Harmony Project

What Harmony Project does

Harmony Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts and volunteer services organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2009 by David Brown, the organization operates the nation's largest community chorus — over 1,000 people sing weekly with no auditions required — and delivers a portfolio of programs serving distinct populations: New American students (via Columbus City Schools), incarcerated men and women across three Ohio correctional facilities, adults with disabilities, and community members at large. Core programs include the Harmony Community Chorus, Prison Arts, Student Arts, Community Arts for adults with disabilities, and Volunteer Service, supplemented by a more recent Encore free store launched in November 2023. Operations are anchored at the Franklin County Harmony Center (4411 Tamarack Blvd), a 51–100 person staff hub that also serves as rehearsal, performance, and community gathering space.

There is no proprietary technology platform; the organization's product is human-delivered choral and performing arts programming, with video storytelling produced in partnership with Emmy-winning local producers such as Mills James Productions distributed via the YouTube channel. Revenue is generated almost entirely from philanthropic sources rather than user fees: FY2022 total revenue was $1,617,045.12, with individual donations representing 52.4%, government grants 19.7%, foundation grants 17.2%, corporate donations 7.5%, and merchandise/ticket sales 3.0%. The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven — large-scale concerts at major Columbus venues (Lincoln Theater, Ohio Theatre, Mershon Auditorium, Schottenstein Center, Nationwide Arena) drive visibility, donor acquisition, and earned media, while community partner referrals and word-of-mouth recruit chorus members and volunteers. Harmony Project also runs a paid Special Events & Bookings line selling inspirational programming to corporations and nonprofits such as The Women's Fund of Central Ohio and OhioHealth.

Name

Harmony Project

Legal name

Harmony Project

Website

https://harmonyproject.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Harmony Project is a Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit founded in 2009 that operates the nation's largest community chorus and delivers arts and volunteer programming to New American students, incarcerated adults, adults with disabilities, and the broader Central Ohio community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Arts & Social Services

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC), Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB), Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

Keywords

• Community arts programs
• Community chorus
• Prison arts programming
• Volunteer services
• Performing arts productions

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Primary revenue stream representing 52.4% of income. Donations from individuals supporting the organization's community arts mission.
2. Government Grants: Federal and state government funding representing 19.7% of income. Includes funding from Franklin County Board of Commissioners and other government sources.
3. Foundation/Grants: Foundation grants representing 17.2% of income. Support from organizations including The Columbus Foundation, Wolfe Family Foundation, Wexner Family Fund, and others.
4. Corporate Donations: Corporate sponsorships and donations representing 7.5% of income from companies including M/I Homes, Donatos, State Auto, and others.
5. Merchandise/Ticket Sales: Merchandise and ticket sales representing 3% of income from concerts and events.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Harmony Project runs community-arts programs anchored by the Harmony Community Chorus (the nation's largest, 1,000+ weekly singers with no auditions) and complementary programs serving New American students (Student Arts), incarcerated men and women (Prison Arts), and adults with disabilities (Community Arts), paired with mandated volunteer service. Productions (concerts, Harmony Sessions, Special Events & Bookings, Videos) and the Encore Free Store support the mission. Programs are free to participants and funded through donations, grants, and sponsorships.

Product overview

Harmony Project is a community arts organization offering a unified portfolio of programs centered around music, arts, and volunteer service. The core offerings include the Harmony Community Chorus (the nation's largest community chorus), Prison Arts Program, Student Arts Program, Community Arts Program (for adults with disabilities), and Volunteer Service initiatives. Supporting offerings include the Encore Free Store for clothing/household essentials, and production offerings including Concerts, Harmony Sessions, Special Events & Bookings, and Videos. These programs work together to build community belonging through arts engagement, serving diverse populations including New Americans, incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities, students, and general community members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Encore: A boutique-style free store providing quality clothing and household essentials at no cost to those served. Launched November 3 as part of Harmony Center.

