Shade told the Wisconsin State Journal that the foundation started being more intentional about tackling social issues with its investments a few years ago. 

“We knew that for us to truly affect change, our investments would need to align with the values of partners that have been doing the work to address racial disparities,” she said. “It made sense (that the league and Center) would be beneficiaries.”

The foundation allocated $2.4 million to the nine South Side nonprofits, $987,000 to local centers supporting education and $675,021 to area organizations promoting economic security.

“We are very motivated by the investment made by the CUNA Mutual Foundation,” league president Ruben Anthony said in a statement. “Over the years there has been an under-investment in south Madison. These donations show that south Madison is worthy of significant investments. It also proves CUNA Mutual’s support for the south Madison renaissance. This investment will lead to The Hub and other economic and cultural infrastructure. This will be a gift that keeps on giving for decades to come.”

“The South Side of Madison is home to our city’s oldest Black neighborhoods and is rich in Black history, innovation and beauty,” said Center founder Alex Gee, who is also CEO of the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, in a Thursday statement. “By investing in south Madison and its cultural legacy, CUNA Mutual’s Foundation is helping to preserve and strengthen our Black culture and sense of home in our city.”