ACT Uganda Donor Spotlight: Melanie Nelson – A Passion for Education & Empowerment
Donor Spotlight: Melanie Nelson – A Passion for Education & Empowerment
Meet Melanie Nelson, one of ACT Uganda’s most dedicated donors! With a background in Family and Consumer Sciences education, Melanie has spent her career impacting hundreds of thousands of students across the U.S. through healthy school food initiatives. Now, she extends her generosity globally—supporting ACT Uganda and other nonprofits focused on education, empowerment, and sustainability.
Why do you support ACT Uganda?
MN: I was so impressed when I first heard about ACT Uganda—it’s about partnerships between people on the ground in both countries. When I heard what you're accomplishing, it’s really incredible. You’re reaching thousands of people and truly changing lives!
As a retired educator, I believe strongly in the value of education—with education, you can improve your community, and your next generation then has more opportunities and hope. I currently also support ACT’s other programs, including the MAVERICK scholarship, which helps young people attend higher education.
I also find the HEAL program incredibly important—helping ensure young girls stay in school during their menstrual cycle by educating them on menstrual hygiene and educating expectant mothers about healthy choices in their pregnancies. The ACT Hardware store is also a great concept—the vision that ACT has with social entrepreneurship is very impressive. It is already turning a profit, which will then further benefit these amazing programs.
Have you seen or heard any stories about how your donation has helped the community?
MN: My husband started Chess for Success (https://chessforsuccess.org/), a nonprofit that teaches kids chess to provide community, confidence, and connection. The organization recently donated chessboards and a detailed curriculum to be brought over to Uganda. It really excited me to see students playing chess and their enthusiasm for the game.
I also sponsored Generous and other women from Muko to attend training in Santiago, Chile, where they learned from a successful nonprofit (https://epes.cl/) how to connect with community members to spread basic health information and encourage women’s empowerment.
I love seeing photos and videos of community development, including ACT’s handcraft program and agriculture program.
What does "giving back" mean to you?
MN: It’s amazing to me—I get emotional. You think of how much we have, and the small amount we give back makes a big impact. Most people in Uganda live on less than $2 per day. It makes you feel like you’re really making a meaningful difference in the world.
When you help a child or someone in need with education, that gives back for the rest of their life.
If you had to describe ACT Uganda in three words, what would they be?
MN: Empowerment, leadership, transformation.
By transformation, I mean ACT is always evolving—and that’s what has to happen. You have to really listen to the community members to understand what they need and how best to support them.
Can you share a favorite quote or life lesson that inspires your generosity?
MN: "No one has ever become poor from giving." – Anne Frank
Join Melanie in making a difference! Donate now to support education, empowerment, and transformation in Uganda.
