederick County. Thanks to a matching General Grant from the Ausherman Family Foundation (AFF), the project built on the success of the annual Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performance and Talent Show by facilitating a transformative day trip to New York City.

The Ausherman Family Foundation was first introduced to Women Solve in 2022 when the Foundation launched the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Aligned (IDEA) Grant. This is a grant available to Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County to provide funding and increase capacity through professional development. Women Solve excelled after their first IDEA Grant was awarded in 2023, which supported their Seed to Roots 2024 Annual Black History Month Youth Performance at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. In early 2024, they applied for a General Grant to help fund this Broadway trip.

The funding enabled 84 students the opportunity to attend a live performance of The Wiz on Broadway, participate in an exclusive Q&A session with theater professionals, and enjoy a group dining experience. This initiative not only recognized the hard work and talent of young artists but also broadened their exposure to the arts, inspiring future aspirations in the creative field.

The City of Frederick had already acknowledged the project’s value by awarding Women Solve $25,000, half of the total budget. The organization sought an additional $25,000 from the Ausherman Family Foundation to cover comprehensive costs and was awarded $20,000 with an additional $4,000 available through matching funds, bringing the potential total raised up to $28,000, helping to ensure the project’s success.

This initiative aligned with the Foundation’s mission of promoting cultural appreciation and educational enrichment among youth. The project aimed to dismantle barriers to cultural access, celebrate diversity, and empower students to explore their artistic passions.

“Frederick’s Seed to Roots: Broadway Horizons” was more than just a trip; it represented a significant investment in the cultural and educational development of Frederick County’s youth. With support from the Ausherman Family Foundation, Women Solve created a lasting impact that fostered creativity, confidence, and community engagement.

Desirée Tucker, executive director of Women Solve, expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, “We are profoundly grateful to the Ausherman Family Foundation for this support, which bridged the gap and made this incredible opportunity possible for our students.”