Community Giving

Interest in conservation and green jobs is on the rise, but too few young people feel prepared to pursue careers in this growing field. The Foundation for Dane County Parks is working to change that by expanding opportunities for teens and young adults to build skills, earn certifications, and gain hands-on experience that can lead to future careers in natural resource management and skilled trades.

With support from Ascendium, the foundation is launching a new Conservation Career Pathways Program. By serving more than 500 young people through 2027, the program will not only cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards but also advance economic mobility by preparing learners from all backgrounds for success in the green jobs sector.

Nonprofits play a critical role in supporting learners and communities, yet in Wisconsin — one of only three states without a statewide nonprofit association — leaders often lack access to professional development and shared resources. The Madison Community Foundation is addressing this gap by building long-term support for the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Nonprofit Center, a new hub for training, collaboration, and leadership development.

With support from Ascendium, the foundation is establishing an endowment to ensure the center’s sustainability for years to come. Through its yearlong fellowship program and curated resources, the center equips nonprofit leaders with the tools to strengthen their organizations, improve services, and expand opportunities for learners and families across the greater Madison, Wisconsin, area.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County works together with local businesses, foundations, and community programs to produce positive outcomes for thousands of young people and their families. Their mission is to inspire and empower all young people to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults.

A $2 million gift from Ascendium will support their AVID/TOPS (Advancement Via Individual Determination/Teens of Promise) endowment, ensuring long-term sustainability for one of the community’s most impactful college and career readiness programs. Since 2008, AVID/TOPS has served more than 3,200 youth and serves more than 1,400 students annually in postsecondary programs.

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture is a visionary community-led project designed to uplift Black voices and experiences through arts, culture, leadership development, and wellness. With support from over 1,200 donors — including more than 300 Black community members who helped launch the campaign — The Center has reached its $31 million capital campaign goal, ensuring a fully funded, debt-free construction.

Ascendium was honored to be one of The Center’s early lead donors with a $2.5 million gift in 2022, followed by a second contribution during the campaign’s final stretch to help complete the capital raise. Together, these investments support The Center’s opening and future programming focused on empowering Black communities in Madison, Wisconsin, and beyond.

Fair Opportunity Project (Fair Opp) aims to ensure that learners from low-income and first-generation backgrounds have the tools to succeed in postsecondary education and workforce training. Through its School Boost program, Fair Opp offers personalized essay reviews, on-demand mentoring, and one-on-one FAFSA assistance to help students navigate complex application processes and secure financial aid.

With Ascendium’s support, Fair Opp is expanding its reach, providing more students with the guidance and resources they need to achieve their education and career goals and removing economic barriers that could hinder their success.

Many in our community, especially those who are unemployed, underemployed, or formerly incarcerated, face obstacles to improving their skills and finding stable, well-paying jobs. The Black Men Coalition of Dane County (BMC) is addressing this by collaborating with eCornell, the online learning platform of Cornell University. Through this collaboration, BMC provides free online professional certificate programs to hundreds of learners of low-income backgrounds each year, paving the way for a brighter future.

Support from Ascendium and co-funder Diane Endres Ballweg empowers BMC to expand its impact through education and skill development. Leveraging eCornell’s expertise, BMC helps participants gain valuable credentials, enhancing their employability and fostering community growth and resilience.