Madison Community Foundation
Madison Community Foundation is a public charity based in Madison, Wisconsin. Formed in 1942, it creates, administers, and invests permanent charitable funds and makes grants to charitable organizations, primarily in Dane County. Grants are made through competitive proposals and in response to recommendations from donor fundholders.
Madison Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Madison Community Foundation gave $13.6M across 376 grants in 2024 (avg $36K), mostly in Wisconsin. 24% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $13,648,918
- +34.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 376
- +7.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $36,300
- +24.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $11,991
- Total assets
- $347,573,285
- +18.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 24% first-time grantees (52 of 217, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (74% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Madison Community Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests through its stated application processes. Community Impact applicants submit a Letter of Inquiry through the foundation’s grant portal and, if invited, a full proposal. Field of Interest applicants submit a proposal through the portal; the listed annual due dates are March 15, July 1, September 1, and November 15. The foundation’s website says the 2026 Community Impact grant cycle has ended and that its 2026 Field of Interest applications have closed; it advises checking back in early 2027 for updates.
- Review Cycle
- The listed Field of Interest due date of November 15 is the next date in the published schedule as of October 2, 2026. The 2026 Community Impact Letter of Inquiry deadline, June 3, has passed.
- Deadline
- The listed Field of Interest due date of November 15 is the next date in the published schedule as of October 2, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 111 N Fairchild St 260, Madison, WI 53703-2830
Phone: (608) 232-1763
Website: https://madisongives.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Madison Community Foundation
A Fund for Women Grant
Madison Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Altrusa International Grant
Madison Community Foundation
Amount
US $1,000 - US $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Great Performance Fund for Theater Grant
Madison Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Madison Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund ($2.0M across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $6.6M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($37,300), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,839 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,480 grants of 2,839 (87%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says its grants primarily benefit organizations in Dane County, Wisconsin. Its 2024 filing reports that itemized grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin (74%), Ohio (15%), Pennsylvania (7%), Massachusetts (1%), and New York (1%). Its filing narrative also reports that 63% of grants were distributed to organizations in Dane County, 18% to organizations in other Wisconsin counties, and 19% to organizations in other states.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 376 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Madison Community Foundation open to new grantees?
24%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 52 of 217 grantees (24%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $20K; repeat grants $77K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $21K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $10.2M (2023) to $27.9M (2021). In 2024 it made 376 grants totaling $13.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Cincinnati, OH | Guinn Family Fund #1332554 | $1,980,004 |
| AFRICA6000 International Erie, PA | General Charitable Purposes | $1,000,000 |
| Sokaogon Chippewa Community Crandon, WI | Tribal Health Clinic Expansion | $500,000 |
| Sokaogon Chippewa Community Crandon, WI | Land purchase (from remaining assets, land is adjacent to sokaogon chippewa reservation) | $354,200 |
| Madison College Foundation Madison, WI | Frautschi Family Pathway Scholarship Fund | $275,000 |
| Madison Public Library Foundation Inc Madison, WI | In 1993, madison public library foundation (MPLF) was created to bridge the gap between appropriated city of madison funding and the ever-rising costs of library resources and services to meet our community's needs. Nine facilities spread throughout the c | $250,000 |
| Madison Public Library Foundation Inc Madison, WI | General Charitable Purposes | $248,572 |
| Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Madison, WI | General Charitable Purposes | $220,756 |
| Madison Symphony Orchestra Madison, WI | General Charitable Purposes | $211,373 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Dane County Fitchburg, WI | General Charitable Purposes | $209,845 |
Ready to take the next step with Madison Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $347,573,285 | $55,328,598 | $19,022,281 | $13,648,918 | 376 | $11,298,439 |
| 2023 | $294,109,737 | $20,094,904 | $15,254,728 | $10,180,139 | 350 | $8,834,085 |
| 2022 | $272,378,291 | $36,932,800 | $17,888,026 | $13,487,772 | 360 | $7,308,063 |
| 2021 | $285,628,719 | $40,248,600 | $33,568,895 | $27,941,581 | 441 | $18,635,183 |
| 2020 | $256,112,784 | $43,136,336 | $27,807,927 | $24,986,429 | 1,312 | $8,409,439 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community. Its Community Impact grants support Dane County organizations in Arts & Culture, Community Development, Environment, Learning, and Organizational Capacity Building. Field of Interest funds support specific interests or geographic regions, with listed categories including Aging, Children & Youth, Essential Services, Food, Unhoused, Health & Wellness, Berbee Derby Technology Education, and Theater in Overture.
