Moments in Philanthropy :: August 2009
In This Issue
MCF continues to grow in spite of economy
John McKnight and MCF: Asset Based Community Development
Lincoln Bicentennial event great success
Things to do for free this summer courtesy of MCF
Not Your Traditional Library – Verona’s Art and Architecture collection
Upcoming Events
MCF continues to grow despite economy
Dane County residents may be giving up a lot during these economic times - eating out, shopping for new clothes and taking long vacations. But they don't necessarily give up on giving. In spite of the economic downturn, Madison Community Foundation continues to grow.
“Since January we have received a total 1,100 gifts, which is much in keeping with an average year,” says Kathleen Woit, President of MCF. “We are seeing generous donations from all over Dane County and beyond. In addition, our change in focus to support basic needs such as food, housing, and energy assistance has inspired many people to add to our funding.”
John McKnight and MCF: Asset Based Community Development
Part-time Spring Green resident John McKnight, Professor of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, has recently been cited in the news as an early and fundamental community development mentor to President Barack Obama. Not many people know that McKnight has been an influential mentor to the board and staff of Madison Community Foundation as well.
McKnight is a pioneer of asset-based community development and inclusive methods of community building. In 1993, McKnight was invited by Jane Coleman, then president of MCF, to speak with the board and staff about applying his research methods to the foundation’s grantmaking process. Where previously MCF had focused on assisting the neediest elements of the community, McKnight’s coaching helped to identify the human and institutional assets in neighborhoods that could build infrastructure and programs to impact the community on a broad scale.
MCF has used the asset building approach with tremendous success and has continued the MCF relationship with Professor McKnight.
The McKnight story:
http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/458995
Lincoln Bicentennial event a great success
At noon on Saturday, July 25, Camp Randall Memorial Park was the scene of the past coming to life with historic portrayals of Abraham and Mary Lincoln, Governor Alexander Randall, and other historic figures in a program honoring the bicentennial anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The program is one of many events created by the Wisconsin Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission this year to honor the memory and legacy of Lincoln and to commemorate his direct connections to Wisconsin.
“We can learn much from Lincoln’s leadership and courage during the Civil War,” said MCF President Kathleen Woit, who also served on the Commission. “This Lincoln Bicentennial year gives us the opportunity to relate the story of Lincoln and discover again the legacy of his insistence that freedom and equal opportunity be available for all citizens.”
Music of the era was provided by the 1st Brigade Band, a group of Civil War enthusiasts, playing on period instruments. The historic characters told authentic stories about the times and the role of Camp Randall in training over 70,000 troops who fought in the Civil War.
For more events through 2009 visit:
www.lincoln200.wisconsin.gov
Not Your Traditional Library – Verona’s Art and Architecture collection
Susan Hedrick, former library director at Verona Public Library spent a lot of time considering architecture and art when the new library with soaring architecture was being built in 2004 -05. It was no surprise that she would choose the theme of Art and Architecture for Verona’s MCF Collection Grant focus.
“Verona’s population is cultured and curious,” says Brian Simons, current library director, “and our MCF Grant collection fills a need by the evidence that it is strongly circulated.”
Programming around the collection has been heavily attended. A series on Frank Lloyd Wright was presented in 2008 by Jack Holzhueter, Wright Specialist; Tony Putnam, Architect at Taliesin Architecture; and Virginia T. Boyd, Ph.D. Professor of Environment, Textile and Design at UW-Madison. Other presentations included a contemporary quilt exhibit, a program on handmade paper, Wisconsin State Capitol architecture, an art show by Verona area students in grades K-12, a program on the artwork of beading, and a multi-generational knitting circle.
Future programming includes extensive adult, teen and children’s creative summer reading and hands-on arts programs, and an artist-in-residence experience with a local visual artist. As with all other MCF Library Grant Collections, the Verona materials, including books, videos, audio books, and more are available through the South Central Library Loan LINKcat:
www.linkcat.info
Things to do for free this summer courtesy of Madison Community Foundation
Over the years, MCF has funded many projects that provide free relaxation and entertainment for everyone in Dane County. Some of these resources are parks such as Henry Vilas Zoo, LVM Boundless Playground, or McFarland Discovery Garden. Local community centers such as Goodman Community Center, Lussier Community and Learning Center, and East Madison Community Center provide a variety of programs and free facilities. And you can stay cool in the water for free at Cypress Way Splashpark or Middleton Lakeview Splashpark.
Upcoming Events
Community Gardens Bike Tour with Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
August 29, 2009, 8/9 am – 1 p.m.
For more information: contact Nicole Craig at 246-4730 ext. 208.
*Upcoming events are hosted by local charities supported by MCF.