MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP has presented $10,000 in 2024 Community Impact Grants to five organizations that provide educational and health services to residents of Madison County.

A Community Impact Grant offers project-based support to nonprofit groups and other eligible organizations that work within the City of Madison. The mini-grant cycle aims to empower local initiatives that contribute to the betterment of the community, MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said.

“We are excited to support organizations making a positive impact within the City of Madison through our Community Impact Grant Cycle,” Thornton said. “These grants provide financial assistance to local groups working towards making Madison a great place to live, work and play.”

These groups received a grant:

* Huntsville Hospital Foundation – Madison Hospital — Awarded $2,500 in funding for more than 90 fidget blankets for Alzheimer’s patients at Madison Hospital as part of their Forget-Me-Not program for individuals living with the disease. A fidget blanket, also called sensory blankets or activity blankets, serve as a therapeutic tool to provide sensory stimulation and promote relaxation.

These blankets are constructed with various textures, colors and interactive components that provide tactile and visual stimulation. The blanket’s gadgets can be zippers or buttons. (livingyourseniorlife.com)

* Madison City Schools — Awarded $2,000 to provide continued funding for the Paws for a Purpose program with funding for an additional service animal. Paws for a Purpose is a project by Madison City Schools to enable all MCS schools to host a facility dog to support students. Currently, facility dog Barney serves at Madison Elementary School, and Daryl is supporting students and teachers at Midtown Elementary School.

* Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation – Madison Public Library — Received $1,750 to support a sensory story time for all types of listeners and learners that allows the children to engage all their senses. Children explore by sight, sound, touch and smell. This kind of play encourages parental interaction, which can naturally encourage the children with cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and creative skills.

* Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy — Granted $1,750 to expand arts education in Madison City Schools. Fantasy Playhouse has visited Madison campuses to share the benefits of an introduction to dramatic arts. Summer camps with Fantasy Playhouse in Madison culminate with a full production of a play or other stage show.

* Madison City Community Orchestra — Received $2,000 to support their free community concert series in Madison. MCCO presents a diverse range of productions that are free. The programs include light, upbeat fare in summer to theme concerts for a specific composer or season, along with more formal concerts of classical music from the great masters.

For more information, call 256-384-4358, email info@mvpmadison.org or visit mvpmadison.org.