Recent grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. The Madison Public Library Foundation says it mobilizes the community to improve, promote, and support the public library. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra says it strengthens communities through artistic experiences, while the Madison Symphony Orchestra says it promotes musical excellence and music education. The Boys & Girls Club of Dane County says it works to empower young people to reach their potential.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 376 itemized grants totaling $13,648,918. Grant amounts ranged from $5,072 to $1,980,004, with a median of $11,991. Notable grants included $1,000,000 to Africa6000 International for general charitable purposes; $500,000 and $354,200 to the Sokaogon Chippewa Community for a tribal health clinic expansion and land purchase, respectively; and $275,000 to Madison College Foundation for the Frautschi Family Pathway Scholarship Fund. Other large grants included $250,000 and $248,572 to Madison Public Library Foundation, $220,756 and $201,456 to Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, $211,373 to Madison Symphony Orchestra, and $209,845 to Boys & Girls Club of Dane County.
The Community Impact Fund makes annual competitive grants, described as larger strategic investments that average $50,000 and may be allocated over multiple years. Eligible Dane County nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status begin with a Letter of Inquiry; organizations whose inquiries are approved are invited to submit full proposals. The foundation identifies program grants and capital grants as funding types. Field of Interest proposals are accepted throughout the year, reviewed quarterly, and intended for one-time, smaller grants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Christine Barden as board chair, Anne Lucke as vice chair, and Gary Mecklenburg as treasurer. Listed board members are Anna Burish, EG Schramka, Eugenia Podesta, Frances Huntley-Cooper, Gloria Ladson-Billings, Jeff Bartell, and Nancy Boebel. The filing identifies Frances Huntley-Cooper and Nancy Boebel as starting in February 2024.
Madison Community Foundation is led by Robert Sorge, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 4 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Robert Sorge
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$198K (2020) → $284K (2024)
Christine Barden
Board Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carmen Jeschke
Vice President Finance & Operations
Vice President Finance, Operations & CFO → Vice President Finance & Operations, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$106K (2020) → $133K (2024)
David Koehler
Vice President Donor Engagement
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$122K (2020) → $142K (2024)
Principal Custody Solutions
Services & Custodian
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
$61K (2022) → $70K (2024)
Anne Lucke
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eg Schramka
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gary Mecklenburg
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Bartell
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Noble Wray
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Therese Gulbransen
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tripp Widder
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anna Burish
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eugenia Podesta
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gloria Ladson-Billings
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Natalie Erdman
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frances Huntley-Cooper
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Boebel
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Al Friedman (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jack E. Daniels III (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Roberta Gassman (2020–2023) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Ron Mensink (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Shiva Bidar (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Tom Linfield (2020–2023) — Vice President Community Impact
- Former: Blaine Renfert (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Dave Stark (2020–2021) — Board Member · Filing note: Through 022021
- Former: Enid Glenn (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Jim Cavanaugh (2020–2021) — Board Member · Filing note: Through 022021
- Former: Wells Fargo Institutional Trust (2020–2021) — Services & Custodian
- Former: Diane Ballweg (2020) — Past Board Chair
- Former: Ismael Ozanne (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $284K, to Robert Sorge (President & CEO). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Madison Community Foundation
How much does Madison Community Foundation give each year?
Madison Community Foundation gave $13.6M across 376 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $10.2M across 350 grants.
What is Madison Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Madison Community Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $11,991, and its average grant was $36,300, across 376 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Madison Community Foundation that year got $20K on average.
Where does Madison Community Foundation give grants?
Madison Community Foundation gives mostly in Wisconsin: 74% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Ohio (15%) and Pennsylvania (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Madison, WI (247 grants), Milwaukee, WI (28 grants), Middleton, WI (8 grants) and Fitchburg, WI (7 grants).
Does Madison Community Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 44% of Madison Community Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (164 of 376) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Scholarship Awards" (6 grants) and "Staff Payroll" (4 grants).
Who are Madison Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Madison Community Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund ($1,999,004 across 2 grants), AFRICA6000 International ($1,000,000) and Sokaogon Chippewa Community ($981,200 across 3 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($37,300), which are not listed by name. Together they received 29% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Madison Community Foundation?
Madison Community Foundation reported $347.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $55.3M.
What does Madison Community Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community. Its Community Impact grants support Dane County organizations in Arts & Culture, Community Development, Environment, Learning, and Organizational Capacity Building. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Madison Community Foundation?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests through its stated application processes. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Madison Community Foundation's EIN?
Madison Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-6038248. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Madison Community Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 6, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Madison Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Madison Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/madison-community-foundation-morg_21cdf53e3cda4dfba41a98903ded2c67
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_396038248_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Madison Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/madison-community-foundation-morg_21cdf53e3cda4dfba41a98903ded2c67},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Madison Community Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Madison Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?