In the world of business, there’s a logical connection between budgets and results.
In the world of philanthropy, too, the link between money and measurable outcomes is increasingly strong. To a greater extent than ever before, nonprofit foundations want to ensure their gifts and grants are used to the best advantage and they expect a full accounting from the organizations that receive their support.
How is it possible, then, for a profit-driven business or results-oriented foundation to justify contributing to an unproven cause with lofty goals but no track record of success? By all accounts, it takes a leap of faith.
In a few notable instances, however, such blind idealism on the part of courageous area companies and corporate foundations is producing the kind of results any capitalist would love.
The willingness of half a dozen local businesses and foundations to back organizers of the LVM Dreams Big project is just one example. Earlier this year, Kelli Betsinger, Darcy Burke, Shelly Trowbridge and Becky Soderholm launched fundraising efforts to create the state’s first Boundless Playground at Elvehjem (pronounced LVM) Elementary School in Madison.
The need for these carefully designed playgrounds may not be obvious until you consider the challenges facing children — and parents – who rely on wheelchairs or walking aids that limit their mobility on playgrounds covered by bark chips or pea gravel. The Boundless Playground designs call for springy yet smooth rolling surfaces as well as play structures with ramps and specially designed swings that help children of all abilities access the joys of childhood.
When the women first realized this vision would cost in excess of $200,000 to build and maintain, the playground seemed all but impossible. Enter Dan Bertler of Supreme Structures and Chris Homburg of Homburg Construction, whose early support and construction commitment provided the boost the women needed to approach other local companies.
In recent weeks, thanks to significant gifts from the Madison Community Foundation, Sara Lee Foundation, Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co. and Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the organizers have been able to commit to an August 8 groundbreaking. An additional grant from the Madison Community Foundation means the organizers will be able to establish a seed fund so that other playground efforts can take root in Wisconsin.
Although the early fundraising effort produced just $7,500, the positive momentum of the LVM Dreams Big project exemplifies the extent to which hard work and personal commitment can lead to success in any endeavor. Yet ultimately, when the results are tallied, it will be the children of the community who are the biggest beneficiaries.
Children in South Central Wisconsin also are benefiting from the efforts of another corporate foundation willing to look beyond traditional philanthropic activities and take risks with an unprecedented initiative involving early childhood education.
Alarmed by statistics showing a decline in kindergarten readiness among Dane County preschool age children, leaders of CUNA Mutual Group worked in partnership with Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin to design a program called KinderReady. Based on the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Early Learning Standards, the KinderReady program features in-home visits to families of young children and instruction in language development, early literacy and parenting skills.
Originally, KinderReady was planned for two specific areas of Madison. During the first months, however, children from across Dane County were referred to the program and the KinderReady partners recognized the need to expand.
Steve Goldberg, executive director of CUNA Mutual Foundation, said the program was able to provide service to 320 children from disadvantaged backgrounds during its first year, prompting his organization to continue funding the initiative with a second commitment of $218,000.
“Our employee philanthropy team spent months researching the best ways to help disadvantaged youth achieve greater academic success, and it was clear that something new and different was needed,’’ Goldberg said. “Sometimes, when no tried and true solution exists, the best results come from trusting in leadership and innovation. Our investment in the KinderReady program has certainly yielded benefits for many children and families in our community.’’
Sereno, former business editor of the Wisconsin State Journal, is a senior manager at Wood Communications Group in Madison. E-mail jenny.sereno@wcgpr.com or call (608) 770-8084.
