In 2024, the Dan & Margaret Maddox Fund brought together a community group of composed of young environmental professionals and activists to distribute $100,000 in grants to Middle Tennessee organizations working to protect the natural environment. This was our first participatory grantmaking initiative to focus specifically on the environment. Previous years had focused on high school youth, HBCUs, and LGBTQ+ youth. This year’s group met regularly over the course of six months to learn about grantmaking and different nonprofit organizations to make the follow grants:
$30,000 to The Tennessee Aquatic Project
$30,000 to Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
$20,000 to the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
$10,000 to Recycle Reinvest
$10,000 to Tennessee Ancient Sites Conservancy
This Advisory Board wanted to fund organizations and initiatives focused on increasing access to green space, climate justice, and food justice. When looking at the applications, they prioritized applications that embodied Indigenous and racial justice, intersectionality, advocacy & direct service.
Since 2008, the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund has partnered with nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee to improve the lives of young people across Middle Tennessee. Core to this work is our commitment to addressing the systemic injustices that have marginalized communities and continue to leave many behind. School vouchers will be a detriment to ensuring that all children can access high-quality educational opportunities.
School vouchers divert resources away from already underfunded public schools and further burden families facing poverty. Public schools in Tennessee lack the resources they need for students to thrive and vouchers would magnify the problem. It is expected that the voucher proposal will cost the state of Tennessee over $1.1 billion over the next five years. 51% of public school students will get less in state funding than voucher recipients will.
Private schools are also not accountable for serving students and families with the greatest needs. Private schools are not required to offer the same protections and services that guarantee safe environments and equitable education opportunities for all students including students with disabilities, English language learners, and LGBTQ+ students. Vouchers also fail to benefit rural students where private school options are limited.
Most importantly, data shows that vouchers do not lead to better academic outcomes. MNPS students outperformed voucher users in Nashville. ESA/voucher participants in Nashville.
Here are some resources from our partners to learn more about vouchers:
“We are thrilled to have Jen lead the foundation into the next season of justice and liberation work in Middle Tennessee,” said Indira Dammu incoming board chair. “Jen brings a wealth of nonprofit and foundation experience to Maddox.”
“We believe Jen’s understanding of the Beloved Community is expansive and includes our sacred obligation to care for the planet that nurtures us,” said David Esquivel, chair of the search committee. “She is the right leader to help us live into our vision of people and planet flourishing together.”
“I am so honored to step into this role. Our focus on youth and the natural world are a public declaration of our unwavering commitment to work toward building for the better future and leave this world better than we found it. My deepest gratitude to Rev. Kaki Friskics-Warren and the Maddox team for the incredible foundation you have laid. And my heartfelt thanks to the Maddox Board for your trust in me. I am so excited to help shape this next chapter of our work alongside our partners.” Rev. Jen Bailey
Jen assumes the role as Executive Director on February 3, 2025. Jen will oversee the vision and operations of the foundation. She succeeds Rev. Kaki Friskics-Warren who has served the foundation since 2009.
About the Maddox Fund
Maddox Mission: We seek a world in which people and planet flourish together in regenerative systems free from oppression and threat. The Maddox Fund supports youth and environmental work in Middle Tennessee through program and advocacy grants. Information on our grantmaking can be found at maddoxfund.org. For more information: [email protected]; 615-385-1006
The Maddox Fund Environmental Participatory Grant Advisory Board, composed of young environmental professionals and activists, seeks inquiries from Middle Tennessee nonprofits regarding environmental grants available Q4 of 2024.
Grants of up to $30,000 will be made in the following areas:
Access to Green Space—including but not limited to, environmental equity-focused activities and programs, liberatory outdoor teaching practices, preventing loss of natural space, access to natural space.
Climate Justice—including but not limited to, reparations for communities impacted by climate change including community resiliency, just transition from fossil fuel to renewable, safe and affordable energy, mitigation of invasive insects and diseases caused by climate change, mitigation of flooding caused by climate related severe weather.
Food Justice—including but not limited to addressing agricultural land loss, advancing food justice for marginalized communities, land justice for marginalized communities.
