Creating Lasting Change
Since 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. Whether you’re looking to support your favorite nonprofits, create a donor advised fund or leave a gift through your will or estate plan, we make giving easy, effective and meaningful.
MCF serves as a trusted partner for donors, nonprofits and professional advisors, ensuring that philanthropy in Madison and Dane County is accessible to all.
What We Believe
Mission
MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.
Vision
MCF will serve as a trusted philanthropic leader, enhancing the quality of life in Greater Madison, and fostering a community where fairness, inclusion and respect thrive.
Values
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Integrity
We create trust by acting with transparency.
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Generosity
We inspire giving to improve our world.
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Effectiveness
We identify opportunities, align actions and produce results.
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Sustainability
We build endowments to create a legacy for the future.
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Equity
We advance fairness, inclusion and respect.
$22 Million
Distributed to the Community in 2024
1,304
Funds at MCF
$460 Million
MCF’s Total Assets
What We Do
We build endowment funds that ensure permanent support, and connect passionate donors with community needs, ensuring that every gift — large or small — makes a meaningful difference.
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Empowering Donors
We offer flexible giving options, including donor advised funds, legacy giving and funds that pool support for MCF’s grantmaking in a range of areas.
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Supporting Nonprofits
Our grants from the Community Impact fund help fund innovative nonprofit programs capitalizing on exciting opportunities and addressing urgent community needs.
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Stewarding Community Assets
We responsibly manage and grow endowments, ensuring long-term funding for our community and the nonprofit organizations working here.
Why Choose Madison Community Foundation?
Unlike national financial institutions, MCF is deeply rooted in Greater Madison. Our mission goes beyond managing charitable funds — we work closely with donors to drive meaningful, local impact.
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Local Expertise
Our team has in-depth knowledge of Madison’s nonprofit landscape to help match your giving goals with high-impact organizations.
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Collective Impact
Fees from fund management stay in Madison and Dane County, supporting programs that make our region stronger.
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Accountability & Excellence
We adhere to the highest standards set by the Community Foundations National Standards Board.
How You Can Get Involved
Every person has the power to create change. MCF offers multiple ways to give based on your interests and goals:
- Start a donor-advised or designated fund to simplify your giving during your lifetime.
- Contribute to the Community Impact Fund or one of our Field of Interest Funds to support local initiatives.
- Establish a named endowment to leave a permanent legacy through your estate.
- Partner with us on legacy giving to ensure long-term support for your favorite causes.
- Create an endowment for your nonprofit to provide a consistent stream of income.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Madison Community Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of philanthropy. By partnering with donors, fundholders and nonprofits, we are shaping a future where fairness, inclusion and respect thrive.
- Give today to make an immediate impact.
- Contact us at 608-232-1763 or by email at Legacy@madisongives.org to learn more about donor-advised funds, legacy giving or grant opportunities.
