Creating equity. Building opportunity. For all Madison public school students.
Our Belief
All students deserve an equal chance to thrive.
High-quality public education should open up possibilities to all students. That’s why we work on behalf of the Madison Metropolitan School District and its teachers. We’re here to ensure our schools continue to progress through new programs and experiences that create an equitable, promising future for our students and the community.
We take our role of financial stewardship seriously. We approach our decision-making with the utmost responsibility and respect for the generosity of community gifts and partnerships.
Our Mission
The Foundation raises private funds, develops community partnerships and advocates for Madison’s public schools, students and teachers.
Our Vision
In part, through our mission and commitment, Madison will have excellent, well-funded public schools in which learning is celebrated and all students graduate ready for college, career and community involvement.
Meet Our Staff
A team dedicated to delivering on our promise.
With a depth and breadth of experience, coupled with a deep passion for the power of public education, our staff works tirelessly to ensure any gift you make has a direct impact on students’ lives.
Careers
Create a career with local impact.
Looking to drive progress right here, in Madison? That’s what we do. Join our team and become part of something selfless: Creating amazing opportunities for students throughout Madison that they’ll carry into their future.
“At 6AM Marketing, we want to help change the world for students right here in Madison. We know we can do that by exposing them to ideas and experiences that we care to share with them.”
Wayne Harris, CEO, 6AM Marketing, Adopt-a-School partner
Our History
Two-plus decades supporting public schools
The Foundation is Established
2001
Madison Public Schools Foundation is created, becoming an independent, private nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining and extending the excellence of Madison’s public schools.
First Endowment Funds Created for all Madison Public Schools
2003
Our first campaign to create endowment funds for all Madison public schools kicks-off. John Taylor provided $5,000 matching grants to schools that raise $5,000 for their endowment funds. As of 2021, the school endowments were valued at $3.6 million and have awarded $9 million in grants.
Adopt-a-School Program Launches
2005
Adopt-a-School, our program that makes it easy for local organizations and businesses to support individual Madison public schools, kicked off. Since then, we’ve had 100-plus program partners who have invested more than $5.5 million in financial and in-kind gifts, along with 100,000-plus volunteer hours. Group Health Cooperative and Leopold Elementary was the first Adopt-a-School partnership, and it remains active today.
Foundation for the Future Awards 21 Grants to Teachers
2018
From 2015-2018, our Foundation for the Future initiative awarded more than 20 grants that totaled $262,139 to Madison Metropolitan School District teachers. The funds allowed them to purchase supplies and tools needed in their classrooms.
Teacher Support Network Launches as Pilot Program
2019
Our Teacher Support Network, which now serves all Madison public schools, launched at three schools, with the goal being to eliminate the the $500 average that district teachers spend on out-of-pocket school supplies. Today, we continue this mission, working toward covering these additional costs for all our teachers.
Paving the Way for a Historic Referendum
2020
Our advocacy team worked tirelessly on the Vote Yes 2 Invest campaign that led to a historic and overwhelming passage of a much-needed $350 million referendum package for Madison Metropolitan School District.
Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary
2021
As we turned two decades old, we launched Act Now 2 Invest, a 501c4 advocacy coalition focused on Wisconsin’s education and economic success.
Madison Votes yes for MMSD Schools again in 2024
2024
The Strong Schools Strong Community campaign led by our Schools Make Madison Advocates 501(c)4 rallied Madison voters for the overwhelming passage of two referenda questions: $100M for operations, and $507M to build new and renovate ten schools.
Community Report
See our impact. Track our progress.
While our mission is grand, progress must be constant. Our community report sheds light on our top initiatives and gives you a clear view into how we’re improving opportunity for all students through programs, projects and advocacy.
Latest News
See What We’re Up To
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Alumni: Lynne Gruneberg
For Lynne Gruneberg, growing up on Madison’s west side meant more than just attending school—it meant building lifelong friendships, discovering new passions, and gaining experiences that continue to shape her today. A proud graduate of Memorial High School’s Class of 2008, she began her educational journey at Huegel Elementary and Toki Middle before making her…
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Funding Wisconsin’s Future
Public schools are the foundation of our communities and democracy, yet Wisconsin has been steadily disinvesting in them for over 30 years. As the state’s budget process unfolds, we have a critical opportunity to advocate for adequate and equitable funding. Without it, districts face devastating cuts, forcing communities to shoulder the burden through local referenda.…