Schedule
November 4: Inquiries due
November 15: Notification of next phase
December 5: Full proposal due (not to exceed xxx pages or composed of xx questions)
December 20: Anticipated announcement
Format for Inquiry: One page, including program/organization description, area of interest (green space, climate justice, and/or food justice), skeleton budget, and requested amount
Inquiry Evaluation Lenses: Indigenous and racial justice, intersectionality, advocacy & direct service
Who is the Maddox Fund: The Maddox Fund is a Middle Tennessee foundation that works to better our community through partnerships that improve the lives of young people and protect the natural environment.
What is Participatory Grantmaking: PGM a shift in power. Participatory grantmaking processes engage those who are directly affected by the issues at hand in the decision-making process.
Composition of Environmental Participatory Grant Advisory Board
Members of the advisory board were recruited from Maddox partner organizations and environmental advocates. The advisory board includes:
5 African American Females
1 African American Male
3 White Females
8 Cis Gender
1 Agender
Send letters of inquiry to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the grant opportunity, please email [email protected] or call the Maddox office at 615-385-1006.
The Maddox Fund believes that real expertise lies within the community. We have lived that out in the past through participatory grantmaking with LGBTQ+ high school students making funding decisions or HBCU students guiding our priorities. Shifting grantmaking power to those connected to issues gets dollars closer to community-led solutions.
This year, the Maddox Fund has set aside $100,000 for environmental causes in Middle Tennessee. We are seeking advisors to guide how to direct those funds to area nonprofits. Each participant will be paid $1,000 for their time and expertise.
The ideal advisory committee member:
Is a middle Tennessee student or young professional, ages 15-35
Has a demonstrated commitment to environmental causes
Has knowledge of Middle Tennessee environmental nonprofits & their work (participants may be employed by an area environmental nonprofit, but will be required to abstain from voting if there is a conflict of interest)
Has the desire to learn about and participate in democratizing of philanthropy
Is available for opening session on September 14 (required)
Is able to attend 75% of all virtual meetings (required)
The Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund is pleased to invite applications, expressions of interest, and/or nominations for the position of Executive Director. This position is responsible for strategic leadership as well as administrative and managerial oversight of a $56M endowed foundation located in Nashville Tennessee.
Salary $160,000-200,000 annually
Starting 4th Quarter 2024
All inquiries should be directed to our search partners at NPAG
Full Position Description Available Here
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Maddox Fund commits to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination. It is the policy of the Maddox Fund that all applicants and employees are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion or creed, sex (includes sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), gender (includes gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected characteristics as required by local, state and federal law. As such, the Maddox Fund does not discriminate in employment decisions, including with regard to hiring, termination, promotion, transfers, leave of absence, compensation or training. The Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary: $160,000 – $200,000 annually
Starting 4th Quarter 2024
All inquiries should be directed to our search partners at NPAG.
The Maddox Fund commits to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination. It is the policy of the Maddox Fund that all applicants and employees are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion or creed, sex (includes sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), gender (includes gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected characteristics as required by local, state and federal law. As such, the Maddox Fund does not discriminate in employment decisions, including with regard to hiring, termination, promotion, transfers, leave of absence, compensation or training. The Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund is an equal opportunity employer.
We met with Dorian Hines from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, an organization that serves the state’s nonprofit community “by building the momentum of the nonprofit sector in Tennessee to create equitable, measurable, and lasting change.” Here are some questions we asked him.
Could you please introduce yourself?
Sure thing! My name is Dorian Hines and I am the Middle Tennessee Regional Director for Tennessee Nonprofit Network. I am a native of North Carolina (born and raised) and relocated to Nashville from Memphis. I’ve served nonprofit organizations in several capacities – including community engagement and recruitment & marketing. I have a never-ending passion for public service and giving back to the community. I’ve volunteered with a great number of nonprofit organizations throughout my career. I earned my Master of Public Administration from Auburn University, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from North Carolina A&T State University.
What is the Tennessee Nonprofit Network? How did it get started?
Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a statewide association for nonprofits in the State of Tennessee. TNN started as an organization who provided grant expertise for nonprofits in West Tennessee, serving as a regional nonprofit association, and since, evolved from Momentum Nonprofit Partners to the now Tennessee Nonprofit Network. We are dedicated to supporting and strengthening the nonprofit sector across the state. At TNN, we provide resources, training, advocacy, and networking opportunities for nonprofits, aiming to enhance their effectiveness and impact.
What are the benefits of membership?
