Recent Grants
The Foundation marked its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2021, supporting local nonprofits and individuals in need through grant funding totaling $226,400.
Here is just a sampling of some of our recent grants:
The Madison Arts Barn
The Madison Arts Barn has been empowering kids by fostering a sense of community through creativity, music, and the arts in a safe and supportive environment since 1997. Their programs encourage young people to share unique experiences, perspectives, and ideas that help them feel more connected to one another.
The COVID pandemic has increased people’s sense of loneliness and fear. Recognizing this problem, the Barn launched a virtual program in January to help adults and children with their mental and physical well being. The financial support provided by TMF enabled them to provide the “New Year, New You” health and wellness program. Nearly one hundred adult and student participants met weekly via Zoom to exercise, learn, and support one another during an unprecedented period of social isolation.
SARAH, Inc.
For more than sixty-five years, SARAH, Inc. has served individuals along the shoreline living with intellectual and other disabilities. Through programs and services they fulfill their mission of helping individuals live fulfilling, productive, and engaged lives. They offer a full spectrum of services including residential housing and support, day programs and recreational activities, transitional and employment services, respite care and birth-to-three early intervention.
Responding to the need for community and activity, SARAH offered a hybrid adaptive fitness class for its Madison Day Program members. The Madison Foundation funded a weekly fitness program led by trainers experienced in working with individuals with disabilities. Launched in early April, the recorded training sessions will give differently-abled people the tools to make healthy choices and live more independently.
Raise the Roof
Founded in 2004 by longtime Madison residents Ellen and Mike Maguire, Raise the Roof recruits volunteers from shoreline communities to work alongside Habitat families to build new homes in New Haven. Nearly twenty years and nineteen homes later, the group continues to be guided by the belief thateveryone deserves a decent, affordable and safe place to live.
Originally based in Madison, Raise the Roof doesn’t just providethe physical labor in theform of volunteer builders, it also educates people about housinginsecurity and the lack of affordable homes.
In 2021, the Foundation provided two grants to help the organization fulfill their mission. Raise the Roof is currently buildingits nineteenth home in the Fairhaven section of New Haven. In addition, TMF alsoprovided support for the annual Gala of Stars: Dancing for a Cause which was once again held virtually. Since the start of COVID the group is more aware than ever of the importance of homes as places in which we can shelter and stay safe.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) is a worldwide organization with local chapters dedicated to inspiring young people to succeed. Through community volunteers delivering lessons in the classroom, students develop the skills they need to make sound economic decisions, plan for their futures, and succeed both academically and financially.
Our grant enabled fifty-nine Daniel Hand students to participate in a financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship program. Though COVID restrictions created challenges for delivery of the program, students were able to participate in mock interviews with volunteers from local companies. Students received helpful feedback and insights from the volunteers with the goal of setting them up for future success.
Other Grant Recipients
High Hope Therapeutic Riding
Hope Partnership
Madison ABC House
Madison Ambulance Assoc.
Madison Cultural Arts ( 4th of July Concert)
Madison Historical Society
Madison Little League
Madison Lyric Stage
Madison Youth and Family Services
Mad 4 Trees
Nite in Hand
Opera Theater of CT
Shoreline Arts Alliance
Shoreline Soup Kitchen
Special Olympics
Vista Life Innovations
… and many more programs that enrich our community’s social, cultural,
environmental and educational life.
