Honor Dance Inc Application

El Mirage Community Partnership Grant Program
Application
Program Overview 
The City of El Mirage Community Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential
health and human services directly to El Mirage residents, including low-income families, seniors, youth,
and other individuals who may benefit from additional support.  
Health and human services refer to programs, projects, or activities that improve the general health,
including physical, mental, emotional, or social well-being, of individuals and families. These services
address basic needs, promote safety and stability, and enhance residents' overall quality of life.  
The program offers one-time funding of up to $10,000 per application annually from July 1 to June 30.
Eligible nonprofits and other qualified charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status or IRS letter of
determination recognizing nonprofit status under A.R.S. §42-11154 may submit multiple applications for
funding, provided each application represents a distinct program or project.  
Applicants are limited to one application per program or project. Each application must specify the
minimum funding required. Applications are evaluated based on an evaluation scoring rubric approved by
the City Council. The ultimate funding decisions are made by the El Mirage City Council. 
Applicant Eligibility Criteria   

The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation or other qualified charitable or nonprofit
organization as provided for in A.R.S. §42-11154. 

The applicant must provide direct health and human services to El Mirage residents and
demonstrate how the program or project improves resident well-being. 

The applicant must demonstrate the ability to generate revenue from sources other than the City of
El Mirage. 

The applicant must submit the five following required documents:
    1) Proof of 501(c)(3) status or IRS determination letter under A.R.S. §42-11154. 
    2) Organizational mission statement. 
    3) Board of directors list, including roles and affiliations. 
    4) Last two years of IRS Form 990 filings (or explanation if not available or required to file). 
    5) Completed application signed by an authorized representative. 

If awarded, the applicant must register with the City of El Mirage as a vendor and provide an IRS

Form W-9 to receive funds. 

If awarded, the applicant must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward stated goals and
objectives and provide timely and accurate reports as required by the city. 
Application Directions 
Please answer the following questions in narrative form. Applicants will receive up to five points for a
complete and accurate application.  
Submission Directions 

One electronic copy of the application and required attachments must be submitted no later than
the date and time identified in the notice to apply. 

Late applications will not be accepted. 

Please save a copy of this application for your records.

Awarded applicants are required to report completed program or project goal measurements by a
date and time specified in the notice of award, before the end of the fiscal year of the award,
or sooner as may be required by the city.  
More Program Information
Visit www.ElMirageAZ.gov/Grants for more information about the program, including evaluation scoring
rubric.
Program-Related Inquiries  
For program questions or to update contact information, please contact Regan Jepson at
communityservices@elmirageaz.gov. 
Part 1: Agency and Program or Project
Section A: Agency Information 
Agency Name
Honor Dance, Inc.
Tax Number
88-2494849
Executive Director / CEO
Rachel Eastburn
Website
Address
14211 W. Windrose Drive, Surprise, Arizona 85379
Phone
(602) 703-6111

