(Madison WI News Release) — The Madison Christian Giving Fund (MCGF), which has raised and donated to local charities over $1.2 million in the past decade, is entering 2025 with a new name, new partners, and a new, more dynamic grant process to deliver financial support to Christian ministries serving the needs of Madison area residents.
From the beginning MCGF has been directed by volunteers from a variety of local churches. One hundred percent of funds raised have been distributed to the front lines of more than 60 local Christian ministries involved in meeting needs and sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is not changing. Here’s what’s new:
- Madison Christian Giving Fund is merging with United Madison; bringing two similar missions into ONE Christian organization that can reach into our broader community for God’s purpose. The merger will cast a wider net, further bolstering collaboration, as well as increasing awareness and support of needs in the community. A new Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization will be created, and a new website will be launched in January, 2025. The new entity is called United Madison Christian Givers, Inc. (UMCG)
- UMCG will collaborate with Families Connect WI to offer a higher level of support to those served by grant recipients. The mission of Families Connect WI is: “We connect non-profits, social services, schools, churches, businesses, & individuals, to meet the needs of local at-risk families”.
- The grant process is being streamlined and enhanced with added accountability. Donors can become Members who have input in the grant process. Each quarter:
- Grant applications will be vetted and reviewed by UMCG Board of Directors.
- Members will review and vote on six grant applicants who will present at the quarterly meeting.
- Members will have the opportunity to listen to presentations by the six finalists and vote for the top three. Winners will receive checks at the quarterly meeting.
The official UMCG launch will be January 28, 9am-11am, at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, 635 Science Drive. Families, businesses, and individuals who would like to make a quarterly financial commitment, listen to the inspirational work of the Christian non-profits and vote on which applicants will receive grants, are invited to go to madisongiving.org/events to register.
Anyone interested in membership or making a donation is invited to visit www.madisongiving.com/donate.
The MCGF – UMCG Leadership Team is made up of Josh Kaurich, Diane Hanson, Tom Johnson, Barb & Tom Hoffner, Edi & Dave Sheard, Jeff & Susan Decker and Gordon Govier.
For more information contact Diane Hanson at diane.hanson@unitedmadison.com or at 608/225-3187.