Madison Community Foundation Names Jonathan Lever CEO
Jonathan Lever succeeds Bob Sorge as president and CEO of the Madison Community Foundation.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
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The Madison Community Foundation has named Jonathan Lever as its next president and CEO following a national search. Lever is set to take over the role from retiring leader Bob Sorge in February 2027.
Why it matters
This transition marks a leadership change for a major local entity that manages roughly half a billion dollars in assets and oversees substantial charitable grant distributions. The foundation plays a critical role in supporting Madison infrastructure and community initiatives.
The foundation distributed $22 million in charitable grants during 2024. Incoming CEO Jonathan Lever will oversee approximately half a billion dollars in total assets.
The players
Jonathan Lever
He is the incoming president and CEO of the Madison Community Foundation with over 25 years of nonprofit experience.
Bob Sorge
He is the retiring president and CEO of the Madison Community Foundation who led the organization for 14 years.
The details
Jonathan Lever brings over 25 years of experience in philanthropy to the foundation, including past roles with the Fetzer Institute and YMCA of the USA. The organization continues to fund city projects, such as the police body-worn camera program funded in September 2026.
Timeline
2024: The foundation distributed $22 million in charitable grants.
September 2026: The foundation provided funding for city police body-worn cameras.
October 15, 2026: The foundation announced the appointment of Jonathan Lever.
February 2027: Jonathan Lever will officially begin his role as president and CEO.
Market Landscape
The foundation's support for the city's police body-worn camera program reflects its ongoing commitment to municipal public safety infrastructure. This leadership transition ensures continuity for the organization as it manages significant local assets in a competitive philanthropic sector.
The transition will influence how the foundation distributes funds for local initiatives and charitable projects. Residents and organizations reliant on foundation grants should anticipate continued support for key civic infrastructure programs.
The takeaway
Effective nonprofit leadership ensures that significant community assets remain directed toward impactful local initiatives. Organizations often conduct national searches to identify leaders capable of managing large-scale financial portfolios and complex stakeholder relations.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cap Times.
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