Section B: Agency Overview  
Briefly describe your organization, the services it provides, mission, goals, and population served. 
Honor Dance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the lives of youth by increasing access
to dance education. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate in high-quality arts
programming regardless of financial circumstances, transportation barriers, or prior dance experience. Our
mission is to provide free, community-based dance education in a fun, positive, and encouraging
environment that helps students grow in confidence, creativity, and connection with others.
Since launching in 2021, Honor Dance has impacted more than 1,800 youth across the West Valley
through free afterschool dance programs. We partner directly with schools, community centers, and local
organizations to bring programs into neighborhoods where families may have limited access to
extracurricular activities and arts education opportunities.
Honor Dance provides structured afterschool dance classes for elementary and middle school students.
Classes include a variety of dance styles such as hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, creative movement, and beginner
technique. Programs are designed to support students of all skill levels, including children with no previous
dance experience. Students participate in weekly classes that encourage movement, teamwork, creativity,
discipline, and self-expression in a welcoming and supportive setting.
In addition to teaching dance skills such as rhythm, coordination, balance, flexibility, and musicality, our
programs focus heavily on social-emotional development. Through dance, students build self-confidence,
perseverance, communication skills, and positive peer relationships. Many students who participate in our
programs have limited access to extracurricular activities due to financial barriers or lack of transportation.
By offering programs directly at schools and community-based locations at no cost to families, Honor
Dance helps eliminate these barriers and creates equitable access to enrichment opportunities.
Honor Dance primarily serves youth in underserved and low-income communities throughout the West
Valley, including El Mirage, Surprise, Glendale, and surrounding areas. Many of the schools and
neighborhoods we serve include high percentages of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch
and families who face financial challenges that limit access to private dance studios or fee-based activities.
Our organizational goals include:
Increasing access to affordable and equitable arts education opportunities
Supporting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among youth
Building confidence, creativity, and social-emotional skills
Creating positive afterschool environments that encourage belonging and community connection
Partnering with schools and community organizations to maximize impact and accessibility
Honor Dance is committed to collaboration and sustainability. In addition to grant funding, our organization
generates revenue and operational support through donations, fundraising events, sponsorships, and
community partnerships. This diversified support helps ensure our programs remain accessible and
sustainable for the families we serve.
Through consistent, relationship-centered programming, Honor Dance strives to create opportunities for
youth to feel seen, valued, capable, and connected while developing lifelong skills through dance and
movement.
Please upload the following required documents: 
1.
Proof of Section 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption - IRS determination letter verifying nonprofit status under

A.R.S. §42-11154 from the Internal Revenue Service. Please upload. 
2.
Organizational mission statement. Please upload. 
3.
Board of Directors list including a current list of board members with roles and affiliations. Please
upload.  
Upload Files Here
IRS 501(c)(3) Status Letter.pdf
Mission Statement.pdf
Articles of Incorporation - Board of Directors.pdf
Section C: Program or Project Information 
Program or Project Name
Honor Dance Community Afterschool Program
Program or Project Contact Person
Rachel Eastburn
Email 
rachel@honordance.org
Phone
(602) 703-6111
Does the program or project directly serve residents of the City of El Mirage?
Yes
Please select one health & human services category that best aligns with the need met by the
program.
Child, Family, and Youth Programming and Development
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
Part 2: Program Description
Section A: Narrative Description 
Please provide a detailed description of the program or project that these grant funds will support,
if awarded.
The Honor Dance Community Afterschool Program will provide free, community-based afterschool dance
classes for youth in El Mirage during the 2026-2027 school year. Grant funding will support 10-week dance
sessions offered in both the fall and spring semesters at accessible locations throughout the community,
including schools and community centers that serve El Mirage residents.
The program is designed to increase access to arts education and positive afterschool activities for
children and youth who may otherwise face financial or transportation barriers to participation. Classes will
be provided at no cost to families, ensuring all students have the opportunity to participate regardless of
income level or previous dance experience.
Honor Dance plans to offer six classes during the fall session and six classes during the spring session, for
a total of 12 program sessions throughout the year. Each class will serve up to 20 students, creating the
potential to impact up to 240 youth participants during the funded year.