There are a great number of benefits that come with becoming a member of TNN. Some of these benefits include networking opportunities, training and professional development, advocacy and representation, access to resources, peer-to-peer support, information and updates on sector trends, and more. Also, membership to TNN will be free to all 501(c)3 organizations in Tennessee or organizations serving Tennessee residents for the first three (3) years. For more information on TNN’s member benefits and how your nonprofit can access them, please visit www.tnnonprofits.org and click on “Become a Member Organization” under the connect tab.
What do you think are the biggest issues nonprofits will face in the next few years?
Over the next few years, nonprofits will be faced with several issues – funding and financial sustainability, digital transformation, advocacy and policy changes, public trust and reputation, etc. – to name a few. However, while specific challenges can vary based on the nature and focus of individual nonprofits, it’s important to note that they can also be based on the mission, size, and geographic location of each nonprofit. Adapting to change, staying informed about sector trends, and fostering resilience are key strategies for nonprofits to navigate these changes.
What should nonprofits expect from the February 27 and 28 network training and day on the hill?
On Tuesday, February 27th, we will be hosting our Nonprofit Advocacy Summit. This event will take place at Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, TN. As you represent and advocate for your organization, TNN wants to ensure that you are empowered to do so. You’ll learn effective techniques to more your legislative agenda forward, hear from successful and seasoned government relations and nonprofit professionals, network with colleagues from across Tennessee’s nonprofit sector to make our collective voice stronger. Following our Advocacy Summit, TNN’s Nonprofit Day on the Hill is the day that you’ll put those best practices into action. This two-day legislative engagement event will empower nonprofit staff and board members to be confident advocates and carry out that confidence to meet with our elected officials and advocate for our sector and all the work that our organizations do. The overarching goal of our Day on the Hill is to advocate on issues that are important to nonprofit sector partners, but also to cultivate and strengthen your organization’s relationship with lawmakers and their staff. For more information on TNN’s Advocacy Summit and our Nonprofit Day on the Hill, please visit our website and click on the calendar tab. Here, you will find the schedule for both events, as well as location and hotel information if needed.
How do people get connected with you?
Currently, I am headquartered at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee but am a Tennessee Nonprofit Network employee. If you would like to schedule some time to meet to go over member benefits, any assistance in upcoming programs and/or information on how to help your organization, or how you can become a member with us, please contact me at [email protected] and we can schedule a time to chat over breakfast, coffee, lunch, or even zoom.
Anything else to add?
Every day, your organizations make a profound impact on the communities you serve. As you navigate these challenges and triumphs that come with your mission, I want to emphasize the importance of coming together and joining forces with a network that truly understands and supports your journey – Tennessee Nonprofit Network. You are not alone in your mission and TNN is a powerful ally with a coalition of organizations dedicated to amplifying the impact of nonprofits across the state. Take advantage of this – especially with free membership for the first three (3) years. There is strength in unity. Public policy and advocacy matter to truly impacting systems change. It is a nonprofit’s right to engage in nonpartisan policy work, and at TNN we believe it is your duty. Let’s make a difference together!
The 15th year of grantmaking at the Maddox Fund was an exercise in unlearning. Instead of reverting to traditional practices, we stretched ourselves to live more intentionally into our vision of a world in which people and planet flourish together in regenerative systems free from oppression and threat. Unlearning isn’t easy. Imagining a liberated world hidden behind a veil seems impossible, but with practice we have a chance to glimpse that longed-for future for which we strive.
The Maddox Fund submitted the following public comment to the Census Bureau.
The Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund’s mission is to better our community through partnerships that improve the lives of young people and protect the natural environment. Nashville is home to the largest concentration of Kurds outside of Kurdistan and Arabic is the third most spoken language in the state. As a funder of youth and education organizations in Middle Tennessee, we recognize the importance of adding a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category on the Census and federal paperwork.
The exclusion of MENA Americans from federal data has led to a statistical blindspot, leaving many without equitable access to the educational opportunities needed to thrive in the 21st century. We have heard from nonprofit partners that they are frustrated with having their Arabic and Kurdish students being identified as “white” in school data at the local, state, and national level. This causes harm which is best evidenced when we look at data from the American Community Survey that does disaggregate this data. There we can see that MENA students are twice as likely to not graduate high school and twice as likely to live below the poverty line.
The inclusion of MENA would help our nonprofit partners and local school districts understand and serve our communities. It would ensure that all students and families are receiving trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and linguistically competent services. We thank you for considering the addition of a MENA category when collecting federal data.
