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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

The Megan Montgomery Foundation announced its first round of grants to be awarded during 2024 on Wednesday, Feb. 28. In total, nearly $27,500 was awarded to four separate institutions, including one out-of-state university.

The Megan Montgomery Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded the following grants for healthy relationship education programs that amounted to a total of $27,448:

• $10,500 to Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL
• $5,000 to HICA (Hispanic Interest Coalition) Birmingham, AL
• $10,000 to Queens University, Charlotte, N.C.
• $1,948 to Alabama State University in Montgomery as a second-year grant

MMF raises funds for the express purpose of distributing them to schools and nonprofits so that those organizations can provide healthy relationship education for their students. Recipients of these most recent grants were quick to respond with their appreciation and gratitude toward the proliferation of meaningful relationship education.

“We’re deeply grateful for the Megan Montgomery Foundation’s support (and) enabling HICA to continue empowering Latino and immigrant families in Alabama,” said Carlos Aleman, CEO of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. “This grant allows us to persist in educating Latino families about domestic violence prevention—working together to make a lasting impact on building healthier, safer communities.”

The grant toward Queens University will help create a student-led violence intervention program at the school. That program, as designed, will be mentored by the school’s title IX/IPV office and will educate students about recognizing, addressing and preventing interpersonal violence.

“We are honored to receive this generous grant in honor of Megan’s memory,” said Kathryn Smith, director of Title IX and Equity Services and Student Life at Queens University. “At Queens, we are committed to fostering a safe space for all, free from violence.”

Other programs and educational plans seeking to accomplish similar increases in awareness are slated for the Marion Military Institute, and also intend to further the safety and domestic stability of its students.

“The Marion Military Institute is proud to have been selected as a grant recipient by the Megan Montgomery Foundation, receiving a generous award of $10,500,” said Ret. Col. David J.

Mollahan, president of the Marion Military Institute. “At MMI, we stress the importance of the attribute of respect, as it is an essential element of effective leadership. This grant is a testament to both organizations’ shared commitment to this ideal, which is also an essential element in combating domestic violence—achieved through education, training and the promotion of healthy relationships.”

At Alabama State University in Montgomery, the ongoing grant funding has directly led to the development of the Healthy Lifestyle Support Group and a social media messaging campaign that are now both active and reaching students.

“This grant provides valuable prevention education to young people who are plagued with sexual domestic dating and stalking violence issues,” said Cheryl Lang, Violence Against Wo(men) program director at the Alabama State University. “Students are speaking up and out against unhealthy relationship practices and bolding denouncing the same, while identifying characteristics of healthy relationships.”

The Megan Montgomery Foundation is a 501c(3) grantmaking nonprofit that was founded by Megan’s mother, sister and stepfather following her murder on Dec. 1. 2019 by her estranged husband. Her family is now devoted to dedicating their lives and full attention toward Megan’s mission and calling of “warning others of the red flags of a potentially abusive partner,” which she began pursuing prior to her death.

The Foundation now regularly awards grants to nonprofits and colleges with a focus to stop relationship violence before it has a chance to begin. It does so by empowering young people with information and skills they need to recognize the unhealthy behaviors and warning indicators all while learning how to hold their peers accountable before violence occurs.

Those seeking more information regarding the Megan Montgomery Foundation and their mission, are encouraged to visit the foundation’s website at Megansfoundation.org.