Programs will be hosted at community-centered locations that are easily accessible to El Mirage families,
including:
Northwest Valley YMCA
Dysart Community Center
El Mirage Elementary School
Riverview School
Surprise Elementary School
Thompson Ranch Elementary School
Students will participate in weekly dance classes led by trained instructors in a safe, positive, and
encouraging environment. Dance styles may include hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, creative movement, and
beginner dance technique. Classes are designed to accommodate students of varying ages, abilities, and
experience levels.
The program emphasizes both physical and social-emotional development. Students will develop dance-
related skills such as rhythm, balance, flexibility, coordination, musicality, and movement technique. In
addition, classes are intentionally structured to support confidence-building, creativity, teamwork,
discipline, communication, and self-expression.
Research consistently shows that participation in arts and afterschool programs can positively impact
student engagement, emotional well-being, physical activity, and academic success. Honor Dance
integrates these benefits into a supportive program model that encourages students to stay active, build
healthy relationships, and experience personal growth through movement and creative expression.
Where feasible, program sessions will conclude with an informal showcase or performance opportunity for
families and community members. These performances allow students to celebrate their accomplishments,
practice leadership and presentation skills, and strengthen family and community engagement.
Grant funding will specifically support dance teachers and dance class assistants who lead and support
weekly afterschool classes. These staff members play a critical role in creating safe, engaging, and
supportive learning environments where students can build dance skills, confidence, creativity, and positive
peer connections.
The Honor Dance Community Afterschool Program aligns closely with the City of El Mirage Community
Partnership Grant goals by providing direct youth development services that improve resident well-being,
increase access to enrichment opportunities, and strengthen community connections for local families.
Describe how this program or project will benefit El Mirage residents directly and the need or gap
in service that it meets. Please include data to support your response.
The Honor Dance Community Afterschool Program directly benefits El Mirage residents by providing free,
accessible afterschool enrichment opportunities that support youth development, physical activity, social-
emotional growth, and community connection.
Many families in El Mirage face financial barriers that limit access to extracurricular activities, including arts
education and recreational programming. Private dance studios and fee-based activities are often
financially out of reach for low-income households, creating inequitable access to enrichment opportunities
that support child development and well-being. By offering programs at no cost directly within schools and
community-based locations, Honor Dance removes many of the barriers that prevent participation,
including cost and transportation challenges.
The need for accessible afterschool programming remains significant. According to Arizona youth and
education data, many students in the West Valley communities served by Honor Dance attend schools

with high percentages of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating increased economic
need among families. In addition, afterschool programs are widely recognized as an important protective
factor that can improve student engagement, provide safe and structured environments during out-of-
school hours, and support social-emotional wellness.
Dance and arts education specifically provide unique developmental benefits for youth. Research has
shown that participation in arts programs can improve self-confidence, creativity, teamwork,
communication skills, and emotional expression. Dance also supports physical health by encouraging
movement, coordination, flexibility, balance, and active lifestyles. These benefits are especially valuable for
youth who may not otherwise participate in organized sports or extracurricular activities.
Honor Dance programs are intentionally designed to create inclusive and welcoming spaces where
students feel encouraged, supported, and successful regardless of prior experience or ability level.
Instructors focus not only on dance technique, but also on helping students build confidence, resilience,
friendships, and positive self-esteem.
The program is expected to serve up to 240 youth participants during the funded year through 12 total 10-
week program sessions held in El Mirage-area schools and community locations. Because programs are
hosted directly within neighborhoods where families already gather, the project increases accessibility and
helps strengthen community engagement.
The program also benefits families by providing safe and structured afterschool activities during critical out-
of-school hours. Parents and caregivers gain access to a positive enrichment opportunity for their children
without the financial burden typically associated with arts programming.
Honor Dance has demonstrated success in delivering accessible youth programming throughout the West
Valley and has impacted more than 1,800 youth since 2021. The organization has established strong
partnerships with schools and community organizations to ensure programs reach students who can
benefit most.
By increasing access to free arts education and positive youth development opportunities, the Honor
Dance Community Afterschool Program will directly improve the well-being of El Mirage youth and families
while helping address the community need for affordable, accessible afterschool enrichment programming.
Is this a new or continuing program?
Continuing
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
Section B: Scope & Timeline 
What are the program or project dates? 
August 2026 - May 2027
Total number of persons expected to be served by this program or project during the funded year.
240
Total number of El Mirage residents you expect to be served by this program or project during the
funded year.
220

