our Values

INSPIRE BOLD GOALS. THINK BIG.

We challenge the boundaries of “what’s possible.” We are a catalyst for transformative change that eliminates the root cause barriers to wellbeing.

BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR RESULTS.

We achieve measurable impact by targeting resources where the need is greatest. Our work is fueled by data, which informs decisions, measures progress, and illuminates the needs of the community.

BUILD CAPACITY.

We equip changemakers with the tools they need to create lasting change. We listen and act with community, empowering the voices of those with lived experience.

Champion COLLABORATORS.

We cultivate a network of partners who advance equity by learning together, aligning resources and integrating actions to improve the wellbeing of children and families.

our Impact

strong families

Live Local Development Fund launched

(revolving loan fund to support housing) with initial Foundation investment helping to mobilize $5+M

166+

new childcare slots

added in 2023 through new and expanding centers

100% unanimous city approval

on vision for new neighborhood that provides full continuum of housing, bringing together people at all ages and stages of life

kindergarten readiness

10%

Gain

in developmental readiness for school among children in Pyramid Model early education classes

800+

children received developmental screening to gauge milestones and identify opportunities for early intervention

77%

of benchmark of quality measures in place

across all Pyramid Model classrooms (up from 65% in 2022)

school success

100%

of regional school districts invested

in comprehensive systems of student support through the Wisconsin Mental Health Framework

thriving communities

60+ active partners

engaged in the Every Child Thrives collaborative network

48%

of Foundation grant dollars were targeted

in 2023 to support populations not currently thriving

$36 million in external dollars

(from local, state and national partners) co-invested in Every Child Thrives initiatives in 2022 and 2023

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A Bold Investment in Community

Our biggest and boldest investment yet, the Collective campus furthers our mission and addresses key community needs including childcare and housing.

Model Pre-K Classrooms

Our Pyramid Model investment helps pre-K children develop the social-emotional skills (like communication and problem solving) essential for success in school.

Live Local Housing Fund

We are the $2M lead anchor investor for Thrive Economic Development’s fund to promote housing development in Jefferson County.

Partnership with Madison College

Madison College offers free early childhood classes–and a scholarship pathway to an associates or bachelor’s degree–at their Watertown campus.

New Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility

Our partnership with Jefferson County Human Services will add a much-needed youth crisis stabilization facility. With fewer than 30 such spots available in the entire state of Wisconsin, this facility fills a critical gap in mental health care for area youth.

Building Strong Families and Thriving Communities

The Foundation equips community change leaders with the tools they need to build strong families and thriving communities. We foster transformative change by supporting local organizations in learning, growing, collaborating and moving their missions further.