Meeting the Moment

Despite challenges, our grantees showed leadership, resourcefulness, and tenacity. I was consistently struck by how our partners met the moment, staying devoted to their missions, adapting to new realities, and working together in support of individuals, families, and communities.

I noticed this spirit of resilience and showing up for one another—and of doing meaningful work together—when I traveled to Alaska in the fall. During the trip, we spent time with grantees across several of MACP’s programs: Companion Animals, Wildlife Rehabilitation, Native Arts & Cultures, and Teachers. The visit brought home the importance of place and context.

Alaska’s geography is vast, transportation is complex, and logistics become very real. Our visit happened to fall shortly after a typhoon hit the western coast of Alaska. We witnessed communities from the eastern part of the state arranging transportation, food, and housing support for their western neighbors – even though the only way to reach them was by plane. These communities’ support and care for one another was as creative as it was tireless.

For me, the chance to be in community with grantees like this sharpens our focus on the relationships that make this work possible. I’m grateful for the talented leadership and candor I experience in conversations with our partners. And I’m especially grateful to be welcomed into real conversations around what’s changing, what’s at risk, what’s possible, and what it takes to keep serving communities and make a difference when the ground won’t hold still.

Even as we focused on meeting the moment in 2025, we also stepped back to reflect on our shared impact over the past 10 years of MACP’s grantmaking. That balance—responding and reflecting—made 2025 an important year for MACP, as we assessed how change is shaping our work and its impact.

2025 called for compassion and resilience, and we saw it both across our organization and in the communities we serve. I saw how MACP staff showed up for our partners and for each other, just as our grantees showed up for the people and places they serve.

While uncertainty and change will continue, we remain grounded in our values, committed to learning, and in relationship with our grantee partners. Together, we are meeting urgent needs today while helping to build stronger communities for the future.

With gratitude,