How soon will the program or project be implemented after funds are received, if awarded? (If not
applicable, write “N/A.”) 
N/A
Section C: Accessibility and Resource Needs 
Does your program or project take place in the City of El Mirage? * 
Yes
Where will your project or program be located, and how does this location support your ability to
serve El Mirage residents effectively?
The Honor Dance Community Afterschool Program will be hosted at multiple community-centered
locations that are accessible to El Mirage residents and already serve local youth and families. Proposed
program locations include:
Northwest Valley YMCA
Dysart Community Center
El Mirage Elementary School
Riverview School
Surprise Elementary School
Thompson Ranch Elementary School
These locations were selected strategically because they are located within or near neighborhoods with
high concentrations of El Mirage families and are trusted gathering spaces for the community. Hosting
programs directly within schools and community centers helps eliminate transportation barriers that often
prevent participation in extracurricular activities.
School-based and community-based programming allows students to participate in activities immediately
after school in familiar, safe environments that are convenient for families. This approach also increases
accessibility for working parents who may not have the ability to transport children to separate recreation
facilities or private dance studios.
All proposed locations serve students from low-income households and communities with limited access to
arts education and enrichment opportunities. By bringing programs directly into these neighborhoods,
Honor Dance is able to reach students who may otherwise be unable to participate in dance or afterschool
activities due to cost, transportation limitations, or lack of nearby programming options.
In addition to accessibility, these locations support strong community engagement and partnership
development. Schools and community organizations help promote programs directly to families, assist with
participant outreach, and provide trusted spaces where students feel comfortable and supported.
Using multiple program sites also allows Honor Dance to expand geographic reach and maximize the
number of El Mirage residents served throughout the funding year. The distributed model ensures
programming is available across different areas of the community rather than being centralized in a single
location.
These accessible, community-based locations are critical to the success of the program and directly
support Honor Dance’s mission of eliminating barriers to arts education while increasing opportunities for
local youth to participate in positive afterschool enrichment activities.
Describe how your program or project will be open to the public and ensure accessibility for
persons with disabilities, including specific accommodations.
The Honor Dance Community Afterschool Program will be accessible to all eligible youth participants
regardless of income level, prior dance experience, or ability level. Programs will be promoted through

schools, community centers, social media, flyers, and direct outreach to families in El Mirage to encourage
broad community participation.
All classes will be provided free of charge to participants, helping remove financial barriers that often limit
access to arts and extracurricular programming. Registration will be open at participating sites until classes
reach capacity.
Honor Dance is committed to creating inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environments where all
students feel safe, encouraged, and able to participate. The organization works collaboratively with
families, schools, and community partners to support students with varying abilities and individual needs
whenever possible.
Program locations are selected in part because they provide accessible facilities that comply with ADA
accessibility standards, including accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways. Staff and instructors
strive to adapt instruction and activities as needed to encourage participation for students with disabilities
or differing physical abilities.
Specific accommodations may include:
Modifying movement activities based on participant ability levels
Providing additional verbal or visual instruction
Allowing movement variations or seated participation when appropriate
Creating flexible participation expectations based on student needs
Collaborating with parents, caregivers, and school staff to support successful participation
Honor Dance instructors focus on encouragement, inclusion, and positive reinforcement to ensure all
students feel valued and supported during classes. The program model emphasizes personal growth,
creativity, teamwork, and self-expression rather than competition.
Honor Dance staff, including dance class assistants, work closely with families, schools, and community
partners to support participant needs and help ensure students feel comfortable, included, and successful
in class. Dance class assistants provide additional individualized support during programs and help create
an encouraging environment where all students can participate to the best of their abilities.
By offering free programming in familiar community-based locations and maintaining an inclusive program
structure, Honor Dance helps ensure that youth from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities can access
meaningful afterschool enrichment opportunities.
Will the implementation of this activity require space, staffing, grants management, or in-kind
contributions from another agency, a school, or another jurisdiction?
Yes
If you selected "Other" above, please specify (If not applicable, write “N/A.”):
Honor Dance will collaborate with schools and community partners that provide program space and
outreach support, while Honor Dance manages staffing, program implementation, and grant
administration.
Section D: Collaboration and Outreach 
Are you currently partnered with, or have you ever partnered with, the City of El Mirage?
No
Describe how you will collaborate with the City of El Mirage to coordinate outreach promoting the
program or project to the residents of El Mirage.

