Madison Community Foundation
Madison Community Foundation (Madison Gives) is a 501(c)(3) community foundation serving Greater Madison, WI, that builds endowment funds, advises donors, and operates competitive grant programs to support local nonprofits. The site lists the organization's address and EIN and describes giving, grant opportunities, and community impact work.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Local or regional nonprofits (especially those serving Greater Madison/Dane County) with projects in arts, education, human services, youth development, or community capacity; also statewide Wisconsin organizations and out-of-state organizations with clear donor or program ties.
Good Fit
- • A clear community-focused program serving Madison/Dane County or greater Wisconsin.
- • Requests for general operating support, scholarships, capacity building, or community arts and youth programs.
- • Organizational track record or local partnerships that connect the applicant to Madison-area priorities.
- • Grant size and timeline aligned with the foundation’s history of many mid-size awards and occasional larger gifts.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached recipients in 18 states, indicating a multi-state footprint, although most dollars (about 74%) were concentrated in Wisconsin.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a large and diverse recipient pool (215 distinct recipients and 376 grants) spanning education, arts, human services, scholarships, and community projects; concentration exists but does not dominate the count.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover is available: 91 new recipients were recorded in the latest year alongside 124 repeat recipients across years, and the foundation lists program staff and a grants contact, which together suggest unfamiliar applicants can and do enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
