Lincoln Littles Giving Day Expanded to Month of February

Lincoln Community Foundation is excited to announce that the annual Lincoln Littles Giving Day has been expanded to a month-long campaign raising funds and awareness for Lincoln Littles work in early childhood education. Launched in 2019 and inspired by the Prosper Lincoln community agenda, the giving day has raised $3.1 million for tuition assistance, providing affordable and quality early childcare to nearly 600 children.

“An investment in the important work of Lincoln Littles means more children will receive the quality education and care they deserve at a level their families can afford,” said Alec Gorynski, president of the Lincoln Community Foundation. “As the complexities surrounding early childhood continue to affect our community and our workforce, it is a natural fit to expand Lincoln Littles Giving Day to a month-long effort that will provide much needed relief to working families.”

The community can make online donations now through February 28 at LincolnLittles.org. Donations may also be mailed to the Lincoln Community Foundation, 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. Checks must be written to “Lincoln Community Foundation” with “Lincoln Littles” in the memo line. 

“The current economic climate and rising costs at the grocery store make it difficult for families to stay afloat,” said Anne Brandt, executive director of Lincoln Littles. “Access to quality, affordable childcare is life-changing for children and families and ultimately, good for business and our community.”

According to Lincoln Vital Signs, the average annual cost of childcare increased 87% between 2019 and 2021. Currently, the cost of care for an infant in a childcare center is nearly twice as expensive as resident tuition and fees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In response, Lincoln Littles work focuses on solutions to four key challenges related to early childhood:  increasing quality in early care and education, increasing affordable childcare options, engaging businesses and the larger community, and influencing policy change to meet the needs of children and families.

Lead Donors:  Acklie Charitable Foundation, Robert & Barbara Bartle, Bettenhausen Family Foundation, Drs. Bob & Stacie Bleicher, The Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Rosalind K. Carr in memory of Professor James D. Carr, Shirley & Jerry Daugherty, Bob & Jan FitzSimmons, Larry Frederick & Robyn Sitzman, Harbor of Dreams, Inc., Barb Hoppe Johnson & Bruce Johnson, Kile & Cuz Johnson, Kawasaki, Jim & Penny Krieger Family Foundation, Drs. Marilyn & David Moore, Mike Munro & Susie Keisler-Munro, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, Pinnacle Bank, Drs. Bob & Lisa Rauner, Sue & Al Saathoff, Rhonda Seacrest, Dr. Bob & Dottie Shapiro, Susan Sehnert Stuart, Tom & Sue Tallman, Temme Family Foundation, Art & Carol Thompson, Sue & Ed Tricker, Dr. Eileen & Richard Vautravers, Mae Whitmer and WRK Family Foundation.