Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Continuum Arts Collective
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: CAC
Mailing Address: 76 Lower Main Street
City: North Berwick
State: ME
Postal Code: 03906
Main Phone: 207-251-9196
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://www.continuumarts.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-1474197
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: February 25, 2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Material and Instruction – Music
Project Description:

Arts participation is a proven pathway to developing the skills that enable youth to reach their full potential, and Continuum Arts Collective (CAC) removes barriers so more children can participate. Since its inception in 2016, CAC has served over 6,600 students through programs that provide instruments, art supplies, instruction, and experiential opportunities.

From January through December 2027, CAC will equip 300 students with instruments and provide 25-30 students with one year of music instruction. This project builds on CAC’s demonstrated capacity and responds to continued demand. In 2025 alone, CAC distributed 287 musical instruments, delivered 112 lessons and workshops, and maintained a consistent waitlist of 25 students seeking instruction.

Participation in CAC’s programming begins with a brief online application. Students specify their request and share how an instrument and/or up to one year of music instruction will support their creative development. CAC verifies eligibility by contacting school references and engaging briefly with the student about their goals, asking, “Why is music important to you?” Then, if funding allows, CAC coordinates approved requests with established partners—including Portsmouth Music & Arts Center, Maine Academy of Modern Music, and a network of personal instructors—who provide attendance and progress data.

At the conclusion of each student’s one-year participation, CAC will use a survey to measure the number of students who report experiencing benefits of arts participation, including improvements in academic performance and the development of related skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, resilience, confidence, self-esteem, and self-expression. These outcomes reinforce the role of arts participation as a tool for youth success.

Total Project Budget: $92,950

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Funding for this project is diversified across individual giving, events, and grants. Approximately 20% will come from unrestricted direct donations and 45% from events, including two major public fundraisers—Revel in the Meadow Arts and Music Festival and the Annual Golf Scramble—as well as 8–10 private events throughout the year. The remaining 35% is expected to come from grant funding. The Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation is a prospective repeat funder, having awarded CAC $15,000 in 2025. In August 2026, CAC will also apply to the Maine Community Foundation’s Welch Charitable Fund Grant Program for $10,000. A $5,000 grant from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation would complete the remaining funding needed to fully support the project.

Project Duration: During the January-December 2027 project period, CAC will equip 300 students with instruments and provide music instruction to 25-30 students.
Geographical Area Served: CAC serves children in Maine and New Hampshire.
Age Group To Be Served: CAC serves students ages 5–18 (Kindergarten through Grade 12).

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Martin
Contact Last Name: England
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 207-251-9196
Contact Email: martin@continuumarts.org