Lincoln Community Foundation Announces Annual Campaign for Lincoln Littles

Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) recently announced the sixth annual giving campaign for Lincoln Littles. Inspired by the Prosper Lincoln community agenda, the month-long campaign will raise funds and awareness for Lincoln Littles’ work in early childhood. Since the first giving day in 2019, the community has contributed more than $4 million in support of Lincoln Littles, providing affordable and quality early childcare to more than 1,000 children.

“Year after year, Lincoln continues to see the return on its investment in early childhood through the work of Lincoln Littles,” said Alec Gorynski, LCF president/CEO. “Together, we are supporting solutions for the complexities surrounding early care and education that continue to impact our community and our workforce.”

The community can make online donations now through February 29 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.

“Early childhood access for our youngest residents should be on all our minds because a thriving community begins with quality early care and education,” said Anne Brandt, executive director of Lincoln Littles. “Research tells us children who receive quality early care are more prepared academically, more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and are more successful in the workforce. The ripple effect across the community is undeniable.”

According to Lincoln Vital Signs, there are roughly 20,000 children under six in Lincoln. Lincoln has a higher percentage of families with all parents in the workforce than the national average and childcare costs as reported by providers have significantly increased since 2019. Center-based childcare for children younger than school age is more expensive than resident tuition and fees at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Despite the increase in the cost of care, childcare workers continue to experience low wages.

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, Bettenhausen Family Foundation, Drs. Bob & Stacie Bleicher, Candy & Bob Campbell, Rosalind K. Carr in memory of Professor James D. Carr, Community Health Endowment, Shirley & Jerry Daugherty, Donlan Foundation, Bob & Jan FitzSimmons, Larry Frederick & Robyn Sitzman, Harbor of Dreams, Inc., Barb Hoppe Johnson & Bruce Johnson, Kile & Cuz Johnson, Jim & Penny Krieger Family Foundation, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Drs. Marilyn & David Moore, Mike Munro & Susie Keisler-Munro, Drs. Bob & Lisa Rauner, Sue & Al Saathoff, Rhonda Seacrest, Susan Sehnert Stuart, Tom & Sue Tallman, The Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Sue & Ed Tricker, Dr. Eileen & Richard Vautravers, and Woods Charitable Fund.

Lincoln Community Foundation, established in 1955, provides leadership and tools that connect donor generosity to local needs and passions. The Foundation has distributed more than $238 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. To learn more, visit www.lcf.org.