Northern Piedmont Community Foundation Awards $15,000 In Grants to Madison County Nonprofit Organizations

Warrenton, VA, October 2, 2024 — The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) is thrilled to announce the allocation of $15,000 in grant funding to eight dedicated organizations in Madison County. This funding will bolster a diverse array of local initiatives focused on youth development, food security, education, literacy, and more.

Among the recipients, the Madison Emergency Services Association (MESA) will receive critical support for its Everyday Essentials Project, which aligns with The Healthy Pantry Initiative, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, of which MESA is a participant. This initiative aims to empower clients to cook more, reduce reliance on processed foods, and maintain healthier diets by providing access to nutritious, fresh food options.

Addressing the need for healthy food options is a community-wide effort. MESA has fostered strong partnerships with local organizations to effectively combat food insecurity. A vital collaboration with local farms provides MESA with an average of five dozen eggs each week for distribution at their food pantry. With the new grant funding from NPCF’s Madison County Annual Grant, MESA will enhance its capacity by purchasing an additional 250 eggs each month, ensuring that 125 families can access this essential staple. “When clients visit the pantry, eggs are one of the most requested items,” said Tricia Livingston, Executive Director of MESA. “This funding enables us to meet that demand and address the urgent needs within our community. The changes we’ve implemented are crucial to ensuring that no one goes without food.”

In response to the growing demand for services, MESA has made significant operational adjustments, including the closure of its thrift shop to create more space for the food pantry. Furthermore, MESA has extended its service hours to include evenings and Saturdays, enhancing accessibility for individuals who work during the day.

Jane Bowling-Wilson, Executive Director of NPCF, highlighted the importance of the Madison County Annual Grant, stating, “These funds will have a direct and lasting impact on the Madison County community. Supporting nonprofits like MESA and the Free Clinic ensures that critical services, such as food assistance and mental health services, can continue to make a meaningful difference.” The eight nonprofits who received funding through this grant are: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central VA, the Madison Free Clinic, Skyline CAP,  MadCats, MESA, Literacy Council of Madison County, Madison Learning Center, and Piedmont CASA.

Click Here To Review Award Recipients