Honor Dance looks forward to collaborating with the City of El Mirage to ensure residents are aware of and
engaged with the Honor Dance Community Afterschool Program. Strong community outreach is essential
to maximizing participation and ensuring equitable access to free youth programming opportunities.
Honor Dance will coordinate with the City to share program information through multiple outreach channels
that reach El Mirage residents and families. Potential collaboration efforts may include:
Sharing program information through City newsletters and communication platforms
Promoting registration opportunities on City social media pages and websites
Distributing flyers and promotional materials at City facilities and community events
Coordinating outreach through community centers and partner organizations
Highlighting program accomplishments and student success stories
Honor Dance will provide promotional materials, program schedules, registration information, and updates
that can be shared by the City with residents throughout the funding year. The organization will also work
collaboratively with City staff to identify effective outreach strategies and community engagement
opportunities.
Honor Dance values community partnership and believes collaboration with the City of El Mirage will
strengthen program impact, increase awareness of available services, and help connect more youth with
positive afterschool opportunities.
How will you work with other local partners to maximize impact and ensure residents are aware of
and engaged with your services?
Honor Dance works closely with schools, community centers, and other youth-serving organizations to
maximize program impact and ensure residents are aware of available services. Collaboration is a key
component of the organization’s community-based approach and helps increase accessibility, participation,
and long-term program success.
Partner schools and community organizations assist with outreach efforts by sharing program information
directly with students and families through newsletters, flyers, email communication, school
announcements, social media, and parent communication platforms. These trusted relationships help
increase awareness among families who may benefit most from free afterschool programming.
Honor Dance also collaborates with local organizations to identify community needs, reduce barriers to
participation, and ensure programs are accessible and responsive to families. Hosting classes directly
within schools and community spaces allows programs to reach students in familiar and convenient
locations while strengthening neighborhood engagement.
Potential community partners may include:
Schools within the Dysart Unified School District
Northwest Valley YMCA
Dysart Community Center
Parent organizations and family engagement groups
Local nonprofits and youth-serving agencies
Through these partnerships, Honor Dance can better connect families with enrichment opportunities while
creating supportive community networks that encourage youth participation and positive development.
Honor Dance also utilizes social media, community events, word-of-mouth referrals, and family
engagement opportunities to strengthen community awareness and participation. Where possible, student
showcases and performances provide additional opportunities for families and community members to
engage with the program and celebrate student accomplishments.

By maintaining strong collaborative relationships with local partners, Honor Dance is able to expand
outreach efforts, increase accessibility, and maximize the positive impact of free arts and youth
development programming for El Mirage residents.
Part 3: Program or Project Goals and Outcomes
Please provide up to three goals of the program or project and describe how progress will be
measured to ensure success in providing health and human services to the residents of El
Mirage. It is important to ensure that your goals correspond with the proposed number of residents to
be served within the program year. Explain how you will collect and report data and measure the
impact for each stated goal. 
Example Goal: Of the 80 persons served by the project, 40% (32 persons) will find employment within
three months of entering the program. This will be measured by follow-up contact with each program
participant. 
Measurable Goal No. 1
Provide free afterschool dance programming to up to 240 youth participants, with at least 220 participants
being El Mirage residents, during the FY2027 program year. Progress will be measured through program
registration records, attendance tracking, and participant enrollment data collected throughout each 10-
week session. Honor Dance will compile and report participation totals, residency information, and program
completion data to evaluate overall program reach and community impact.
Measurable Goal No. 2
At least 80% of participating students will demonstrate increased confidence, positive social interaction, or
self-expression by the end of the program year. Progress will be measured through parent surveys,
student feedback, and instructor observations. Honor Dance will review survey responses and
observational data to evaluate social-emotional growth and overall participant experience.
Measurable Goal No. 3
At least 85% of participating students will engage in regular physical activity and develop foundational
dance skills such as coordination, balance, rhythm, flexibility, or teamwork during the program year.
Progress will be measured through attendance records, instructor evaluations, class participation, and end-
of-session surveys. Honor Dance instructors and dance class assistants will document student progress
and participation throughout each session to help measure program effectiveness and student growth.
Part 4: Funding Request
Total Community Partnership Grant Funding Requested
3,000.00
Minimum Community Partnership Grant Funding Requested
1,500.00
Is program or project implementation contingent upon receiving the full award?
No. Honor Dance will continue to provide afterschool dance programming regardless of funding outcome;
however, the level of funding awarded will directly impact the number of classes offered and the total
number of students served. Full funding would allow Honor Dance to provide the full scope of proposed
programming, including 12 total 10-week sessions serving up to 240 youth participants. Reduced funding
may require scaling back the number of program sessions, locations, or student capacity during the 2026-

