Groups and organizations accept Community Impact Grants from Madison Visionary Partners

MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP promoted the grass-roots efforts of local groups by presenting $15,000 in Community Impact Grants at the third annual Madison Visionary Awards on March 27.

“The afternoon at the Jackson Center began with the announcement of the 2025 Community Impact Micro-Grants, a program that supports nonprofits working on projects that enhance the quality of life in Madison,” MVP Executive Director Christina Hearne said.

This year’s total in grants more than doubled the amount of applications compared to 2024.

The awards ceremony “showcased the outstanding individuals and organizations that continue to make Madison a thriving community,” Hearne said. “Amounts can be requested from $500 to $2,500.” Each applicant must conduct its operation in Madison County.

Nine local non-profit organizations and groups received a Community Impact Grant from MVP:

• e.WE Foundation – Sarita Edwards accepted the grant. Sarita and husband Kareem Edwards created the foundation to raise awareness about early access to diagnostic therapies for better outcomes for chronically ill infants. Their son, Elijah, was prenatally diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a rare, chromosomal abnormality. e.WE Foundation received $1,800 for Coffee Chats, a respite program for parents of medically complex children.

• Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy – Their grant for $1,750 will support their children’s theater programs and expand arts education in Madison City Schools. Karen Mockensturm accepted the funding.

• HEALS Inc. – The grant for $2,500 will provide supplies for their mobile clinic that treats students across Madison County. Risha Sanderson received the grant.

• Heart of the Valley YMCA – The grant for $2,500 will help with implementation of the Parkinson’s Wellness Program at Hogan Family YMCA in Madison. Colby Flack collected the grant.

• Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation – Madison Public Library – The library system’s $1,750 grants will help in buying a laser cutter and engraver for the MakerSpace at Madison Public Library. Katie Moore, Branch Manager in Madison, accepted the funding.

• Madison City Schools – The Madison district will apply the $2,500 grant to “Paws for a Purpose” that supports facility dogs – Barney at Madison Elementary School, Daryl at Midtown Elementary School and Fern at Heritage Elementary School. Lee Shaw was the MCS representative.

• Madison Greenway and Trails Inc. – The organization will use its $1,200 grant for their project of publicizing places to walk, hike and bike in Madison’s designated green-space areas. Jim Chamberlain received the funding.

• Rocket City Modern Quilt Guild – The guild’s grant for $750 will apply to their project to create and provide pillowcases to the North Alabama Foster Closet. The group’s programming and activities focus on modern quilting techniques, fabrics and layouts. Meghan Nester collected the guild’s grant.

• Still Serving Veterans – The organization was awarded $1,000 to aid in supporting veterans and their families in financial crisis by providing professional support services that empower and equip them for a secure future. Brenda Matthews received the funding for the group.

For more information, call 256-3844358, email info@mvpmadison.org or christina@mvpmadison.org or visit mvpmadison.org.