Madison Community Foundation

Thanks to our outstanding donors and fundholders, 2023 was another incredible year at MCF. Together we were able to distribute a total of $12.5 million in grants and scholarships throughout Dane County. Our total number of funds grew to 1,286 with 616 individual fundholders, 289 Legacy Society members and 303 nonprofit endowments. With such a wonderful group of donors, fundholders and nonprofits working together, MCF truly is the community’s foundation!

Congratulations to Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival for completing an amazing inaugural year of this one-of-a-kind festival at San Damiano! This week-long symposium brought together international and First Nations sculptors while honoring Harry Whitehorse's legacy and Ho-Chunk identity. MCF is proud to have supported the festival with a $30,000 community impact grant. See the finished artwork from the festival at: https://buff.ly/4eMB7m1

MCF is currently seeking a Vice President of Community Impact to guide its Community Impact department, including the development of its new nonprofit center. This role is ideal for someone who leads with integrity, humility, innovation and vision; someone who is intrinsically motivated, diligent, and has a strong desire to succeed. We are looking for a candidate who seeks purposeful work, is passionate about serving the community; values working in a friendly team environment alongside people of all ethnicities, backgrounds, orientations and abilities; and desires to grow both professionally and personally. Full position details can be found on our website: https://buff.ly/4eIbe6M

Happy two-year work anniversary to MCF's Administrative and Grants Assistant, Jazzmine Haygood! Jazzmine's hard work and attention to detail help MCF run smoothly, each and everyday. Thank you, Jazzmine, for your invaluable contributions to the organization. Congratulations!

Happy Juneteenth! On this day in 1865, slavery came to an end in the United States with the liberation of slaves in Texas. June 19th marks both a day of remembrance of the men and women freed from slavery on this day, who fought against racism and oppression for future generations, and a day of celebration of Black triumphs and freedom for all. Today, MCF staff attended the groundbreaking for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture for Black Excellence and Culture. MCF proudly gave $100,000 towards the Center's capital campaign in 2022 and it was surreal experience to see this amazing vision for the Black community in Dane County come to life today. This center, lead by Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, will provide a much needed space for Black brilliance to thrive in Madison. The groundbreaking was a wonderful homage to the roots of Juneteenth: triumph, unity and equity for all!

MCF is tapping into knowledge from community members and other community foundations as we take steps towards opening the Goodman Nonprofit Center in 2025. MCF recognizes the potential this center has for the Dane County nonprofit community. By forging connections with local leaders and trailblazers in the field, we are gathering the intel to make this new center the best that it can be. See the connections we are forging in our latest blog post, written by Andy Davey, Director of Research & Advocacy

MCF staff had a fabulous time at the Read(y) to Wear paper fashion show last night! Thank you to Madison Reading Project for your outstanding support of teachers, literacy and justice across Dane County.

Mentoring Positives received a $75,000 grant to hire support staff for the upcoming capital campaign for the Darbo Dream Center, a collaborative shared space for Mentoring Positives, JustDane and the African Center for Community Development “The idea for the Darbo Dream Center has been in our heads, and in our hearts, for approximately 10 years. Spaces like community centers give individuals a place to connect with residents and serve their community,” said Will Green, Founder and Executive Director of Mentoring Positives. Learn more about Mentoring Positives and the plans for the new Darbo Dream Center in our latest Story of Impact:

Tom Linfield sat down with The Capital Times last week to discuss his transition from Vice President of Community Impact at MCF to the new President & CEO of the Madison Children’s Museum. See Tom’s new ideas as he moves into this exciting new role!

Our May Advisor blog is out now! New proposed regulations of donor advised funds fail to take into consideration important differences between commercial gift fund providers and community foundations. MCF President and CEO Bob Sorge shares a community foundation perspective on these proposed new rules. Discover why community foundations oppose this reform: https://buff.ly/3R5idMY