2027 program year.
If approved for an amount less than 100% of your request, how will you address the shortfall?  
If approved for less than the full request amount, Honor Dance will seek to address the shortfall through
additional fundraising efforts, donations, sponsorships, and other grant opportunities. The organization
may also adjust the number of program sessions or class locations offered during the funding year to align
with available resources while prioritizing continued free access for El Mirage youth participants.
Part 5: Program or Project Budget
Section A: Total Program or Project Budget 
Total Cost of the Program or Project Operations
10,540.00
Total Program or Project Funding from Other Funding Sources
5,000.00
What other funding sources presently support this program or project? 
Other funding sources that currently support Honor Dance programming include individual donations,
community fundraising events, sponsorships, and additional grant funding from local foundations,
municipalities, and community partners. Honor Dance also receives in-kind support through partnerships
with schools and community organizations that provide program space and outreach assistance.
Section B: Total Budget for Program or Project – Grant Award
Only 
Grant Award Budget Narrative 
Wages/Salaries
6,000.00
Employee-Related Expenses (ERE)
700.00
Professional Services & Outside Services
Training
Materials & Supplies
240
General Office Supplies
Administrative Cost (not to exceed $1,000 or
10% of grant request)
Program/Project Incentives (gift cards, food,
certificates of achievement)
Marketing/Outreach
Other
3,600.00
If you selected "Other" to the previous question,
please explain.
Participant T-shirts
Explain how grant funds will be utilized to support administrative costs for your project.
Grant funds will not be utilized for administrative costs.

Section C: Program or Project Funding Sustainability 
How will your organization generate or secure additional funding to sustain services for the
continued operation of this program or project? 
Honor Dance will continue to sustain programming through a combination of grants, individual donations,
sponsorships, fundraising events, and community partnerships. The organization actively seeks funding
opportunities from local governments, foundations, businesses, and charitable organizations that support
youth development, arts education, and community wellness. Honor Dance also hosts community
fundraising events and cultivates relationships with donors and partners who support the organization’s
mission of increasing access to free dance education for youth. This diversified funding approach helps
strengthen long-term sustainability and supports continued free programming for El Mirage families.
If the program receives less than the requested amount of funding, what adjustments, if any, would
be made to the program and services provided to El Mirage residents?
If the program receives less than the requested amount, Honor Dance would evaluate adjustments to the
number of program sessions, class locations, or total student capacity offered during the funding year while
prioritizing continued free access for El Mirage residents. The organization would also seek additional
funding through fundraising, sponsorships, donations, and other grant opportunities to help minimize
reductions in services and maintain program quality.
Part 6: Operational and Financial Status
Please upload the following required attachments: 
Applicant organization's last two IRS Form 990 filings.   
If your organization is not required to file a 990, upload a brief explanation. 
Please upload attachment (1). 
HONORDANCE_US_2025_ArchiveTaxReturn.pdf
Please upload attachment (2). 
990_HonorDance_2024.pdf
If your organization does not have either document available, please explain below.
Authorized Representative Signature