Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Travis Manion Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: TMF
Mailing Address: 140 E State St
City: Doylestown
State: PA
Postal Code: 18901
Main Phone: 215-348-9080
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.travismanion.org
Employer ID Number: 41-2237951
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/9/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Character Does Matter: Youth Mentorship
Project Description:

Travis Manion Foundation’s veteran-led youth mentorship program, Character Does Matter (CDM), empowers students in grades 4–12 to build character, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. The program connects youth with veterans who serve as mentors and role models, helping students explore how to live lives grounded in service, integrity, and leadership.

Rooted in the principles of positive psychology, CDM focuses on the skills and mindsets that help young people thrive. Through storytelling and real-life experiences, Veteran Mentors introduce students to character strengths such as honesty, gratitude, curiosity, and love of learning. These lessons encourage students to reflect on their values, strengthen relationships, and discover how their actions can positively impact others.

The program begins with 40-minute classroom presentations delivered by trained Veteran Mentors. These sessions introduce students to character and leadership through engaging stories from military service and discussions about resilience, responsibility, and decision-making.

CDM also offers a deeper, multi-session format where teams of veterans work with small groups of 15–20 students over several sessions. In this interactive environment, youth participate in discussions, collaborative activities, and hands-on learning that explore character strengths in greater depth. Students are encouraged to share their perspectives, build confidence, and practice leadership in a supportive setting.

A key component of the program is service. Through TMF’s Operation Legacy initiative, students partner with their Veteran Mentors to design and lead community service projects—such as food drives, neighborhood beautification efforts, or supporting local families in need. These experiences allow youth to apply what they’ve learned while making a meaningful difference in their communities.

To extend mentorship beyond the classroom, TMF is expanding CDM through Youth Clubs, where students continue working with Veteran Mentors to address community challenges and grow as young leaders throughout the school year.

Total Project Budget: $253,883 – Florida CDM Budget for FY26

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Vystar Foundation (pending)

Project Duration: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Florida (specifically Jacksonville and Tampa)
Age Group To Be Served: Youth grades 4-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Michelle
Contact Last Name: Tannahill
Contact Title: Coordinator, Partnerships & Grants
Contact Phone: 609.467.4145
Contact Email: michelle.tannahill@travismanion.org