Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) Named 2026 Recipient of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Award
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Salvation Army has named Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) as the 2026 recipient of the Evangeline Booth Award, recognizing the organization’s extraordinary partnership, long-term commitment, and transformational impact on communities across the United States.
The Evangeline Booth Award is The Salvation Army’s highest national honor, named for the visionary leader who expanded the organization’s ministry across the country with courage, compassion, and a relentless focus on meeting human needs. The award is presented to partners whose work reflects that same spirit of service and enduring dedication to improving lives.
MACP received the award during The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board meeting in April 2026, where national leaders honored the organization’s significant contributions to strengthening emergency response, supporting vulnerable families, and expanding long-term community impact.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values and Long-Term Commitment
For more than a decade, MACP has partnered with The Salvation Army to strengthen programs that serve individuals and families facing crisis. Their support reflects a shared belief in addressing root causes, investing in long-term solutions, and ensuring that communities have the resources they need to thrive.
“Margaret Cargill believed in meeting real human needs with compassion, innovation, and a long-term view, and those values continue to guide our work today. The work of The Salvation Army reflects her commitment to making a lasting and transformational difference in communities across the country. Their ability to respond quickly, serve with dignity, and remain present for the long haul truly aligns with Margaret’s vision of helping others. We are deeply honored to receive this award, and we are grateful to support work that makes such a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Heather Kukla, President, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.
“MACP’s partnership embodies the very qualities that defined Evangeline Booth’s leadership - vision, determination, and a deep compassion for people in need,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “Their long-term investment has strengthened our ability to respond in every corner of the country, helping us meet human needs with innovation, care, and the love of Christ. We are profoundly grateful for their trust and their commitment to helping us serve families and communities with dignity.”
MACP’s partnership supports national initiatives, volunteer engagement, and operational capacity, enabling The Salvation Army to scale services, improve readiness, and reach more people in need across the country.
Strengthening Emergency Disaster Services Nationwide
MACP’s investment has significantly enhanced The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) program, improving readiness, response, and long-term recovery efforts. Their support has expanded national capacity, strengthened rapid‑response capabilities, improved training and learning systems, and increased personnel and fleet resources. This partnership ensures The Salvation Army can respond quickly and compassionately when disaster strikes, and remain present long after the headlines fade.
Advancing Transformational Change Through Pathway of Hope
MACP has also played a pivotal role in strengthening Pathway of Hope, The Salvation Army’s long-term case management approach that helps families break cycles of poverty and build lasting stability.
“MACP’s support has allowed us to deepen our work with families, especially those in communities that have historically faced barriers to services,” said Lt. Colonel Jan Harwell, National Social Services & Public Policy Secretary. “Their investment has strengthened our ability to provide intensive case management, wraparound services, and the resources families need to achieve long-term success.”
MACP’s investment has expanded access for BIPOC families, strengthened case management services, and supported measurable progress in housing stability and income growth. Their continued partnership will allow The Salvation Army to bring hope to more families nationwide.
Impact in Local Communities: The Example of San Diego
In San Diego County, MACP funding has strengthened volunteer engagement, expanded local programs, and supported critical staff positions that enhance service delivery.
“Their investment has helped us build stronger teams, support more families, and respond more effectively to community needs,” said Majors Rob and Amy Reardon, Divisional Secretaries for San Diego County. “From volunteer engagement to youth outreach to major capital improvements, MACP’s support is helping us expand our impact for decades to come.”
MACP’s support has enabled increased staff and volunteer capacity, expanded programs, and deeper service to vulnerable and underserved populations.
A Legacy That Reflects the Spirit of Evangeline Booth
Margaret A. Cargill’s philanthropic legacy is defined by humility, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful, lasting impact, which are qualities that closely mirror Evangeline Booth’s own leadership. Both women shared a forward-looking vision for strengthening communities, a determination to meet human needs with dignity, and a belief in sustainable, transformational change. Their shared commitment to serving people who are often overlooked or underserved makes MACP a deeply fitting recipient of the Evangeline Booth Award.
About Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies works to provide meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, the environment, and disaster relief. Guided by Margaret Cargill’s values, MACP partners with organizations to improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and create lasting, positive change. The organization emphasizes humility, respect, and long-term commitment in all its philanthropic efforts.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 29 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination. With nearly 7,400 centers of operation nationwide, The Salvation Army provides food, shelter, disaster relief, rehabilitation, youth programs, and spiritual enrichment. Learn more at SalvationArmyUSA.org.