More than 70 local Christian ministries that have benefited from over $1.2 million in grants over the past decade now have a new place to turn for financial support: United Madison Christian Givers (UMCG). The roll-out of the new name and a new granting procedure took place Tuesday, January 28, at the InterVarsity building in University Research Park.
Members of various Madison churches who serve on the board of the Madison Christian Giving Fund accepted an invitation last year to merge with United Madison, another local organization devoted to the support of Christian non-profits in the Dane County area.
At the launch event, UMCG team leaders shared a bit of history of both organizations, and spoke of the new vision of United Madison Christian Givers. Then they opened the floor to presentations by the first four organizations that became eligible for funding in 2025, as they shared their work and purpose.
Clear Hits Radio – Caleb Williams spoke of plans for a fall “Welcome Back Hip Hop” concert aimed at introducing UW students to the Gospel while connecting them with on-campus ministries. The hope is for a “revival” for Christ as the Spirit moves the students through music.
Shelter from the Storm Ministries – Becky Templeton shared her request to support its Motors 4 Moms program to help women overcome the barrier to reliable transportation.
Stoughton Fellowship of Christian Athletes – Tom Hanson shared the importance of bringing student athletes together to learn more about the Gospel and for them to be a catalyst to bring other students in through their meetings where food is served.
Yada Fair Trade & Resale – Beth Williams shared their plan to support female trafficking survivors move from surviving to thriving through job training and creation.
Attendees were invited to vote for three of the organizations in this round. The three Grant winners were Clear Hits Radio, Stoughton Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Yada Fair Trade & Resale; grants ranged from $2,600 to $8,600. The presenters who do not “win” a Grant are provided with a $1,000 consolation Grant, which this time went to Shelter From the Storm Ministries.
In future quarterly events, UMCG expects six Christian non-profit finalists will present, three will win the Grants and three will be provided a $1,000 consolation grant. This particular time two finalists were unable to present and were moved to the second quarter meeting on April 22, 2025.
Doug Fearing of Fearing’s Audio Video Security, which sponsored the launch, may have summed up the UMCG mission the best: “Madison is full of non-profits,” he said. “But nobody is going to get into heaven by what they do. That’s why we support United Madison Christian Givers.”
For more information, go to https://www.unitedmadison.com/