25 Years of Schools Make Madison
Since 2001, Madison Public Schools Foundation has been connecting community to classrooms: helping neighbors give to their public schools, fund great teaching and speak up for every student. Each year builds on the generosity of the people who came before.
Moments along the way
A few highlights, not the whole history. Each month we’ll keep adding moments to this timeline throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
- 2001The Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools is launchedA group of visionary Madisonians officially incorporated the Foundation after years of dreaming about the idea.
- 2004The first “A Principal for a Day” eventToday this event is called A Principal Experience, and it brings dozens of community leaders into the classroom each year.
- 2006Adopt-a-School partnerships beginGroup Health Cooperative became our first Adopt-a-School partner.
- 2007Circle of Friends beginsThe celebratory luncheon grew to 750 guests a year during its time.
- 2007An endowment for every schoolThe Foundation became the first public education foundation in the country to establish an endowment fund for every school in the district.
- 2015Advocacy was added to the Foundation’s mission
- 2020Madison voters approved a historic $350 million referendum package for MMSDThe Vote Yes to Invest campaign was led by the Foundation’s newly formed 501(c)(4), Schools Make Madison Advocates Inc.
- 2020Teachers PETS pilotedAfter a successful pilot, the program became today’s Teacher Support Network, which has gone on to distribute $2 million in classroom supplies, equipment, winter gear and basic needs for students.
- 2024Strong Schools, Strong CommunityVoters approved $607 million across two referendums, including funding to renovate or replace 10 schools.
- 2026Twenty-five yearsPresident Melinda Heinritz retires, passing the baton to Mo Cheeks, the Foundation’s 5th president.
- The next 25 years start now.
Join our 250 for the 25th campaign and be one of the first 250 new donors to give $100 by the end of 2026.