Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Momentum-Excellence, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 538 E. Town Street, Suite C
City: Columbus
State: OH
Postal Code: 43215
Main Phone: 614-219-9265
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.momentum-excellence.org
Employer ID Number: 46-4509725
Organization Tax Status: 501c3
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: 06/09/2026
Requested Amount: 5,000
Project Title: Year-Long Signature Program
Project Description:
Momentum is seeking support to expand our signature Year-Long school-based program, which will grow from serving 14 schools to serving 19 schools next year. Programming will consist of weekly dance classes held during the school day, so every child enrolled in the schools we serve can participate. Approximately 1100 4th-grade students from 48 classrooms will be engaged. Classes focus on mastering choreography, building dance skills, and fostering social and emotional competencies. All of our Teaching Artists have extensive professional experience in the arts and training in Momentum’s unique methodology and Trauma Informed Care. Classroom teachers are present and participate in classes to create a shared experience. All classes emphasize "The Big Four: Work Hard, Do My Best, Never Give Up, and Be Healthy."
The program begins in September and concludes in May with grand performances. Fourteen schools will perform at the Davidson Theater in Downtown Columbus, and four schools will perform in their own school buildings. Each year, a new theme is chosen and integrated into the weekly classes and culminating performance. The theme for the 2026-2027 school year will be Wildlife In Motion: Connecting Conservation through Dance. Momentum has formed a partnership with the Columbus Zoo to develop a curriculum focused on conservation and celebrating the Zoo’s 100th anniversary in 2027. The program directly aligns with the Zoo’s mission to empower people and save wildlife.
Throughout the program’s history, the steadfast mission has been to empower children through dance, music, and performance to develop lifelong habits of self-confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Momentum utilizes a time-honored teaching methodology that provides important benefits, including:
●Joyous movement and physical activity
●Opportunity for meaningful connections between classmates and community
●An outlet for processing complex emotions amid uncertain times
●Development of mindfulness skills in order to manage stress and anxiety
●Trauma-informed support through the arts.
Total Project Budget: $ 1,264,005.00
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We expect new support from Franklin County ($50,000), Patron Support ($425,000), and continued support from the following: City of Columbus: $62,500 Seimer Family Foundation: $50,000 Kridler Family Fund: $30,000 Ohio Arts Council: $29,627 Ingraham White Castle: $15,000 Harry C. Moores Foundation: $10,000 Worthington Industries: $5,000 Find Your Light Foundation $5,000 Encova Foundation: $2,500 Nationwide Foundation: $5,000 Heartland Bank: $2,500 Anticipated in-kind support: $5,000
Project Duration: 9/1/2026 -5/15-2027
Geographical Area Served: Columbus, Ohio
Age Group To Be Served: 8-10 yr old students
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs
Contact First Name: Kara
Contact Last Name: Cea
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 330-524-6697
Contact Email: grantsmanager@momentum-excellence.org