Products and services

• Harmony Community Chorus The nation's largest community chorus, bringing together people from all walks of life through weekly rehearsals and required volunteer service. No auditions are required; members commit to weekly rehearsals and community service and perform at major venues while reaching large audiences on social media.
• Prison Arts Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 people sing weekly in the chorus
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Wardrobe TherapysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Columbus-based fashion company partnering with Encore free store to elevate the donation and shopping experience.
• PursuitsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Columbus-based lifestyle company partnering with Encore free store to support community giving and receiving.
• ALVIS, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial services organization providing programming support for Harmony's community arts initiatives serving formerly incarcerated individuals and those with disabilities.
• Columbus City SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner for Student Arts program, providing site access at Columbus Global Academy and Columbus International High School for New American student programming.
• Goodwill ColumbuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative performances and programming for adults with disabilities, combining Goodwill's workforce services with Harmony's arts programming.
• Ohio Reformatory for WomencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrison Arts programming site where incarcerated women participate in music, writing workshops, and book clubs. Home of annual Sunflower Music & Arts Festival.
• Pickaway Correctional InstitutioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrison Arts programming site for incarcerated men, providing weekly arts activities and performance opportunities.
• Madison Correctional InstitutioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrison Arts programming site contributing to the tri-institutional Sunflower Music & Arts Festival.
• DonatossupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing financial support and event catering for Harmony programs and concerts.
• Mills James ProductionssupportingTechnology or IntegrationEmmy Award-winning video production partner creating documentary and promotional content.
• Columbus Pride BandssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusical ensemble using Harmony Center for rehearsals and performances.
• Columbus Cultural OrchestrasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrchestra using Harmony Center for rehearsals and performances.
• Adaptive Sports ConnectionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization using Harmony Center space to provide cycling programs for children with special needs.
• ABC6supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner providing news coverage and broadcast exposure.
• WOSUsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPublic media partner covering Harmony's work and featuring performances.
• NBC4supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerTelevision station providing media coverage of events and performances.
• WBNS 10TVsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal television station covering Harmony events and stories.
• Dispatch Media GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNewspaper and digital media coverage through Columbus Dispatch.
• BesasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerColumbus-based nonprofit supporting volunteer engagement and community service.
• Lincoln Theatre AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for performances at Lincoln Theatre.
• Nationwide Children's HospitalsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner for community programming and events.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• MasterVoices: NYC-based choral organization producing large-scale performances with community choruses. Comparable as an organization building community choral programming at scale and producing high-profile concerts.
• Sing for Hope: NYC-based nonprofit that places professional artists in underserved communities through music and arts programming. Directly comparable nonprofit mission of using the arts to serve diverse, underserved populations and large-scale community engagement.
• Young People's Chorus of New York City: A large community-based choral organization serving diverse youth and families through music education and performance. Directly comparable as a community chorus delivering music programming to a wide demographic, with a national profile.
• Sweet Honey in the Rock: A community-based vocal ensemble rooted in African-American traditions and social justice themes. Comparable as a performing arts group with explicit community-building and equity-focused mission, often appearing at major venues and festivals.

Emerging players

• Shakespeare in Prison: A nonprofit bringing Shakespeare programming and theater arts to incarcerated populations. Directly comparable to Harmony Project's Prison Arts program in terms of correctional-facility arts programming serving similar demographics.

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Hall Music Programs: A major performing arts institution with broad community arts and music education programming. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering music access programs for underserved populations and large-scale community concerts.
• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: A major performing arts institution running large-scale community programming and education initiatives. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering performing arts access, education, and community programs at national scale.

Regional players

• Boys & Girls Club of Columbus: Columbus-based youth development nonprofit offering programming to underserved youth in Central Ohio. Comparable as a regional community services nonprofit in the same Columbus geography with analogous youth-targeted programs.
• United Way of Central Ohio: A regional nonprofit supporting community services through workplace giving, foundation partnerships, and grants. Comparable as a Central Ohio fundraising ecosystem leader with overlapping donor and foundation relationships.

Others

• The Columbus Foundation: Major Columbus-area community foundation that grants to nonprofits including Harmony Project. Comparable as a key funder and ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HarmonyProjectOnline
• Xx.com/harmonycolumbus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Harmony Project