A Year of Impact
Your generosity showed up all year long wherever the need was greatest
As we look back on the past year, one thing becomes clear: impact doesn’t always arrive on a schedule and it rarely fits neatly into one category. Across Madison County, needs emerged quickly, opportunities unfolded unexpectedly, and moments of transformation happened in ways no one could have fully planned for.
Unrestricted giving made it possible to respond to all of it, empowering Madison County Community Foundation to invest well over $280,000 in grants that elevated and strengthened Madison County throughout the year.
Throughout the year, we heard powerful reflections from nonprofit partners whose work was strengthened by flexible support:
“We were able to respond immediately—without interruption—when families needed us most.” — Second Harvest Food Bank, during emergency food distributions following SNAP disruptions
“This funding allowed us to welcome people who had never needed help before, with dignity and compassion.” — Local food pantry partners, serving a growing number of first-time visitors
In other moments, unrestricted giving helped nurture growth rather than respond to crisis.
“Because of this support, kids found a place where they belong—and they keep coming back.” — Anderson Mainstage Theatre, reflecting on the launch of its youth performing arts program
“It’s not just putting on a show. It’s building friendships.” — Kara Critchlow, Board Secretary, Anderson Mainstage Theatre
From youth arts programs to hands-on STEM education, unrestricted funds allowed organizations to pilot new ideas, reach young people in meaningful ways, and create spaces of belonging, especially for those who had struggled to find one elsewhere.
We also saw unrestricted generosity at work where food, education, wellness, and creativity intersect.
“Families leave not just with fresh food, but with new skills, confidence, and connection.” — Bloom Madison County, reflecting on the Anderson Farmers Market’s Bloom & Learn programming
Because unrestricted dollars are flexible, the Foundation could support family-friendly learning at the farmers market, expand access to fresh food in a designated food desert, and help children develop healthier habits, all while strengthening the local economy and supporting farmers, artists, and small businesses.
While these stories span different causes, food security, youth development, arts, education, and wellness, they share a single, powerful truth: unrestricted giving allows impact to follow need.
This year wasn’t defined by one story. It was shaped by many. Together, they tell the story of a community that shows up for one another, trusts local leadership, and believes generosity is most powerful when it’s flexible.
Thank you for giving in a way that allows Madison County to respond, grow, and thrive.
Every gift, large and small, contributes to the mission of Madison County Community Foundation to invest in lasting positive change to elevate and strengthen Madison County. Our vision is for this to be a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive and this drives everything that we do. Consider giving to the Impact Madison Fund to help us continue to meet emerging local needs through discretionary grantmaking. Impact Madison Grants support nonprofit programs in the areas of Arts, Culture, and History, Health and Human Services, Education, Thriving Community, and Women and Children.