A day after its Giving Tuesday debut — timed poignantly with her mother Martha’s birthday — Ashley McBryde’s newly announced Light On Fund is already drawing widespread attention. The GRAMMY, CMA and ACM award-winning singer-songwriter introduced the charitable initiative as an extension of the themes behind her song ‘Light On In The Kitchen,' which honours the compassion and quiet strength of her mother and aunts.
The Light On Fund will focus on a rotating slate of causes that have shaped McBryde’s life, beginning in 2026 with quarterly spotlights. Planned areas of support include mental health advocacy for veterans, rehabilitation resources for creatives, assistance for children in the foster care system, and efforts to expand ASL interpretation at live music events.
McBryde says the idea stems from the belief that leaving a light on for someone is an act of love — a message she hopes the fund carries forward for those in need of care, safety and acknowledgment. The initiative was inspired in part by a recent act of generosity from McBryde’s mother, who auctioned off one of Ashley’s childhood dresses to benefit foster care programs in Arkansas; McBryde is personally matching the amount raised as the fund’s first contribution.
Fans can support the effort by purchasing an official Light On Fund hat, with all proceeds going directly to the cause. The fund is managed through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
