Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 641 D Street NW
City: Washington
State: DC
Postal Code: 20004
Main Phone: 202-312-5275
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: www.woollymammoth.net
Employer ID Number: 52-1242900
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/29/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Spit Dat Academy
Project Description:

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company produces courageous and invigorating new work to radically redefine theatre as a catalyst for an equitable, creative, and engaged society. As part of our mission, we build long-term relationships with community organizations to expand cross-sector learning and participation in arts, culture, and civic life.

One of our core partners is Spit Dat, an award-winning neighborhood open mic that has been described as combining “world-class talent with a living room vibe.” Our organizations worked together to create Spit Dat Academy, a spoken word curriculum with a theatrical flair. This year, we tailored the curriculum to pilot at Maya Angelou Academy, where kids ages 14-19 attend school while they are incarcerated at DC’s Youth Services Center.

In Spit Dat Academy, students participate in a series of spoken word workshops facilitated by Spit Dat poet Drew Anderson, aka Droopy the Broke Baller. Spoken word is a well-suited art form for kids behind bars. It requires no instruments or art materials – just creative minds who have something to say. It has been heart-warming to watch Drew’s friendly spirit and lyrical skill draw in kids who are seeking to be seen and heard while they are locked away from their communities. Some are hesitant to perform, but when they do, their enthusiasm is contagious – during a recent open mic session, the brilliance that flowed from one young poet even made a guard crack a smile.

Next year, we hope to offer Spit Dat Academy to several consecutive cohorts of youth, with each group participating in five workshop sessions and a culminating showcase. If invited to submit a full proposal, we will request your support for staffing and artist fees so we can bring more poetry and more smiles to the Youth Services Center in 2025. Thank you for your consideration.

Total Project Budget: $18,100

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Mayor’s Office of African American Affairs (potential grant renewal: $5,000); Mellon Foundation (allocation from a pending multi-purpose grant: $2,500)

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Washington, DC
Age Group To Be Served: 14-19

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Kimberly
Contact Last Name: Douglas
Contact Title: Managing Director
Contact Phone: 202-312-5275
Contact Email: kimberly@woollymammoth.net