CUNA Mutual Foundation helps at-risk children

James Edward Mills

s the charitable arm of CUNA Mutual Group since 1967, the CUNA Mutual Foundation's primary focus is children at risk.

"Our philosophy is one of nonprofit synergy," Steve Goldberg, the foundation's executive director, said. "We work to create and encourage partnerships between nonprofit organizations to deliver the best services possible to the community." With more than 2,000 nonprofits throughout Dane County, Goldberg said there is no shortage of worthwhile charities.

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But because of duplication of services between organizations with similar objectives, Goldberg said he looks for nonprofits that share resources and forge alliances whenever possible.

Goldberg would not say how much money the foundation distributes annually. Five nonprofits receive continuing financial support from the foundation in the form of "flagship grants":

  • Urban League of Greater Madison.


  • Boys & Girls Club of Dane County.

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County.

  • Dane County Transition Schools.

  • United Way's Youth Resource Center Network.

    The foundation also regularly supports these nonprofits with slightly smaller grants: Harambee (South Madison Health and Family Center), Commonwealth Development, Courage to Teach, the Dane Fund, Kids Cafe, Community Coordinated Child Care, YWCA and the South Madison Financial Education Center.

    Although the foundation focuses on children at risk, Goldberg said nonprofits like the Overture Foundation also get money because the arts indirectly affect everyone's quality of life.

    The CUNA Mutual Foundation's own charitable program offers tutoring to middle-school students through the volunteer efforts of credit union employees across the country.

    The program, called "Lend A Hand," was launched in Madison in fall 2003 through CUNA Mutual, the United Way of Dane County and the Madison Area Chapter of Credit Unions.

    The program puts more than 200 tutors in schools throughout Madison and gives employees a chance to reach out to their communities by donating their time and talents.

    "Even an hour of volunteer time here and there can have a lifelong impact on a middleschool student," Goldberg said.


    • jmills@madison.com

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    Kim Johnson, left, her daughter Kyana Johnson, 8, and her son Kyale Paramore, 9, were among the families who benefited from the YWCA Second Chance Apartment Project. The program, supported in part by CUNA Mutual Group, helps children at risk by providing low-cost apartments while helping mothers with schooling, job training, budgeting, parenting and therapy.

    Kim Johnson, left, her daughter Kyana Johnson, 8, and her son Kyale Paramore, 9, were among the families who benefited from the YWCA Second Chance Apartment Project. The program, supported in part by CUNA Mutual Group, helps children at risk by providing low-cost apartments while helping mothers with schooling, job training, budgeting, parenting and therapy.
    (STEVE APPS)