The board of CUNA Mutual Group’s Foundation has voted to invest more than $4 million in non-profit organizations focused on economic security and education, the organization announced on Thursday, with more than $2.4 million going towards south Madison organizations.
Of the 28 organizations awarded funds at the latest board meeting, nine organizations are located on Madison’s south side. The Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM) and the Center for Black Excellence and Culture (The Center) will each receive $1 million, which are the largest single-year awards ever distributed by CUNA Mutual’s Foundation.
“We are very motivated by the investment made by the CUNA Mutual Foundation. Over the years there has been an under-investment in south Madison,” said ULGM President and CEO Dr. Ruben Anthony in a press release. “These donations show that south Madison is worthy of significant investments. It also proves CUNA Mutual’s support for the south Madison renaissance. This investment will lead to The Hub and other economic and cultural infrastructure. This will be a gift that keeps on giving for decades to come.”
“The south side of Madison is home to our city’s oldest Black neighborhoods and is rich in Black history, innovation and beauty. By investing in south Madison and its cultural legacy, CUNA Mutual’s Foundation is helping to preserve and strengthen our Black culture and sense of home in our city,” said Dr. Alex Gee, founder and CEO of The Center. “The Center will provide the foundation in south Madison and across the region for the Black community to connect, lead and thrive.”
This is the second time in 2021 CUNA Mutual Group’s Foundation has made major investments in south Madison. Earlier this year the organization’s Foundation approved more than $600,000 in funding for the YWCA and Centro Hispano/Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, bringing this year’s investment in south Madison to over $3 million.
“The CUNA Mutual Foundation puts equity into action. Not only are we inspired by the vision for ULGM’s The Black Business Hub (The Hub) and The Center, but we’re honored to stand alongside community organizations doing the same in very powerful ways,” said Alexzandra Shade, director of corporate social responsibility for CUNA Mutual, in a statement.
Organizations will receive funds before the end of the year. A full list of organizations awarded funding by CUNA Mutual’s Foundation can be found below.
Organizations Receiving Funding on South Side of Madison ($2,405,000)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County
Champions4Kids (First Tee)
Friends of UW Odyssey Project
Little Johns Restaurant
Omega School
Rape Crisis Center
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
Urban League of Greater Madison
Urban Triage
Education ($987,000)
CEOs of Tomorrow
Dear Diary
G-SAFE
Infamous Mothers
Job Foundation
Leader Valley Foundation
Lighthouse Christian School
MAYDM
Prairie View A&M
YMCA of Dane County
Economic Security ($675,021)
Cedar Valley Friends of the Family
Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation
East Madison Community Center
End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin
Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
Larabee Center
River Food Pantry
Starting Block Madison
Wise Women Gathering Place
