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 Nehemiah) would be beneficiaries.”

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

“We are very motivated by the investment made by the CUNA Mutual Foundation,” said league president Ruben Anthony in a Thursday 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.”

Center founder Alex Gee, who is also CEO of the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, offered a concurring statement Thursday.