MSF invests in education initiatives with Community

MADISON – Andrea Brewster and Ariel ‘Ari’ Wilkins, co-chairs for Madison Street Festival’s Community Grants program, encourage anyone with an idea that could positively impact education or literacy in Madison County to consider applying for an MSF grant.

“After the 2025 festival, MSF proudly awarded 22 community grants totaling $30,000, marking the largest, total dollar amount awarded through the program todate. This was an exciting milestone for MSF and reflects our continued commitment to investing in educational and literacy-focused programs that make a meaningful impact,” Wilkins said.

“Don’t assume your project is too small or that your organization needs to have extensive grant-writing experience,” Wilkins said. “Sometimes, a relatively small amount of funding can make a significant difference in bringing a great idea to life.”

Wilkins was interested in working with grants because she wanted to gain experience in the awarding process while finding a meaningful way to serve her community. “As a contract specialist, I have experience reviewing requirements, evaluating documentation, managing processes and ensuring guidelines are followed. These skills have translated well into my work with MSF Community Grants.”

“Through MSF, I have helped develop the grant application, scoring rubric, FAQ and procedures used to evaluate applications. This experience has allowed me to combine my professional background with my passion for supporting education and organizations that make a positive impact in Madison County,” Wilkins said. Brewster agreed.

Organizations and groups serving Madison County are eligible to apply for an MSF Community Grant. The organization itself does not have to be education-based; however, the program or project requesting funding must have an educational focus, support literacy or both, Brewster said.

“This policy allows us to support a variety of organizations while ensuring that grant funds remain aligned with the purpose of the grant program,” Wilkins said. Eligible projects can include traditional education initiatives, along with programs that promote literacy, provide learning opportunities, develop skills or otherwise support educational growth within Madison County.

Applicants for an MSF grant can request the amount that they believe is necessary to support their proposed project; however, the maximum amount that MSF will award to an individual grant recipient is $2,500, Brewster said.

Each application is carefully reviewed and scored using a standardized rubric (scoring guide) that considers factors such as educational or literacy impact, project design, expected outcomes, feasibility and the proposed budget. The final award amount is based on the overall strength of the application, needs of the project and available funding in that grant cycle.

Applicants may receive the full amount requested, up to the $2,500 maximum, or they may receive a partial award. “This approach allows MSF to thoughtfully distribute funds while supporting a variety of educational and literacy-focused programs throughout Madison County,” Wilkins said.

Applications for Madison Street Festival’s Community Grants Program will open September 1 and close October 31, 2026. “We want to give organizations plenty of time to learn about the grant opportunity, put together their project ideas and submit a strong application,” Brewster said.

To be eligible, applicants must be based in Madison County and the program or project for which they are seeking funding must focus on education, literacy or both. “One of the things we really value about this program is the opportunity to take funds generated through the Madison Street Festival and put them back into organizations that are doing meaningful work right here in our community,” Wilkins said.

Especially for classroom teachers, funding often is unavailable for creative projects, learning experiences or resources that teachers would love to provide for their students. “This grant could help bridge that gap,” Brewster said. “Whether it’s purchasing materials, creating a new learning experience, supporting literacy or introducing students to something they can’t access, we want teachers to think about what could make a difference in their classrooms.”

“My biggest advice is simple: apply. Tell us what you want to accomplish, why it matters and how it will benefit the people you serve. You never know what an idea can become when someone is willing to invest in it,” Wilkins said.

Chairing MSF Community Grants has instilled a sense of pride for Brewster and Wilkins. Caring deeply about education, they realize that their work can help a teacher bring an idea to life or provide students with an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.

“One of the most rewarding parts is knowing the impact goes beyond simply awarding a grant. We are investing in teachers, students and organizations that are investing in our community,” Wilkins said. “A grant may help purchase classroom materials, support a literacy initiative or create a new educational experience. However, ultimately, it’s about giving people the resources to make a difference.”

Brewster and Wilkins are extremely proud for the growth of the grant program. “I hope as more people learn about the program that we can reach even more educators and organizations,” Wilkins said.