MADISON EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC

What MADISON EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC does

Madison Education Foundation Inc (MEF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization founded in 2003 in Madison, New Jersey, operating exclusively as a community grant-making vehicle for Madison Public Schools. Originally chartered as the Madison High School Educational Foundation to fund enrichment at the high school, the organization expanded its mission on July 1, 2010 to serve all five schools in the district (KRS, TJS, MJS, CAS, MHS) and rebranded as Madison Education Foundation. MEF awards teacher-initiated grants through two annual cycles (Fall and Spring), funding educational enrichment — including STEM kits, robotics equipment, author visits, field trips, sensory tools, and arts programs — that exceeds the school district's operating budget. Since 2003, MEF has awarded more than 700 grants totaling over $2.2 million across all grade levels and curriculum areas.

The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers under a Board of Trustees (led by President Marlena Fass, Treasurer Susan Han, and Secretary Beryl Lin), with a Grant Committee chaired by Katie Soeder and supported by named Grant Team Leaders. MEF generates funds through four streams: individual tax-deductible donations (processed via the Network for Good platform), corporate sponsorships across six published tiers (Platinum $7,500 down to Friend $250), signature fundraising events (MEF Madison 5K Run/Walk, Pickleball Tournament, Fall Gala, Meffie Awards, Mahjong Night), and in-kind donations. The Fall 2025 campaign alone raised more than $56,000 to fund 21 teacher-initiated grants across the five schools, with 17 additional grants awarded for Spring 2026.

MEF has no proprietary technology platform; its operational infrastructure consists of a Squarespace-hosted website (mefnj.org), the Network for Good donation portal, and RunSignUp for race registration. Marketing and community engagement are conducted through Facebook, Instagram, email, press releases, and direct event participation. The organization has a strategic partnership with the Rotary Club of Madison to co-sponsor the Meffie Awards, and an extensive local corporate sponsorship base led by its 2026 Platinum Sponsor, Butter & Jam Cafe.

Name

MADISON EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC

Legal name

Madison Education Foundation Inc

Website

https://mefnj.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Madison Education Foundation Inc is a 100% volunteer-staffed 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards teacher-initiated educational enrichment grants to Madison Public Schools in New Jersey, funded via individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Grant-Making Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Grantmaking Agencies & Education Program Grants Administration (EDADAHAD)

Keywords

• Educational grant funding
• Teacher enrichment grants
• Nonprofit philanthropy
• Community fundraising events
• Corporate sponsorship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, community members, families of students, and alumni. Accepts one-time and recurring donations through Network for Good platform.
2. Fundraising Events: Revenue generated from signature events including MEF Madison 5K Run/Walk, Pickleball Tournament, Fall Gala, Meffie Awards, and Mahjong Night. Events include ticket sales, silent auctions, wine pulls, and sponsorships.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Annual corporate sponsorships at multiple tiers (Platinum $7,500, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000, Partner $500, Friend $250). Sponsors receive brand recognition at events, on website, and in marketing materials throughout the year.
4. In-Kind Donations: Gifts in kind that help keep expenses down and support events and operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Madison Education Foundation operates a teacher-initiated grant program that awards educational enrichment funding to teachers and staff in all five Madison Public Schools. Grants fund innovative teaching ideas, specialized equipment, field trips, guest speakers, and creative programs that fall outside the standard school district budget. The foundation runs two annual grant cycles (Fall and Spring) and supports its grant-making through signature fundraising events, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. Since 2003, MEF has awarded more than 700 grants totaling more than $2.2 million.

Product overview

Madison Education Foundation (MEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates as a single unified grant-making program rather than a platform-with-modules architecture. The core offering is a teacher-initiated grant program that awards educational enrichment funding to Madison Public Schools faculty and staff. Supporting programs include annual fundraising events (MEF Madison 5K Run/Walk, MEF Fall Gala, MEF Pickleball Tournament, Mahjong Night), the Meffie Awards for teaching innovation, and a Corporate Sponsorship program. Donations are processed through an online donation platform via Network for Good. Since 2003, MEF has awarded over 700 grants totaling more than $2.2 million across all five Madison Public Schools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Teacher-Initiated Grant Program Educational enrichment grant program awarding funding to teachers and staff of Madison Public Schools. Grants fund innovative teaching ideas, specialized equipment, field trips, guest speakers, and creative programs beyond the school district budget. Applications are reviewed during two annual grant cycles (Fall and Spring).
• MEF Madison 5K Run/Walk Annual 5K running event serving as MEF's primary fundraising event, now in its 23rd year. Features a new course through the Madison Recreation Complex and Community Garden at Madison High School.
• MEF Fall Gala Annual adult social/fundraising event featuring themed entertainment, silent auction, wine pull, and specialty cocktails. The 2025 'Night of Illusion' gala was held October 18, 2025.
• MEF Pickleball Tournament Annual pickleball tournament event combining adult and youth participation, now in its 5th year. Scheduled for June 6, 2026.
• Meffie Awards Award program co-sponsored with the Rotary Club of Madison celebrating innovation in teaching in Madison Public Schools. Winners are announced at the annual Teacher Convocation based on criteria including creativity, collaboration, and reach.
• Mahjong Night Community fundraising event featuring mahjong gameplay. Scheduled for April 9th annually.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Annual corporate sponsorship program with tiered levels (Platinum $7,500, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000, Partner $500, Friend $250) providing brand recognition at MEF events and year-round marketing exposure.
• Online Donation Platform Donation processing through the Network for Good platform enabling one-time and recurring tax-deductible donations to support teacher grants.

Quantifiable outcome

• 700+ grants awarded totaling over $2.2 million since 2003
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• New Smile OrthodonticsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 20252025 Fall Gala sponsor supporting the 'Night of Illusion' fundraising event.
• The Spelker Real Estate TeamminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 20252025 Fall Gala sponsor supporting the 'Night of Illusion' fundraising event.
• Kate Hamilton HomesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 20252025 Fall Gala sponsor supporting the 'Night of Illusion' fundraising event.
• Double Tap BrewingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 20252025 Fall Gala sponsor supporting the 'Night of Illusion' fundraising event.
• Madison Area YMCAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 20252025 Fall Gala sponsor supporting the 'Night of Illusion' fundraising event.
• Carey Rodin GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 20252025 Fall Gala sponsor supporting the 'Night of Illusion' fundraising event.
• Sellwood Studio of Performing ArtsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 20252025 Fall Gala sponsor supporting the 'Night of Illusion' fundraising event.
• Rotary Club of MadisoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsor of the Meffie Awards, an annual recognition celebrating innovation in teaching in Madison Public Schools. The partnership combines MEF's grant-making capabilities with Rotary Club's community leadership to recognize outstanding educators.
• Butter & Jam CafeflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Sponsor for 2026, featured as the Platinum sponsor of the MEF Madison 5K Run/Walk and throughout the sponsorship year. Recognized as the premier sponsor at all MEF events.
• Better With Physical TherapyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading warmups for the 2026 MEF 5K Race as a sponsor contribution.
• Morris Elite Soccer ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading warmups for the 2026 Kids Fun Run as a sponsor contribution.
• Pack Ship N MoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring Ice Cream for the Kids Fun Run at the 2026 MEF 5K event.
• Alfred's Sports ShopminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocation for race packet pickup for the MEF Madison 5K Run/Walk at 32 Main Street in Madison.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/mefnj
• Instagraminstagram.com/mefmadisonnj
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/madison-education-foundation-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MADISON EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC