“The CUNA Mutual Foundation puts equity into action,” Alexzandra Shade, director of corporate social responsibility for CUNA Mutual, said in a Thursday statement. “Not only are we inspired by the vision for (the Black Business Hub) and (the Center), but we’re honored to stand alongside community organizations doing the same in very powerful ways.”

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 organizations promoting economic security in Madison and throughout the Midwest.

“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.”