The Madison Foundation has announced that it is accepting nominations for its Hero Volunteer Award. What’s not to love about a person who chooses to spend their time helping others?

Volunteers make immeasurable contributions to the community by helping out with even the smallest tasks to make meaningful differences in the lives of others. All Madison citizens are encouraged to recognize a Madison resident who goes above and beyond in a volunteer capacity by submitting a nomination at themadisonfoundation.org. Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 31.

Volunteers are the glue that hold communities together and make them a better place for all to live. In 2021, the Madison Foundation launched the Hero Volunteer Award as part of its 25th anniversary celebration. Given the broad community response and in an effort to recognize the achievements of local volunteers, the organization decided to make the award an annual program.

Given to a Madison resident who donates time and energy to a local organization, the Hero Volunteer Award provides a $2,500 grant to the winner’s charity of choice. Last year, the Foundation honored Donna Gregory of Raise the Roof for her dedication to providing affordable and safe housing to all members of the community.

Just think of all the positive outcomes that might not happen if people did not volunteer at our local organizations. Who would honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks if the American Legion did not set up their moving flag display on the Green? Who would help Madison’s neediest residents if Neighbor 2 Neighbor did not organize food deliveries and provide critical financial support to those in need of fuel? Madison would not be the vibrant town, alive with events and activities, that we have all come to cherish.

To nominate an individual, visit the Foundation’s website, click on the News Tab, and select Hero Award from the drop-down menu. Complete the short online form, which asks for contact information for the person being nominated as well as a brief description of the individual’s volunteer activities. The Madison Foundation’s directors will choose a winner from all the nominations received. An announcement will be made in early 2023.

The Madison Foundation is a local nonprofit working to serve the needs of the community. Established in 1996, the organization connects donors who care with the causes that matter.