In October 2023, Junior League of Madison awarded $325,000 to two Madison non-profits. “In its 35th year, the League is proud and honored to partner with the Madison Reading Project (“MRP”) and MyArts, two growth-oriented nonprofit organizations,” said Sarah Barnes, JLM President. “Our $250,000 gift to MRP and the $75,000 gift to MyArts confirm the League’s commitment to children and families in our community. The reach and impact of both these nonprofit organizations impresses our members, and we look forward to further building those relationships in the future”.

The gift to the Madison Reading Project (“MRP”) includes final funding for their new, all-accessible ADA second Big Read Reading Bus that will debut in 2024, a $50,000 challenge grant to the Dane County community to “Fill the Bus,” and a $100,000 Visionary gift for MRP new headquarters. MRP connects our community with free books and literacy resources that ignite a love for reading and affirm and reflect the diversity of our young readers. MRP currently serves 250,000+ children and teachers, and their goal is to double that current number.

The gift to MYArts includes $25,000 for an Indoor Mural for their Artist in Residence Program and $50,000 for their Access fund so that every single youth programming partner can receive support through reduced charges. MyArts is a vibrant community space that currently supports nearly 60 impactful and wide-array of youth art programs. The League has also established a $150,000 grant-making program, bringing the League’s current financial commitment to the community to nearly half a million dollars.