This year at the Maddox Fund, I’ve found myself returning to an image offered by futurist and pathfinder Mia Birdsong: seeds planted in toxic soil. What does it mean to cultivate hope when the ground beneath us feels depleted, stripped by years of systemic injustice, environmental degradation, and philanthropic practices that too often extract more than they restore?
What we have learned again and again from our grantee partners is this: in even the most desolate landscapes, healing is possible. Like native plants that remediate poisoned ground, our partners are doing the slow, steady work of restoration. They are transforming harmful conditions into ecosystems where justice can take root and hope can grow.
In a philanthropic landscape marked by volatility, scarcity, and shifting priorities, we chose a different path. This year, the Grant Committee made the intentional decision not to consider new proposals. Instead, we deepened our investment in the organizations already in partnership with us. In an unstable environment for nonprofits, we saw this as a practice of sustainability—a way of nourishing the roots rather than constantly seeking new growth. This is what trust looks like in practice.
Our North Stars, guiding us toward a world in which people and planet flourish together in regenerative systems free from oppression and threat, remained at the center of every discussion. Our funding areas of youth and the natural environment also held steady. And in the spirit of transparency, we continue to make five years of past grantmaking decisions available on our website.
We believe transparency is a necessary condition for cultivating authentic relationships. So that data can become knowledge that transforms our actions, we offer this analysis of our 2025 grants to date:
At Maddox, we believe that liberation is only as permanent as our practice. We are committed to continuing the internal work required to ensure that equity, justice, and liberation are not just values we name but truths we live.
As we look to the horizon, we’re excited to announce that we will release a refreshed Request for Proposals (RFP) in the first quarter of 2026. This new RFP will reflect lessons learned from our current partners, emerging needs in the field, and our refined grantmaking priorities. What will not change is our unwavering commitment to our North Stars and to the communities who inspire us every day with their courage and creativity.
To our partners: thank you for being the ones who transform poisoned soil into sacred ground. Thank you for teaching us what it means to hold fast to hope.
Let us keep planting, even when the ground feels unsteady.
It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I step into the role of Executive Director of the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund. As I embark on this new chapter, I am honored to continue the Fund’s legacy of investing in transformative change for Middle Tennessee’s young people and the ecosystems that support them.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to my predecessor, Kaki Friskics-Warren for her leadership, dedication, and vision. Her unwavering commitment to justice and liberation helped shape the foundation of the Maddox Fund, and I am honored for the opportunity to build upon the legacy of her work as we move forward together.
At Maddox, we seek a world in which people and planet flourish together in regenerative systems free from oppression and threat. It is a vision of hope for the future. In our current landscape, I am aware that it can sometimes feel like that future is just beyond our grasp. I step into this role during a time when our nonprofit partners are facing unprecedented challenges. Economic uncertainties, shifting philanthropic and policy priorities, and the growing needs of our communities require us to be more adaptive, resourceful, and collaborative than ever before. Despite these difficulties, I firmly believe in the power of community and that solutions to some of our most pressing challenges will be found by following the wisdom and leadership of those most proximate to the pain.
In this constantly shifting world, one thing that will remain constant at Maddox is our commitment to you, our community partners. We are here to support you—we see your work, honor your leadership, and remain committed to walking alongside you.
In the months ahead, I look forward to listening and learning from our grantees, community leaders, and partners. Your insights, experiences, and wisdom will be invaluable as we continue shaping a shared vision for the future.
In the coming weeks, we are curating two types of opportunities for connection:
Attend a Listening Meeting: Beginning on February 19th, Maddox will be hosting a series of Listening Meetings as we look for early guidance in our strategic planning process. A good candidate to attend is a person in leadership who knows the external forces at work in the organization as well as the internal challenges ahead for the organization’s programs, staff, board and program participants. You can sign up to attend here.
One on Ones: In addition to listening meetings, I welcome the opportunity to connect one on one for a 45 minute conversation. You can sign up for a time here. I’m happy to meet either in person or virtually – whatever is most convenient for you!
Please feel free to reach out, introduce yourself, and share what inspires you about the work we are doing together.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Maddox Fund community. I am excited about the work ahead.
With gratitude,
Rev. Jen Bailey Executive Director Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund
