The Funders Network is committed to sharing the stories and strategies of our members, partners and others in the philanthropic sector working to create more sustainable, prosperous and equitable communities.
Today, we’re sharing a recent blog post by Madison Community Foundation’s Angela Davis, Director of Grantmaking. Angela was a member of TFN’s 2024 PLACES Cohort.
BY Angela Davis, Madison Community Foundation
On September 17, 2025, MCF launched the long-awaited Goodman Nonprofit Fellowship Program. The inaugural cohort of executive directors, representing large, small and grassroot nonprofit organizations in our community, went through a competitive application process. The energy and excitement that day were palpable.
As I observed the synergy in the room, it made me reflect on the year-long followship I completed last year with The Funders Network (TFN). TFN’s mission is to leverage philanthropy’s unique potential to help create communities and regions that are sustainable, prosperous, healthy and just for all people. TFN is committed to helping funders understand and address racism, economic inequality and the imbalance of power, while also engendering community-driven solutions and amplifying the expertise and experiences of those communities who are least heard.
The Application Process
Since becoming Director of Grantmaking, I’ve wanted to connect with other funders and really understand the challenges and opportunities they face in their communities. I’d always heard great things about TFN and even had a former colleague who went through the program. I was a little nervous about applying for the TFN PLACES (Professionals Learning About Community, Equity and Sustainability) Fellowship.
Applicants need their organization to commit to budgeting the cost and time allowing them to go on four site visits during the year-long fellowship. The application process includes making a video explaining how and why the applicant will benefit from being a part of the fellowship. It is a competitive and time-consuming program and I know how fortunate I was to receive the support of MCF to apply.
I was one of 15 funders chosen across North America. I was in total shock and very humbled. My cohort included fellow funders from private, family, healthcare and community foundations from Vancouver to St. Louis, California to New Orleans to here in the Midwest.
First Stop: Cleveland
Our first in-person gathering was in Cleveland, OH. I had no idea Cleveland had so much to offer. We learned about the history of the city. Specifically, the Forgotten Triangle and the Kinsman neighborhood in the southeastern part of Cleveland. A once booming industrial and commercial hub that faced decades of disinvestment, the site of illegal dumping and neglect. It was inspiring to hear how the neighborhood stepped up and banded together when people realized no one was coming to save them − they had to save their own communities.