The 2024 Youth Philanthropist of the Year is Madison Mohn. This honor is a testament to Madison’s relentless dedication to improving youth mental health in the Yampa Valley, a cause driven by both personal experience and profound empathy.
Growing up in Steamboat, Madison experienced first-hand that, despite the idyllic setting, many youth in the area struggle to get access to mental health resources they desperately need. She shares that, “I recognize the need within our community for accessible resources and open mental health discussion, driving me to make a difference and support these efforts in any way that I can.”
From a young age, Madison was taught the importance of giving back. Her parents were deeply involved with Child Rescue Coalition, working tirelessly to combat youth sexual abuse globally. Witnessing her parents’ giving instilled in Madison a desire to make a difference in her own community. “I grew up surrounded by philanthropy,” Madison says. “My parents showed me how powerful giving back can be.”
Madison’s support extends across a range of initiatives and organizations, including Brighter World Child Advocacy Center, Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide (REPS), Partners for Youth, Queer Futures, BookTrails, Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA, LiftUp, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, and Routt County Humane Society. Each of these organizations plays a role in addressing different facets of youth mental health and well-being. Yet, it is her work with the Steamboat Springs School District that she is most proud of.
Through her foundation, Madison funded a private therapist to provide family therapy in the school setting, breaking down barriers to access; a universal Preventative Social & Emotional Screening tool for all middle and high school students in the District; and the creation of the Hope Squad, an initiative aimed at involving students in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. “The most rewarding aspect of my philanthropy has been bringing mental health to the forefront in our schools,” she shares. “I am most proud of funding a therapist in the public high school for two years to provide students and their families with free, trained therapists.”
Her early involvement with Brighter World Child Advocacy Center marked a pivotal moment in her philanthropic journey. At just fourteen, Madison helped design and fund the center’s sensory room, a space dedicated to helping children calm their minds. The meeting with Brighter World’s board was an eye-opener, revealing the extent of youth violence and abuse in our community. “I was shocked by the severity of the issues,” she recalls. “It drove me to become even more involved, and I’m proud to have been able to recently match donations for their annual garden party fundraiser.”
When asked about the essence of philanthropy, Madison’s definition was clear. She says “Philanthropy is about caring for others and empathizing with their needs. It’s not just about donating money; it’s about having the determination to make a difference. Even small acts of service can create significant positive change.” She cites an example of how planting a single tree for Yampa Valley Sustainability Council can positively impact river ecosystems for years to come. She encourages everyone to look for small moments in their daily lives to give back.
As she continues her journey, Madison’s focus is on expanding the Madison Foundation Fund to have even greater impact. “My goal is to grow The Madison Foundation and enhance our support for mental health in the Yampa Valley,” she explains. “The work we’ve done so far is just the beginning. I’m committed to continuing this journey and finding new ways to support our community.”